Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad—A Summer Menu Win
When it comes to tomatoes most people might think BLTs, burger toppings, maybe a basic house salad… but if they’re feeling adventurous, heirloom tomatoes… that’s where things get interesting!
Sweet, complex, and with those unique shapes and colors that transform everything they touch. When you take the time to source the right ones—each with its own flavor profile and natural beauty—you’re not just adding produce to a plate. You’re creating the foundation for something that’ll have your guests asking where you’ve been hiding this all season.
One of the easiest ways to showcase the stunning beauty and flavor of heirloom tomatoes is in a Caprese with micro basil, fresh mozzarella, and house-made basil oil.
A Heritage of Flavor
It starts with selecting heirloom tomatoes that actually have character—unique teardrop shapes, bright yellows, deep purples with ribboning, and wrinkled varieties that look nothing like their greenhouse cousins. Each one tells a different story on the plate, with flavors that range from sweet and mild to rich and complex.
The beauty here isn’t just visual. These tomatoes have the kind of superior flavor that makes everyday produce feel average by comparison. When you slice into them, you get those gorgeous color variations and unique internal patterns that make each plate a work of art.
The supporting cast matters just as much. Fresh mozzarella balls that you can scatter artfully across the plate. Micro basil—those tiny, intensely aromatic leaves that pack more flavor per square inch than anything else in your walk-in. And that house-made basil oil, where fresh basil gets blended with parsley and spinach, brought to a simmer, then strained into liquid emerald gold.
A sprinkle of good salt, fresh cracked pepper, and you’ve got something that looks like it belongs in a high-end restaurant but comes together in minutes.
Beyond Basic Summer Salads
Heirloom tomatoes don’t have to live in the shadow of iceberg lettuce and ranch dressing. The beauty of working with truly exceptional produce is that it elevates everything around it, opening up possibilities most operators never consider.
Think heirloom tomato and burrata toast with that same basil oil drizzled over crusty bread. Or heirloom tomato gazpacho that showcases those complex flavors in a chilled soup that screams summer sophistication. The natural variety in colors and flavors means you can create dishes that are Instagram-ready without any artificial enhancement.
Heirloom tomato flatbreads work beautifully with fresh herbs and artisanal cheeses. The natural sweetness plays against creamy elements, while those unique shapes create visual interest that keeps diners engaged. For operators looking to maximize their produce investment, heirloom tomatoes transform a simple salad into something that feels premium.
Even something as straightforward as an heirloom tomato tart—puff pastry, herb oil, and those gorgeous sliced tomatoes—becomes a conversation starter that elevates your entire summer menu.
Extraordinary Tomatoes and Ordinary Techniques
What makes heirloom tomatoes such a smart play goes beyond their Instagram appeal. While they cost more upfront than standard tomatoes, the perceived value is significantly higher. Guests understand they’re getting something special, and they’re willing to pay for that experience.
The prep is minimal but impactful—ordinary cuts become creative creative while showcase each tomato’s unique characteristics, simple seasoning that lets the natural flavors shine, and plating that emphasizes the natural beauty you’re already paying for. You’re essentially creating signature dishes with ingredients that do most of the work for you.
From a speed standpoint, dishes like this Caprese come together in minutes once your mise is ready. The tomatoes are the star, the mozzarella requires no cooking, and the micro basil adds that finishing touch that says “chef-driven” without requiring chef-level technique.
Featured in this Recipe
Fresh Heirloom Tomatoes 1-10lb, #26651
Fresh Basil Micro Greens 8oz #21947
BelGioioso Fresh Mozz Ciliegine 2-3lb #3455
In Stock Savor Balsamic Glaze 27.2oz #29683
Seasonality without Overthinking
Heirloom tomatoes can be elevated without being complicated. When familiar flavors like fresh mozzarella and basil meet exceptional ingredients and thoughtful presentation, you’re giving guests something they recognize but executed at a level that surprises them.
The magic isn’t in reinventing the Caprese salad—it’s in taking those beloved flavors and presenting them with the quality and attention they deserve. Your guests get the comfort of familiar tastes with the excitement of exceptional execution.
If you’re looking to add something memorable to your summer menu or create a dish that actually photographs as well as it tastes, this is your move. The components work in harmony—the sweet, complex tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, aromatic micro basil, and that bright basil oil—creating bites that remind people why they love eating out.
Ready to give your summer menu the upgrade it deserves? Let’s discuss how heirloom tomatoes can work for your operation. I’m here to help you make the most of peak season produce!
Chef Trevor