Heirloom Tomato Salad with Herb Vinaigrette and Crumbled Feta

This tomato salad with capers and feta, dressed in a bright lemon and herb vinaigrette, is full of fresh summer flavour.

When tomatoes are at their peak in summer, they shine in simple preparations. If you love fresh tomato recipes, try a classic like Tuscan panzanella or a Caprese-style salad for variety.

Tomato season brings an abundance of heirlooms from farmers’ markets: red, yellow, green and cherry varieties. Mixing different colours and textures adds depth to the salad and makes it visually appealing.

Tomato Recipes

Whether you prefer tomatoes cooked into a sauce or served fresh in a salad, summer is the best time to enjoy them. Simple starters like tomato and basil bruschetta highlight ripe tomatoes, while quick salsas and cucumber-and-tomato salads make light, satisfying snacks and sides.

For a no-fuss summer staple, try an heirloom tomato and cucumber salad with red onion. But the recipe here focuses on showcasing tomatoes: wedges of ripe fruit tossed with briny capers, creamy feta and a lemon-herb vinaigrette.

If capers aren’t your thing, substitute chopped kalamata or green olives, or omit them entirely. If you prefer a different cheese, Mexican cotija or fresh goat cheese work well in place of feta.

Combining parsley and oregano in the vinaigrette gives a bright, herbaceous note, balanced by lemon zest and juice. Finely minced shallot and a touch of garlic add depth without overpowering the tomatoes. The result is a versatile dressing that complements roasted potatoes, grilled chicken or any summer salad.

If fresh oregano is too strong for your taste, substitute thyme, mint or basil. Adjust the herb mix to your preference to create your ideal flavour profile.

Favourite tomato salads to try:

• Tomato salad with basil and mozzarella (Caprese)
• Cucumber and heirloom tomato salad with red onions
• Middle Eastern fattoush salad
• Summer tomato and cucumber salad

Tomato Salad with Herb Vinaigrette and Feta

By Julia Frey of Vikalinka

Ingredients

• 1 lemon, zest and juice only
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 1/2 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
• 20g / 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 60ml / 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• 5 medium red and yellow tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 3–4 red and yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 tbsp capers
• 75g / 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine lemon zest and juice with finely chopped shallot, minced garlic, chopped parsley and oregano, and a pinch of salt.
2. Add the tomato wedges and halved cherry tomatoes, capers and crumbled feta. Toss gently to combine and season with additional salt if needed.
3. Let the salad sit for about 20 minutes to allow the flavours to meld before serving.