Beyond Basil: Heirloom Tomatoes’ New Favorite Herb

Tomato and basil is a classic combination. From caprese salad to bruschetta and pasta sauce, basil and tomato are obviously BFFs. Although the tomato/basil combination is undeniably delicious, tomatoes are more versatile then a single herb. Heirloom tomato season is the perfect time to expand your flavor combination horizons. Our new favorite her to pair with heirloom tomatoes: mint.

Here are three great recipes to try out summer’s freshest flavor combination. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
4 large, ripe heirloom tomatoes, cut into ¾ inch wedges
3 green onions, sliced diagonally into ½ inch pieces
zest and juice of one lime
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
fresh ground pepper
sea salt
6 ounces feta cheese
½ cup mint leaves

Whisk olive oil, lime juice, and ¼ teaspoon of sea salt; set dressing aside. Combine tomatoes, onion, lime zest and ½ teaspoon of salt in a large bowl and toss. Add dressing and toss again. Add feta and mint and gently combine.

Tomato Peach Salad
Ingredients:
2 large, ripe peaches
3 large, ripe heirloom tomatoes
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
fresh ground pepper
sea salt
¼ cup mint leaves plus mint spring for garnish

Whisk together olive oil, sherry vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, set vinaigrette aside. Cut peaches in half and remove pits. Cut peaches into medium-thin slices. Slice tomatoes in half and cut into thin half moons. Chop mint and add to vinaigrette. Drizzle 1/3 of vinaigrette on serving plate. Arrange peaches and tomato slices on the plate. Sprinkle with salt and fresh ground pepper and pour remaining vinaigrette evenly over peaches and tomatoes. Garnish with mint springs.

Tomato Mint Mojitos
Ingredients:
2 slices heirloom tomato or ½ ounce heirloom tomato juice, seeds strained
1/2 ounce lime juice
1/2 teaspoon superfine sugar
1 sprig of leaves mint
2 ounces white rum
club soda

Instructions:
In a highball or rocks glass, muddle lime juice and heirloom tomato slices or juice with 1/2 teaspoon superfine sugar. Add mint lsprig and muddle against the side of the glass. Fill glass 2/3 with cracked ice and pour in the white rum. Add either sliced lime or the squeezed-out lime shell to the top of the mojito and then top with club soda.