Heirloom Tomato Flight Recipe

If you’re looking for pure summer joy on a platter, the Heirloom Tomato Flight is exactly what you need. It’s a colorful, flavor-packed celebration of tomato season, featuring juicy, thick-cut heirloom tomatoes dressed up three different ways. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself to an afternoon snack, this dish is a must for anyone who adores bright, fresh flavors.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Heirloom Tomato Flight is in how it transforms just a handful of super fresh, high-quality ingredients into something unforgettable. Each component plays a role—flaky salt pulls out those tomato juices, the toppings bring creaminess, crunch, or a little heat, and everything together is greater than the sum of its parts.

• Heirloom tomato: Go for the ripest, juiciest tomato you can find—different colors and shapes will look stunning on the plate.
• Flaky salt: This simple sprinkle is key for drawing out savory tomato flavor; don’t be shy with it!
• Basil pesto (or any pesto): Adds herbal brightness and a touch of Mediterranean flair to your first “flight.”
• Cottage cheese or ricotta: These creamy cheeses balance the zing of pesto and give a soft, luscious texture.
• Hot pepper oil: Drizzle for a gentle tingle of heat; chili crisp or infused olive oil both work beautifully.
• Coppa or prosciutto: Thinly sliced cured pork layers in an irresistible salty, savory bite for the second flight.
• Fior di latte or mozzarella: Mild, milky cheese that pairs so nicely with salty meats and sweet honey.
• Crushed pistachios or walnuts: A sprinkle offers crunch and a pop of nutty flavor—don’t skip it!
• Hot honey: A little sweet heat to bring out the best in every savory topping; regular honey with a pinch of chili flakes is a great swap.
• Baked feta egg salad (or your favorite egg salad): For the third flight, this adds wonderful richness and a protein boost.

Variations

The Heirloom Tomato Flight is all about flexibility. Don’t hesitate to get creative with what’s in season, what you have on hand, or your favorite flavor pairings—there’s truly no wrong way to build your own flight!

• Go Vegan: Swap dairy cheeses for plant-based ricotta and use vegan pesto, then pile high with roasted veggies or pickled onions.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese and add a thick smear of hummus, white bean dip, or avocado for a luscious, creamy bite.
• Play with Protein: Try smoked salmon or flaked tuna in place of coppa or egg salad for a Mediterranean spin.
• Switch Up the Nuts & Drizzle: Use pine nuts, almonds, or hazelnuts for crunch, and experiment with balsamic glaze, herb oil, or sriracha honey for finishing flavor.

How to Make Heirloom Tomato Flight

Step 1: Slice and Salt Your Tomatoes

Start by selecting a gorgeous, ripe heirloom tomato—bonus points if you can find one with a wild color or stripe. Use a sharp knife to cut it into thick, generous rounds (about ½ inch works well), then lay them on a plate and sprinkle each slice with a pinch of flaky salt. You’ll see a little shine develop right away as the salt draws out that natural umami and sweetness.

Step 2: Top Each Slice – Flight 1

For the first “flight” topping, spoon a swirl of basil pesto onto your salted tomato slice, then add a generous dollop of cottage cheese or creamy ricotta. Finish it off with a drizzle of hot pepper oil. This combination is all about garden-fresh flavors with a little tingle of heat and a cloud of creaminess in every forkful.

Step 3: Top Each Slice – Flight 2

On the second tomato round, layer on a slice of coppa (or prosciutto if you like), nestle a piece of milky mozzarella or Fior di latte on top, scatter with crushed pistachios or walnuts, and then give it a flourish of hot honey. The mixture of salty, sweet, and nutty will make your taste buds light up!

Step 4: Top Each Slice – Flight 3

Last but not least, for the third slice, top with a generous scoop of baked feta egg salad (or your favorite egg salad of choice). This one is rich, tangy, and the ultimate comfort bite atop a sun-warmed tomato slice.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Arrange your three topped slices side-by-side on a platter. If you want to make it extra elegant, stagger them slightly or fan them out for maximum visual impact. Serve the Heirloom Tomato Flight immediately—these beauties taste best when the tomatoes are fresh and the toppings just added.

How to Serve Heirloom Tomato Flight

Garnishes

For a finishing flourish, scatter fresh basil leaves, microgreens, or even a pinch of edible flowers over your Heirloom Tomato Flight. A quick crack of black pepper and an extra sprinkle of flaky salt can elevate the look and flavor even more, making every slice feel restaurant-level special.

Side Dishes

This recipe is right at home alongside a crusty baguette (soak up those tomato juices!), a simple green salad, or a dish of marinated olives. If you’re building a brunch or summer dinner, try pairing your tomato flight with grilled corn, shrimp skewers, or a glass of chilled rosé.

Creative Ways to Present

The Heirloom Tomato Flight shines brightest when plated with a little drama—try serving on a long platter with each topping grouped together, or arrange individual “flights” in tasting dishes for each guest. Stack slices into a tower or fan them out in a color wheel for extra visual impact as a centerpiece appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover tomato slices with toppings, store them in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge. Use within a day for best texture—you want those tomatoes to stay juicy and not turn mushy!

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for the Heirloom Tomato Flight—the fresh tomato texture will turn watery and soft once thawed, and the toppings won’t be the same. Enjoy this dish at room temp or slightly chilled, straight from the fridge.

Reheating

The Heirloom Tomato Flight is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so skip reheating altogether. If you’ve stored leftovers, simply let them sit out for a few minutes before serving for the best flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you love the simple pleasures of summer eating, the Heirloom Tomato Flight is sure to become your new kitchen favorite. Don’t wait for a special occasion—treat yourself to this vibrant, flavor-filled dish and enjoy the magic that comes from perfect tomatoes and just a little bit of creativity. Happy slicing!

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