Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad with Pesto

An heirloom tomato is typically considered to be a variety that has been passed down through several generations of a family due to its valued characteristics. The vines are indeterminate, meaning that they grow and produce fruit throughout the season. People have fallen in love with heirloom tomatoes and in my opinion they sit on a pedestal in the tomato world. The varieties and types seem to be endless from green zebra, black krim, Cherokee purple to brandy wine and German stripe. Since we are in the heirloom tomato season, I wanted to make a simple caprese salad to highlight these delicious little gems.

Using really good olive oil is one of the keys to enhance the flavor of the heirloom tomatoes. I recently purchased Round Pond Olive oil. This oil is produced from Italian olive trees and grown in Napa Valley. There is a spice quality to the oil with a rich vibrant butter taste along with notes of grass, pepper and fresh herbs. This spectacular olive oil paired perfectly with the green zebra heirloom tomatoes.

For anyone who knows me, Trader Joe’s is one of my favorite stores. The selection, quality and unique food products along with reasonable prices, bring me there at least once a week, if not more. The tiny mozzarella balls are a favorite and give a nice touch to a caprese salad. Trader Joe’s prepared pesto is one of the best that I have had, except of course handmade. Pesto is a great addition to a caprese salad, especially if you do not have basil leaves on hand. This salad is summer on a plate!

Heirloom Tomato Caprese Salad with Pesto

Heirloom Tomatoes
Fresh Mozzarella
Good Olive Oil
Pesto
Salt and Pepper

Simply cut up assorted heirloom tomatoes. Add the fresh mozzarella and drizzle with good olive oil. Add dollops of pesto around the plate and season with a salt and pepper.