An Ode to the Last Days of Summer: Heirloom Tomato Salad

September is upon is, and while we bask in the heat of the final long weekend of summer, the new month comes the promise of fall—the cooler weather, the changing colours of the leaves, the shortening days, the pulling on of a sweater in the evenings, the craving for comfort food.

While I confess that autumn is my favourite season of them all, I’ll just hang on to the last shreds of summer for as long as I can, and while Mother Nature allows it. I’m not quite ready to give up the warm rays of the sun, or the wonderful summer harvest that has been making their appearance at the local farmer’s markets.

Like these beautiful heirloom tomatoes I picked up from the Evergreen Brick Works’ the other week. Best enjoyed in all its (almost) unadulterated glory in a light, summer salad that celebrates all things local, with Monforte Dairy fresco cheese, fragrant basil, and clover blossoms.


To make this incredibly simple salad, simply cut the tomatoes into bite size pieces and toss into a little bowl along with a sprinkle of salt to help draw out the moisture in them. Drain any excess liquid that has pooled at the bottom of the bowl after letting the tomatoes sit for five minutes, and sprinkle them with a little extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with some salt and pepper to taste, and let sit for another five to ten minutes, before serving with whatever accompaniment you’d like.

These tomatoes are just as fantastic served alongside some sweet, juicy peaches, or use cherry or grape tomatoes and serve on top of broiled goat’s cheese on toast.


A colour palette of colours on your plate. A burst of fresh flavours in your mouth. Enjoying the summer should always be this easy and pleasurable.