Yes, summer is officially over, but here in the Pacific Northwest we are getting a final taste of summer with a sunny week -we deserve it. There are still plenty of summer produce items available at the local farmers market, including mouth-watering heirloom tomatoes. I can’t get enough of them; they are one of the vegetables –ok, technically a fruit – that I miss the most during the winter.This tomato appetizer platter is a mix and match spin on the well-known caprese salad, it has the same ingredients plus a little bit more. We all know that tomato, mozzarella and basil are perfect together (if you don’t then try it), but that slice of tomato also tastes great with some goat cheese or maybe with a slice of aged cheddar. Add a little bit of garlic balsamic vinegar, some olive oil and a basil leaf or maybe a sprig of oregano or thyme. With or without bread, you choose, try as many combinations as you like.
Easy tomato appetizer platter made with ripe tomatoes, your favorite cheeses, and herbs like fresh basil, oregano and thyme, served with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and bread.
Ingredients
- Ripe heirloom tomatoes
- Cheese assortment
- Balsamic vinegar assortment
- Olive oil assortment
- Fresh herbs: basil, oregano, thyme, etc
- A loaf of bread or a rustic baguette
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Slice the tomatoes and arrange them on a platter with the cheese and herbs.
- Serve with the olive oil, vinegar, and bread on the side.
Notes
Make it a veggie & cheese platter by adding radishes, peas, carrots, avocado slices, etc
A mix & match tomato platter is also a great way to try different types of cheese, olive oils from different parts of the world – compare an olive oil from Chile or Lebanon to one from Italy. You can also try different types of vinegar – a nice aged balsamic, a fig balsamic vinegar, or just mix some crushed garlic with some balsamic or red wine vinegar to add some spiciness. I also like to add a bowl of cherry tomatoes for the kids – ok, also for the adults. If you’re a wine lover this appetizer just begs for a nice glass of red wine to toast to the last flavors of the summer.
Photos of mix and match tomato appetizer platter
Beautiful presentation!
Paz
those tomatoes look absolutely beautiful. i am so sad the end of the season is nearing!
These have to be some of the most gorgeous photos I’ve ever seen. What a beautiful assortment of flavors!
This looks so fresh and gorgeous! Congrats on being on Serious Eats Blogwatch! !
Summer is over too on Vancouver Island. There is nothing like a good tomatoes. Beautiful pictures!
Wow! Look at those heirlooms. MOUTH WATERING! I also love tomatoes with goat cheese! They really compliment each other.
What a gorgeous spread. Very beautiful colors and all my favorite herbs, cheese, and tomatoes! Your weather looks wonderful this week, better than ours!
really fresh, herbaceous, and wonderful.
Wow what a platter – Great presentation!!
Layla,
That has got to be heaven on a platter right there. Those flavors are truly in my top 5 of all time. And the heirloom tomatoes…I’m drooling over here! Nothing could be more luscious…gorgeous photos as always…what a TREAT!
Beautiful! A refined, colorful and delicious platter!
Cheers,
Rosa