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Tomatoes and Basil: Simply Sliced and Served

Tomatoes and Basil. I am still doing recipes that highlight basil, so I think you could have guessed this was coming.

Because what’s a week of basil if you don’t do at least one classic Tomatoes and Basil combination. I also have a nearly pornographic pile of heirloom tomatoes that somehow fell into my bag as I was leaving the TomatoMania tasting event. Oops, clumsy me…

The featured basil today is Lemon Basil. I think it is a good choice because this Sliced Heirloom Tomatoes and Basil Salad is served with out a vinaigrette. The slightly anise, slightly citrus notes in Lemon Basil add a lot of interest. But it is still important to choose an interesting variety of tomatoes. Sweet, acidic, luscious and crunchy. Gather all the troops.

Their juices will mingle in the warm sun and pair nicely with the Lemon Basil. All you need to do is provide ample salt and pepper. This will help these toms “weep” out some of their sweet, juicy essence. Then drizzle everything with the very best olive oil you have. This is why you buy very good olive oil, so enjoy it!

Tomatoes and Basil

Heirloom Tomato Slices with Lemon Basil 

Print This Recipe Total time Yield 6Published

You may substitute the lemon basil for any type of basil. Even other herbs. Thyme would be nice too. I just like the slight citrus note that the lemon basil brings to the accumulated juices.

Ingredients

  • 2 pound heirloom tomatoes in different sizes, colors and textures
  • very good olive oil for drizzling
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoon lemon basil leaves left whole

Directions

Choose a great variety of tomatoes for this recipe. Variable tastes and textures will add a lot of interest to this salad.

Start by slicing the tomatoes between ¼ and ½ inch thick. Again vary the thicknesses slightly to get a more interesting texture. Very small tomatoes may be halved or quartered. There is no “right way”.

Arrange the slices attractively on a platter. Season them generously with salt and pepper, drizzle the olive oil over the top. Be generous because the oil combines with the juices to make a delicious dressing. Tuck the whole lemon basil in attractively here and there over the top of the tomatoes.

Let this stand at room temperature at least 20 minutes.

sliced tomatoes with basil