8 Bright + Summery Heirloom Tomato Recipes

Sweet and juicy, available in a wonderful range of colors, and naturally irregular in shape, heirloom tomatoes are the queens of summer. They stand out from regular tomatoes because their seeds have been passed down from generation to generation, and they’re not genetically modified. A short shelf life and seasonal availability make them even more enjoyable in the heat of summer. Whether you like them red, yellow, green, purple or spotted, here are some recipes that will make you wish heirloom tomato season lasted forever:

8 Heirloom Tomato Recipes

1. Panera-Inspired Tomato Mozzarella Panini

Missing Panera’s Tomato Mozzarella Panini now that it’s off the menu? So did we. Here’s how to make it at home.

Panera-Inspired Tomato Mozzarella Panini

Missing Panera's Tomato Mozzarella Panini now that it's off the menu? Here's how to make it at home.

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2. Quinoa White Bean Zucchini Fritters with Burst Cherry Tomatoes

Cheese, quinoa, and white beans add protein to the zucchini fritters and the oven-roasted cherry tomatoes round things out by contributing an additional serving of fresh produce.

Quinoa White Bean Zucchini Fritters with Burst Cherry Tomatoes

Quinoa, white beans and cheese add protein to these crispy zucchini fritters.

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3. Jalapeño Cilantro Pesto Rotini with Grape Tomatoes and Sweet Corn

This recipe works both as a warm dinner or as a chilled pasta salad–it’s great for bringing to a cookout or for lunches.

Jalapeño Cilantro Pesto Rotini with Grape Tomatoes and Sweet Corn

Serve this summery pasta dish warm or chilled - it tastes great either way!

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4. Tomato, Basil + Mozzarella Caprese Salad

You can’t go wrong with a classic Caprese! Put the tasty heirloom tomatoes to good use by serving them with fresh mozzarella and basil.

Heirloom Tomato Basil Caprese Salad Recipe

The classic Italian caprese salad gets a twist with heirloom tomatoes - equally tasty, but even better looking.

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5. Summer Socca with Veggies and Chimichurri

Serve up a slice of summer with this socca, topped with garden fresh veggies, mozzarella, a bit of salty feta cheese, and a drizzle of chimichurri sauce.

Summer Socca with Veggies and Chimichurri

Serve up a slice of summer with this socca, topped with garden fresh veggies, mozzarella, a bit of salty feta cheese, and a drizzle of chimichurri sauce.

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6. Heirloom Tomato and Coconut Bacon BLT with Basil Aioli

Smoked coconut is the perfect vegan replacement for bacon, while tasty heirloom tomatoes and aioli elevate this BLT to a whole new lever.

Heirloom Tomato and Coconut Bacon BLT with Basil Aioli

Enter coconut bacon, which is the star of this healthier version of the BLT.

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7. Farm Table Tomato Salad

Heirloom tomatoes don’t need much to shine: just add olive oil, vinegar, garlic, pine nuts and mint for a refreshing summer salad.

Farm Table Tomato Salad

Recipe reprinted from Saffron in the Souks: Vibrant Recipes from the Heart of Lebanon by John Gregory-Smith, with permission from Kyle Books.

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8. How to Make Your Own Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Since heirloom tomatoes have a short shelf live, it would be a pity to waste a bigger crop if you happen to have one! Make your own sun-dried tomatoes in the oven, no fancy dehydrator needed.