Peak-season tomatoes do not need much help, but a creamy, herb-packed dressing certainly doesn't hurt.
This heirloom tomato salad comes from our August Cookbook Club pick, The Southerner’s Cookbook from the editors of Garden & Gun magazine. It pairs ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumber with smoky bacon, hard-cooked egg, fresh chives, and a tangy green goddess buttermilk dressing.
The result is bright, creamy, savory, and exactly the kind of dish to make when summer tomatoes are at their best.
A Simple Summer Tomato Salad
This recipe is all about contrast. Juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumber keep things fresh, while bacon and egg add richness. The green goddess buttermilk dressing ties everything together with lemon, herbs, mayonnaise, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
It looks impressive on a platter, but it comes together quickly and requires very little cooking. That makes it ideal for summer lunches, cookouts, potlucks, or an easy dinner side.
What Is Green Goddess Buttermilk Dressing?
Green goddess dressing is known for its fresh herb flavor and creamy texture. This version uses buttermilk and mayonnaise as the base, then adds chives, dill, tarragon, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce.
The dressing is tangy, savory, and versatile. Any extra can be refrigerated for up to one week and used on salads, grilled vegetables, sandwiches, or as a dip.
Heirloom Tomato Salad With Green Goddess Buttermilk Dressing
Recipe from The Southerner’s Cookbook by the editors of Garden & Gun magazine
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 6 ripe garden tomatoes, sliced ½ inch thick
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- Kernels from 1 cooked ear Silver Queen corn
- 2 thick bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon sliced fresh chives
- Green Goddess Buttermilk Dressing, recipe below
Preparation
Arrange the tomato and cucumber slices artfully on a platter.
Drizzle with half of the dressing. Sprinkle with the corn kernels and bacon.
Garnish with the chives.
Serve with the extra dressing on the side. Any remaining dressing will keep, refrigerated, for up to 1 week.
Green Goddess Buttermilk Dressing
Makes about ¾ cup
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup whole buttermilk
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sliced fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh tarragon
Preparation
Combine the buttermilk, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, chives, dill, and tarragon in a blender.
Blend until smooth.
Tips for the Best Heirloom Tomato Salad
Use the ripest tomatoes you can find
Because tomatoes are the star of the dish, choose fruit that feels heavy, smells fragrant, and gives slightly when pressed. A mix of colors and varieties makes the finished platter especially beautiful.
Slice the tomatoes thickly
Half-inch slices are sturdy enough to hold the dressing without falling apart. They also give the salad a more substantial texture.
Add the dressing just before serving
Tomatoes release moisture as they sit. For the best texture, assemble the platter shortly before serving and drizzle on the dressing at the last minute.
Let the bacon cool before adding it
Warm bacon can soften quickly when it hits the tomatoes and dressing. Let it cool and crisp before crumbling it over the salad.
Make the dressing ahead
The green goddess buttermilk dressing can be prepared in advance and refrigerated until needed. A little resting time also gives the herbs a chance to flavor the dressing.
What to Serve With Heirloom Tomato Salad
This salad is a natural match for grilled chicken, steak, pork chops, or fish. It would also be excellent alongside burgers, barbecue, or a spread of summer vegetables.
For a lighter meal, serve it with crusty bread and a simple protein such as grilled shrimp or roasted chicken.
August Cookbook Club: The Southerner’s Cookbook
Our August Cookbook Club pick, The Southerner’s Cookbook from the editors of Garden & Gun magazine, is filled with recipes that celebrate Southern ingredients, techniques, and traditions.
This heirloom tomato salad is a perfect example of the book’s approach. It starts with exceptional seasonal produce, adds a few thoughtful toppings, and finishes everything with a dressing that is easy to make but full of flavor.
It is casual enough for a weeknight and attractive enough for company—which is exactly what a great summer recipe should be.