A Sultry Summer Salad:
Heirloom Tomato & Chive Flower Salad
Summer has definitely arrived now, with long days of sunshine and fluffy white clouds sliding around azure blue skies……meals have been taken outside mostly – the barbecue has been dragged from its winter storage place, with a view to an abundance of al fresco grilling. My garden is positively blooming, with herbs jostling for position with tender leafed lettuces, blowsy fragrant roses, prehensile climbing runner beans and ruby-red raspberries; the garden’s colourful good looks are as attractive as it’s harvest, and I’m particularly enjoying using my herb blossom and flowers in most of my recipes.
The most prolific of herb blossoms right now are the chive flowers, with their fluffy purple pompom tops, they add colour and texture the garden, as well as to salads, omelettes, pasta, scones and marinades. I love the subtle onion flavour…..plus, they add a splash of summer colour to any dish. Today’s recipe is for Heirloom Tomato & Chive Flower Salad, a riot of colour and taste, it’s the perfect accompaniment for all summer recipes as well as being a wonderful sandwich filling, or with crusty bread and a glass of chilled white wine. I even add them to wild flower arrangements, a sort of edible posy if you will.
This simple recipe was made one hot afternoon last week, we then spooned the glistening oil soaked tomatoes onto crusty bread rolls with slices of cave matured Cheddar cheese…..it was utterly sublime and as pretty as a picture. The only perquisites for this summery recipe are seasonal outdoor grown tomatoes and a thickly green extra virgin olive oil. I also used sea salt flakes and my own homegrown chives with the chive flowers of course. As an extra treat, I spread the bread rolls with a sea salt flecked butter for a crystal crunch and extra salty layer. All types of crusty bread would be good, such as baguettes, pain, boules, cobs, bloomers, ficelle, couronne or home-made loaves.
I am delighted to share this new recipe with you all today – perfect for all home-grown tomatoes, as well as Farmer’s Market acquisitions. Dress the salad by serving it in an attractive bowl…..I have a favourite vintage blue and white bowl I use, it frames the tomato salad like a beautifully printed silk scarf. You can also make this salad with large tomatoes, just dice them smaller than you would cherry tomatoes. Have a wonderful weekend, and see you later with some new recipes using British Asparagus, Elderflowers as well as some new Swedish Midsummer dishes too. Karen
Heirloom Tomato & Chive Flower Salad
Print recipe
| Serves | 4 |
| Prep time | 5 minutes |
| Dietary | Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian |
| Meal type | Salad, Side Dish, Snack |
| Misc | Gourmet, Pre-preparable, Serve Cold |
| Occasion | Barbecue, Casual Party, Formal Party |
| Region | British |
| By author | Karen S Burns-Booth |
Ingredients
- 250g assorted heirloom cherry tomatoes (different colours and varieties)
- small bunch fresh chives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- sea salt
- 4 to 6 chive flowers
Note
A simple seasonal tomato salad that uses heirloom cherry tomatoes and fresh chives with chive flowers; this stunning salad is perfect as an accompaniments for any summer recipes or as a sandwich filling. Try to source different coloured tomatoes as well as different varieties too.
Directions
| Step 1 | Cut the tomatoes in half or quarters, depending on the size. Place them all in a large serving platter. Add the chopped chives and mix them through the tomatoes, leaving a few for a garnish. |
| Step 2 | Add the oil and mix well, so all the tomatoes and chives are covered in oil. |
| Step 3 | Add sea salt to taste, about 1/2 teaspoon. Mix again. |
| Step 4 | Scatter the remaining chopped chives over the top and then crumble the chive flowers over the top. |
| Step 5 | Serve with crusty bread, grilled meats, cheese, charcuterie or as a sandwich filling. |
New Recipes coming soon…….
Swedish Midsummer Strawberry and Raspberry Cake
Swedish Västerbottensost Cheese Pie
Swedish Potato Salad and Smoked Salmon
Rose and Elderflower Sorbet
Quick 1lb Raspberry Jam
Griddled Asparagus with Butter and Lemon Aioli
Mixed Cheese and Charcuterie Tartines with Chive Flowers
Dominic Franks says
ahhh, the summer captured in a bowl of tomatoes… how glorious! Our chive flowers are also SO vibrant and beautiful this year. Far more than I remember last year. Beautiful x
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks Dom – yes, it appears to be the year of the chive!
Kate - gluten free alchemist says
My sort of salad! Fresh juicy tomatoes and garden chives…. simple, pretty and delicious!
Karen Burns-Booth says
My kinda salad too Kate! Thanks for popping by…….
Ree says
That is GORGEOUS! Oh how I would savor such a beautiful salad that captured all the flavor and sunlight of summer. =)
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks Ree…..it’s simple, bit extremely tasty.
Heidi Roberts says
The colours of this salad are so vibrant, made my mouth water just reading the post.
Karen Burns-Booth says
The colours are wonderful aren’t they Heidi? The taste is even better too!
nazima says
this looks lovely- the chive flowers give it such a pretty finish!
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks Nazima, I do like to use my chive flowers when they are in bloom!
Nadia says
What a beautiful salad Karen! Very simple and looks so fresh X
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks so much Nadia, it is simple, but pretty special!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
This is absolutely gorgeous Karen! And then I saw the Swedish pie and thought that I wished that it was summer in Australia so that I could make that!
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks so much Lorriane! We all loved the Swedish Cheese Pie when I made it, as well as these tomatoes too! Karen
Tandy | Lavender and Lime says
I love chive flowers and this is such a simple way to use them, and so tasty too I am sure 🙂
Hotly Spiced says
You have a beautiful collection of plates and your garden is stunning. How wonderful that you are having a true summer and that the BBQ has been dusted down and put to good use. The simple salad made from ingredients from your own property is gorgeous. Beautiful images xx
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks so much for your kind comments! I love salads like this, and we have them most days when our potager is is providing fruit and vegetables for us! Karen
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
I love chive flowers! I’ve never had as many as you do but this salad would make me very happy indeed!
A Spoonful of Spain says
Great tip about the chive flowers – I didn’t realise they were edible, and have been composting them for years! Never again! What a gorgeous salad!
Karen Burns-Booth says
Thanks so much for stopping by! No more composting them when they flower next time then! Karen
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
How wonderful to have such a beautiful garden! And those purple pom pom chive flowers are stunning!