Tomato Salad with Waiheke Herb Spread
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Simple Salads: Tomato, Mozzarella and Waiheke Herb Spread

Heirloom tomato salad with buffalo mozzarella and Waiheke herb dressing

As the end of January nears, tomatoes in NZ reach their zenith — and make the simplest crowd-pleaser of a salad. For ingredient details and links, see the notes at the end.

Ingredients

  • 6 heirloom tomatoes (1–2 large tomatoes per person)
  • NZ sea salt (ample), black pepper and chilli flakes (optional)
  • 1 × 125g buffalo mozzarella
  • 3 tablespoons Waiheke Herb Spread
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

Method

  1. Slice the tomatoes to show off their patterns. Don't waste the end pieces — cut around the blossom and stalk ends on an angle to get every part of the tomato.
  2. Arrange on a serving plate and salt liberally. Add fresh pepper and chilli flakes to taste.
  3. Lift the mozzarella from its water, tear into small chunks and scatter over the tomatoes.
  4. Combine the Waiheke Herb Spread with the apple cider vinegar and olive oil. Drop half over in dots, like the mozzarella. To the remaining half, add a tablespoon or two of water and mix to a more dressing-like consistency, then drizzle liberally over the top before serving.

Don't chill — leave covered at room temperature on the benchtop until serving.

Notes

If you've grown your own tomatoes, how fabulous. Otherwise I use tomatoes from the delightful Curious Croppers. Don't be too hasty for heirlooms — they're seldom seen before the end of December in NZ, needing consistent hot weather to be at their best. And please don't let tomatoes near a fridge; line them up proudly on the benchtop, as the delicate structure changes when chilled, leading to a powdery mouthfeel.

I've always loved Waiheke Herb Spread — easy to tuck in a travel bag, and great on BBQ-toasted bread, in a marinade, or as a dressing here. On Waiheke this summer I visited Allpress Olive Groves and discovered Waiheke Herbs has made a special Allpress version of the spread, this time with added garlic. Delicious. The Clevedon Buffalo Mozzarella makes it easy to support a fantastic local supplier — their products are not to be missed.

The Pairing

Ripe tomatoes and milky mozzarella want something crisp and bright — a dry rosé or a zippy aromatic white. Browse the rosé or Pinot Gris + Riesling collections.