Volare-Inspired Heirloom Tomato Salad: A Louisville Favorite

There are some restaurant dishes that are so simple, yet so memorable, that you find yourself thinking about them long after the meal is over. One of those for me is the heirloom tomato salad at Volare in Louisville.

During the height of tomato season, this colorful salad celebrates fresh, juicy heirloom tomatoes with creamy whipped feta, sweet Vidalia onion, fragrant basil and dill, and a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing. It proves that when you start with incredible ingredients, you don’t need much else.

Whether you’re hosting a summer dinner party, serving grilled steaks, or looking for a light lunch, this Volare-inspired heirloom tomato salad is a beautiful way to enjoy the best of the season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 15 minutes
• No cooking required
• Fresh, colorful, and healthy
• Perfect for entertaining
• Showcases peak summer tomatoes

Ingredients

• 2 to 2½ pounds heirloom tomatoes, sliced or cut into wedges
• ¼ small Vidalia or other sweet onion, very thinly sliced
• ½ cup whipped feta
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or white balsamic vinegar)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• Fresh basil leaves, torn

Instructions

1. Arrange the heirloom tomatoes on a large serving platter.
2. Scatter the thinly sliced onion over the tomatoes.
3. Drizzle with the olive oil and vinegar.
4. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
5. Add dollops or swirls of whipped feta around the tomatoes.
6. Sprinkle with fresh dill and torn basil leaves.
7. Let the salad rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to allow the tomatoes to release their juices and the flavors to meld together.

Serve immediately with crusty Italian bread to soak up every last drop of the flavorful tomato juices.

Tips for the Best Heirloom Tomato Salad

Use ripe, room-temperature tomatoes. Never refrigerate heirloom tomatoes if you can avoid it—their flavor is best at room temperature.

Don’t skip the salt. Salt enhances the tomatoes’ natural sweetness and creates the delicious juices that become part of the dressing.

Slice the onions paper thin. A mandoline works wonderfully if you have one.

Buy local when possible. Farmers market heirloom tomatoes have incredible flavor and make all the difference in this simple salad.

Variations

• Add creamy burrata instead of whipped feta.
• Top with toasted pine nuts for a little crunch.
• Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a sweeter twist.
• Add sliced cucumbers for even more summer freshness.

What to Serve With Heirloom Tomato Salad

This salad pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled ribeye or filet mignon
• Italian grilled chicken
• Cedar plank salmon
• Homemade focaccia
• Fresh pasta with olive oil and herbs
• A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio

Easy Whipped Feta Recipe

This creamy whipped feta is the perfect accompaniment to the Volare-inspired heirloom tomato salad. It takes just a few minutes to make and adds a rich, tangy contrast to sweet summer tomatoes.

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Course: Appetizer, Salad

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 8 ounces block feta cheese crumbled
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese softened (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Method

 

1. Add the feta, Greek yogurt, cream cheese (if using), lemon juice, and olive oil to a food processor.
2. Blend for 1–2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, until smooth and creamy.
3. Taste and add black pepper if desired. (The feta is usually salty enough that additional salt isn’t needed.)
4. If the mixture is too thick, add 1–2 teaspoons of water or olive oil until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Serving Ideas
6. Dollop onto the heirloom tomato salad.
7. Spread on toasted baguette slices.
8. Serve as a dip with cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers.
9. Use as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.
10. Pair with grilled chicken or salmon.

Notes

Whipped feta can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the creamiest texture.

Pro Tip: For a restaurant-style presentation, spread the whipped feta across the bottom of a serving platter first, then layer the tomatoes on top and finish with herbs, olive oil, and vinegar. This creates a beautiful dish that looks straight out of a Louisville restaurant kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead, but assemble the salad no more than 15–20 minutes before serving for the freshest texture.

What are heirloom tomatoes?

Heirloom tomatoes are open-pollinated varieties grown for exceptional flavor rather than uniform appearance. Their beautiful colors and rich taste make them perfect for simple salads like this one.

Can I substitute regular tomatoes?

Yes, although heirloom tomatoes provide the best flavor and presentation. Vine-ripened tomatoes are the next best option.

Chef’s Tips

• Use a variety of heirloom tomatoes for the best flavor and color.
• Flaky sea salt (like Maldon) right before serving makes a noticeable difference.
• Bring the tomatoes to room temperature before serving.
• Don’t refrigerate after assembling—the texture and flavor are much better at room temperature.

A recent Volare special featured the same flavor profile: Moore Farm heirloom tomatoes with white vinegar, Vidalia onion, whipped feta, dill, and basil, confirming those are key ingredients in their current seasonal preparation.

This is one of those recipes where the quality of the tomatoes is 90% of the dish. If you can find locally grown heirlooms at a farmers market, they’ll taste remarkably close to the restaurant version.