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4.5 from 19 votes

Summer Salad with Herbed Ricotta

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By: Joanna Cismaru 6 Comments

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Summer Salad with Herbed Ricotta and Balsamic Vinaigrette – a simple salad with heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers and radishes, all drizzled with a simple balsamic vinaigrette and a dollop of herbed ricotta!

overhead shot of summer salad on a white plate

So let’s talk about this salad a bit because it’s worth talking about. Lots of gorgeous tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes and red onions. Then I got the brilliant idea to add some serrano peppers and boy did it kick it up a notch. Maybe it was just my serrano pepper because it was hot as all heck but oh yeah it was worth it.

Then there are lots of herbs here that I used to combine with the ricotta cheese. All fresh, of course, some thyme, oregano and some basil, make sure you chop them finely and mix it in with the ricotta, so good. And the dressing, as I said, a bit of olive oil, a bit of balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper. That’s all you really need for tons of flavor.

Ingredients

Detailed measurements and instructions can be found on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Herbed ricotta

  • Cheese – Ricotta cheese is essential!
  • Herbs – Fresh basil, oregano, and thyme.

Salad

  • Dressing – Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
  • Pepper – Serrano pepper sliced up for a little touch of heat. Feel free to skip it if you don’t like the heat.
  • Herbs – Fresh basil and oregano.
  • Veggies – Heirloom tomatoes, cucumber, sliced radish, and red onion.
fresh thyme and heirloom tomatoes for Summer Salad with Herbed Ricotta

Can’t Find Heirloom Tomatoes?

Regular tomatoes will work just fine in this recipe so feel free to substitute those in for the heirloom tomatoes I used here. Do you love cherry tomatoes? I certainly won’t stop you from using them!

Not A Fan Of Serrano?

You can use jalapeños in place of the Serrano, or leave them out completely if you don’t like spice. Because believe me it does kick this recipe up a notch!

How To Make Summer Salad with Herbed Ricotta

  1. Prep the cheese: In a small bowl combine the ricotta cheese with the basil, fresh oregano and thyme. Set aside.
  2. Create the dressing: In another small bowl whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
  3. Assemble the salad: Arrange the tomato slices, cucumber, radishes and onion on a large platter then drizzle with the dressing. Season with salt and pepper if needed, then top with serrano peppers and dollop ricotta mixture evenly over the tomato slices.
  4. Finish the dish: Garnish with fresh basil and oregano. Serve immediately.
overhead shot of summer salad with herbed ricotta

How to Serve

I mean sometimes I’ll just sit down with a big bowl of this salad and go to town and sometimes I’ll pair it alongside some perfectly delicious and tender entrees. Either way it is a real winner

  • Beer Can Chicken
  • Beef Brisket Gyros
  • Honey Mustard Chicken
  • Perfect Pulled Pork
  •  Instant Pot BBQ Pulled Pork
  • Instant Pot BBQ Pork Ribs
  • Garlic and Paprika Chicken
  • Lemon Dill Pan Fried Salmon

Leftovers

This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days. Unfortunately you can’t freeze this salad as the integrity of the veggies will be completely gone when it thaws, resulting in a big bowl of mush.

More Must Try Salads:

  • Kale and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
  • Warm Kale Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash
  • Creamy Cucumber Salad
  • Mexican Street Corn Slaw
  • Greek Salad
  • Fattoush Salad
  • Mediterranean Couscous Salad
  • Waldorf Salad
  • Chicken Shawarma Tabbouleh Salad

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

overhead shot of herbed ricotta summer salad on a plate
Print
4.53 from 19 votes

Summer Salad with Herbed Ricotta and Balsamic Vinaigrette

Prep 15 minutes
Cook 0 minutes
Total 15 minutes
Rate Recipe
Summer Salad with Herbed Ricotta and Balsamic Vinaigrette – a simple salad with heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers and radishes, all drizzled with a simple balsamic vinaigrette and a dollop of herbed ricotta!
4

Ingredients

For Herbed Ricotta

  • 1/3 cup ricotta cheese
  • 2 basil leaves (chopped finely)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh oregano (chopped finely)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (chopped)

For Salad

  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 pound heirloom tomatoes (cut into 1/2 inch slices)
  • 1/2 English cucumber (sliced)
  • 6 radishes (sliced)
  • 1/2 red onion (sliced)
  • 1 serrano pepper (chopped)
  • 1/4 cup basil leaves (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon oregano leaves

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • In a small bowl combine the ricotta cheese with the basil, fresh oregano and thyme. Set aside.
  • In another small bowl whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
  • Arrange the tomato slices, cucumber, radishes and onion on a large platter then drizzle with the dressing. Season with salt and pepper if needed, then top with serrano peppers and dollop ricotta mixture evenly over the tomato slices.
  • Garnish with fresh basil and oregano.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

  1. Regular tomatoes will do if you can’t find heirloom.
  2. You can use jalapeños in place of the Serrano, or leave them out completely if you don’t like spice.
  3. This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 days. Unfortunately you can’t freeze this salad as the integrity of the veggies will be completely gone when it thaws, resulting in a big bowl of mush.
  4. Please keep in mind that nutritional information is a rough estimate and can vary greatly based on products used.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 139kcal (7%)Carbohydrates: 10g (3%)Protein: 4g (8%)Fat: 10g (15%)Saturated Fat: 3g (19%)Cholesterol: 10mg (3%)Sodium: 174mg (8%)Potassium: 395mg (11%)Fiber: 3g (13%)Sugar: 5g (6%)Vitamin A: 1190IU (24%)Vitamin C: 20mg (24%)Calcium: 90mg (9%)Iron: 1mg (6%)
© Author Joanna Cismaru

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

overhead shot of herbed ricotta summer salad on a plate

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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

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6 Comments
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Kat
Kat
Posted: 3 months ago

5 stars
I had extra ricotta and tomatoes so I made this. Very good!

0
Reply
Tammy Bennett
Tammy Bennett
Posted: 3 years ago

5 stars
Made this salad tonight. It was so good, that I cannot wait to make this for company! Beautiful salad and yummy flavors. The ricotta just adds the nicest touch. Loved it!

0
Reply
Kevin | Keviniscooking
Kevin | Keviniscooking
Posted: 6 years ago

5 stars
This is heaven on a plate. So beautiful and with lots of my favorite things. Have a great weekend!

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Kevin | Keviniscooking
Posted: 6 years ago

You too Kevin!

0
Reply
Pam
Pam
Posted: 6 years ago

This looks really good, but I have a question for ya. do you do any pressure cooking/ and if you do can you post some recipes.

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Pam
Posted: 6 years ago

I used to do a lot of pressure cooking, but I haven’t in a while. I’ll have to find my pressure cooking and do something for you. 🙂

0
Reply

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Hey there!

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More
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