Name: Summer Salad with Herbed Ricotta and Balsamic Vinaigrette
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1/3 cup ricotta cheese; 2 basil leaves (chopped finely); 1 tsp fresh oregano (chopped finely); 1 tsp fresh thyme (chopped); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1/4 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/4 tsp pepper (or to taste); 1 lb 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 tbsp oregano leaves

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.

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

Prep the cheese: In a small bowl combine the ricotta cheese with the basil, fresh oregano and thyme. Set aside.
Create the dressing: In another small bowl whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
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.
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

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.

Summer Salad with Herbed Ricotta