Heirloom Tomato Flight– 5 Unique Ways to Summer’s Best Results

Heirloom tomato flight on white platter with three toppings — Overhead view of a colorful heirloom tomato flight served on a white platter

Heirloom tomato flight is a phrase that just sounds like summer to me, and honestly, there’s a whole story behind it in my little Wyoming kitchen. I’m Emily Hartwell, and if you’ve ever found yourself trying to put something nourishing (but not fussy) on the table—right in the middle of family chaos, sticky fingers, and laughter—then you’re in the right place.

An heirloom tomato flight became our quirky tradition years ago, born out of a fridge crammed with tomatoes from the farmer’s market and a deep love for simple, honest food. With a cutting board, a sprinkle of flaky salt, and a few creamy toppings, these tomato slices went from “Mom, are we having just tomatoes for dinner?” to “Can we do this every weekend?”

In this article, you’ll learn how to build your own heirloom tomato flight, discover why heirloom tomatoes are worth the hype, and find plenty of tips for making this beautiful, no-fuss dish a tradition at your own table. If I can make it—with lunchboxes on the counter and two kids running through the kitchen—you absolutely can, too.

Table of Contents

The Story of Our Heirloom Tomato Flight Tradition

I’ll never forget the first time I saw a true heirloom tomato flight at our local farmer’s market just outside Casper. The tomatoes looked like something out of a storybook—striped, ribbed, golden, purple, even nearly black, each one with a name and a backstory. When I brought a basketful home, Sophie called them “rainbow tomatoes,” and Ben wanted to try them all. So, on a whim, I sliced each one thick and laid them out in a row, topping every slice with something different from the fridge. That was our first heirloom tomato flight. It was messy, spontaneous, and absolutely delicious

What I love most about making a heirloom tomato flight is that it turns an ordinary weeknight into something a little special, even if your kitchen’s a bit chaotic (mine always is). Mark jokes that our flight is just “fancy snacking,” but he’s the first to dive in, especially when there’s a drizzle of hot honey or a dollop of creamy cottage cheese on top. There’s something about those colorful, imperfect slices, each dressed up with a simple topping, that brings everyone to the table—even the pickiest eaters.

How to Build an Heirloom Tomato Flight at Home

Here’s my never-fail, always-wins approach to building a memorable heirloom tomato flight: start with the best, ripest tomatoes you can find—look for a mix of colors and sizes. Slice them into thick rounds and lay them out on a favorite board or platter. Sprinkle with flaky salt, then let your creativity take over. For our family, it’s usually a mix of creamy toppings like cottage cheese, ricotta, or even a scoop of baked feta egg salad. Some slices get a spoonful of basil pesto, others a slice of Coppa or prosciutto, and we always finish with a drizzle—hot pepper oil or honey, depending on the mood.

The real beauty is that you can use whatever you have, and every time, the flavors are just a bit different. Serve immediately so everything tastes as fresh as possible. Want to get a little extra? Try garnishing with fresh herbs or microgreens—little touches that make it look like you worked way harder than you did.

Overhead close-up of a thick, scalloped slice of heirloom tomato on a white plate, topped with a generous scoop of yellow baked feta egg salad. — heirloom tomato topped with baked feta egg salad.

We make heirloom tomato flights all summer long, especially when tomatoes are at their peak. If you’re wondering whether you can swap in different cheeses or toppings, trust me: there are no rules, only delicious results.

Why a Heirloom Tomato Flight Is the Best Way to Enjoy Heirloom Tomatoes

When you prepare a colorful heirloom tomato tasting, you get more than just a pretty plate—you get a spectrum of flavors you can’t find anywhere else. Each tomato in your flight has its own personality: some are sweet and mild, others tangy and bold, a few so juicy you’ll need a napkin. Serving them side by side lets you appreciate their differences in a way a single salad or sandwich just can’t match.

I’ve found that the best way to use heirloom tomatoes is to let them shine, not to cover them up with heavy dressings or too many extras. Just a sprinkle of flaky salt and a thoughtful pairing—like basil pesto or creamy ricotta—makes their unique flavors pop. The combinations in our heirloom tomato flight come from years of trial, error, and a fair bit of laughter at the dinner table. My kids still debate which topping is “the winner” each time we make it, but the truth is, every bite is special in its own way.

If you’re ready to get creative, consider trying different kinds of pestos, cheeses, or even nuts for a little crunch. This playful approach works especially well when you have guests; everyone gets to sample, compare, and discover a new favorite.

Tips for Picking and Pairing Heirloom Tomatoes

Shopping for heirloom tomatoes can feel a bit like treasure hunting. Look for tomatoes that are heavy for their size, slightly soft to the touch, and richly colored (the weirder, the better, in my experience). Don’t be afraid of cracks or bumps—they usually mean the tomato is homegrown and full of character. For the ultimate heirloom tomato flight, try to pick at least three varieties, so every slice on your platter offers something a little different.

Pairing is where you can let your personality and pantry shine. I like to mix and match from my garden and fridge—fresh basil, mint, chives, a handful of microgreens, even a twist of black pepper or smoked sea salt. And for the toppings, don’t limit yourself to what’s “traditional.” Baked feta egg salad, spicy hot pepper oil, or a dusting of crushed pistachios are all fair game.

Whatever you do, serve your tomato flight right away for the most vibrant flavor. These tomatoes are fleeting and special—savor every bite while you can.

How to Elevate Your Heirloom Tomato Flight With Simple Toppings

There’s something absolutely magical about the right topping on a perfect slice of tomato. One of the secrets I’ve learned over the years is that less really can be more—especially with heirloom tomatoes. When I build our family’s heirloom tomato flight, I always start with a few reliable favorites: a generous dollop of cottage cheese, a swirl of basil pesto, and a good drizzle of hot pepper oil. The result is fresh, bold, and just a little unexpected. Even Mark, who used to side-eye the idea of cottage cheese on tomatoes, now asks for extra.

slice of heirloom tomato on a white oval plate, topped with a generous spoonful of creamy cottage cheese — heirloom tomato topped with cottage cheese

If you want to mix it up, thin slices of Coppa or prosciutto bring out the richness in golden or green tomatoes, while hot honey adds a kick that makes every bite pop. Don’t overlook crunchy elements, either—a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or walnuts can turn a simple tomato slice into a true standout. Sometimes I even add a spoonful of my baked feta egg salad, especially if we’re serving the flight as a lunch centerpiece. The contrast of creamy, salty, and tangy makes every slice of the heirloom tomato flight memorable.

heirloom tomato placed on a white plate, topped with folded slices of Coppa or prosciutto, a round of creamy mozzarella (Fior di Latte), a sprinkle of crushed pistachios, and a visible drizzle of hot honey. — heirloom tomato topped with mozzarella

Serving Your Heirloom Tomato Flight: Presentation Tips That Wow

Presentation doesn’t have to be complicated! For us, a big wooden cutting board or a pretty ceramic platter does the trick. Arrange each tomato slice in a row or a playful spiral, then top each one with its own signature combo. If you have kids in the kitchen, let them help with the drizzling and sprinkling—trust me, it makes everything taste even better. Garnish with fresh herbs or microgreens for a restaurant-worthy finish, or just let the vivid colors speak for themselves.

The flight can be an appetizer, a light lunch, or a centerpiece at a backyard picnic. No matter how you serve it, there’s something about those vibrant slices and fresh toppings that bring people together and spark conversation.

Every time we lay out a tomato flight, I’m reminded of why I started sharing these recipes in the first place: good food, good company, and a little creativity go a long way. If you’re looking for other ways to bring everyone together, you’ll love my cottage cheese pizza and cottage cheese bagels—both staples in our kitchen for the same reason.

Heirloom Tomato Flight Variations and Seasonal Twists

Once you’ve mastered the basic heirloom tomato flight, it’s easy—and fun—to experiment with seasonal ingredients and your own flavor preferences. Sometimes, I’ll raid the garden or the fridge for last-minute inspiration: fresh sweet corn cut right off the cob, a scattering of tangy pickled onions, or even a few slices of perfectly ripe avocado. The best part is there are no strict rules—just follow what’s fresh and what you love.

In late summer, when herbs are abundant, I love adding a handful of chopped basil, mint, or tarragon. When autumn rolls around, I might toss roasted squash or caramelized shallots into the mix, creating a heartier, more comforting version of our favorite flight.

If you’re feeling extra creative, try building a Mediterranean-style flight with marinated olives, a drizzle of good olive oil, or even some crumbled feta. The flavors and textures can transform this easy appetizer into a show-stopping centerpiece for brunch or a casual dinner.

How to Make Your Heirloom Tomato Flight Work for Any Occasion

One of the joys of an heirloom tomato flight is how flexible it is—no matter the occasion or the crowd. It can be as rustic or as fancy as you want. Serve it up for a simple family lunch, dress it up with extra garnishes for a special gathering, or even lay it out as part of a build-your-own board for parties where guests can mix and match toppings.

For family meals, I often pair our tomato flight with crusty bread and a few slices of cheese for a light, no-cook dinner that everyone loves. If you need something heartier, add protein with a scoop of my cottage cheese pizza bowl or keep it lighter with crisp raw veggies. Whatever your approach, this dish always brings a sense of occasion and comfort—proof that simple ingredients, served thoughtfully, are more than enough.

And remember: the best recipes are the ones that fit your life and make your family smile, mess and all.

Conclusion

Creating a heirloom tomato flight is one of the simplest, most rewarding ways to celebrate the height of tomato season. With just a few fresh ingredients, a handful of toppings, and a little creative spirit, you can turn even the most ordinary evening into something beautiful and delicious. My kitchen is rarely quiet, never spotless, but always full of laughter, good food, and the kinds of moments that stick with you. I hope this guide inspires you to start your own heirloom tomato flight tradition—one slice at a time.

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Heirloom tomato flight : FAQs

What is the best way to use heirloom tomatoes?

The best way to use heirloom tomatoes is fresh and uncooked, where their unique flavors and textures can truly shine. A heirloom tomato flight is ideal, as it highlights their natural qualities alongside simple, creative toppings.

What is so special about heirloom tomatoes?

Heirloom tomatoes are special for their rich, varied flavors and vibrant colors. Unlike commercial hybrids, they’re grown from seeds passed down for generations, emphasizing taste and character over uniformity.

How healthy are heirloom tomatoes?

Heirloom tomatoes are very healthy. They’re rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and powerful antioxidants like lycopene. Their vibrant pigments signal a range of beneficial phytonutrients.

Can I use heirloom tomatoes for sauce?

Absolutely. While heirloom tomatoes are prized raw, they also make delicious sauces, especially when you want a brighter, more complex tomato flavor in your pasta or pizza dishes.

Heirloom Tomato Flight– 5 Unique Ways to Summer’s Best Results

The Story of Our Heirloom Tomato Flight Tradition

How to Build an Heirloom Tomato Flight at Home