RECIPES

Insalata della Nonna

By Chef Evan Funke
September 3, 2025

In this Recipe

Heritage Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Heritage Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Ingredients
3 ripe heirloom tomatoes
1 pint cherry tomatoes
½ red onion
10–12 fresh basil leaves
4 Tbsp good red wine vinegar
8 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Dried oregano (preferably Sicilian, on the branch)
Ricotta salata (available at Italian delis or specialty cheese shops)
Steps

  1. Prep the vegetables

  2. Wash all the tomatoes.
  3. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and place in a medium mixing bowl.
  4. Cut the heirloom tomatoes into large bite-sized chunks and add to the bowl.
  5. Peel the red onion, slice it in half, and cut into thin slices. Add to the bowl.
  6. Tear the basil leaves into pieces and scatter over the mixture.

  7. Season and dress

  8. Sprinkle kosher salt evenly over the tomatoes.
  9. Crack black pepper generously over the bowl. Toss gently to combine.
  10. Add the red wine vinegar and stir.
  11. Add the olive oil and stir again until the salad is lightly coated.
  12. Taste a tomato and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.

  13. Finish and serve

  14. Arrange the salad on a large, flat platter.
  15. Using a vegetable peeler, shave wide strips of ricotta salata and cover the salad generously.
  16. Holding the oregano branch above the platter, rub it between your palms so the leaves and buds fall evenly over the salad.
  17. Drizzle with a final thread of olive oil, if desired.
  18. Serve immediately.
Cook a meal for someone you love
Cook a meal for someone you love