Fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor, a Tomato Flight is such a fun way to turn simple summer produce into something special. Each thick slice of tomato gets its own topping, think creamy burrata, tangy feta, smoky bacon, or crisp veggies with ranch, so every bite feels unique. It’s playful, light, and a perfect way to showcase peak-season tomatoes.

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I love serving this Summer Tomato Flight when tomatoes are at their very best, because it’s impressive without needing any cooking at all. Just slice, top, and arrange everything on a platter for a dish that’s equal parts easy and elegant. Guests get to mix and match flavors, making it both interactive and delicious.

Whether you set it out as a backyard barbecue starter, pair it with wine and fresh bread for a casual dinner, or add it to a summer party spread, this Tomato Flight is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. It’s simple, versatile, and always makes people stop and say, “Wow!”

Ingredients

Base

• Large heirloom tomatoes – Sliced thick. This will serve 2. Double it for more than 2 people.

Burrata Slice

• Burrata cheese – Be sure to scoop up the rest of the creamy goodness with crackers or toasted baguette slices.
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil – Just a drizzle.
• Balsamic glaze – Just a drizzle.

Pesto Slice

• Basil pesto
• Fresh mozzarella pearls
• Toasted pine nuts – Dry-toast them in a skillet over medium heat.
• Shaved Parmesan

Ricotta Slice

• Ricotta
• Lemon zest – Just a wee bit to brighten up the flavors.
• Black pepper – A grind or two is all you need.
• Honey – Just a wee drizzle over the top.

Feta Slice

• Crumbled feta
• Cucumber
• Pickled red onion – Just a wee bit to add acidity to the tomato slice.
• Kalamata olives – Add as much as you like but don’t overload the tomato.
• Dried oregano

BLT Slice

• Crisp-cooked bacon – Crumbled. I cheated and used some precooked bacon and just crisped it up. Whatever you do, you want it crunchy.
• Romaine – Or iceberg lettuce.
• Mayonnaise

Garden Ranch Slice

• Ranch dressing
• Romaine – Or iceberg lettuce.
• Cucumber
• Carrot
• Fresh dill – Or parsley

How To Make A Summer Tomato Flight

Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.

Begin by slicing the heirloom tomatoes into thick, even rounds. I like using a razor-sharp chef’s knife, as it glides effortlessly through the juicy tomatoes without crushing them, resulting in perfectly shaped slices. Arrange the slices on a large wooden board or platter, aiming for a thickness of about ⅓ to ½ inch.

For the Burrata Slice, place a portion of burrata on top of one tomato. Garnish with fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and a touch of balsamic glaze for that creamy-meets-tangy bite.

Next, for the Pesto Slice, spread a layer of basil pesto over a tomato round and top with mozzarella pearls. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and finish with Parmesan shaved thin.

The Ricotta Slice comes together by spreading ricotta on a tomato, then finishing it with lemon zest, a crack of black pepper, and a drizzle of honey for sweetness.

For the Feta Slice, scatter cucumber, crumbled feta, red onion, and olives over the tomato before finishing with dried oregano and a splash of red wine vinegar.

The BLT Slice is all about comfort—spread a thin layer of mayonnaise, add shredded lettuce, and finish with crispy bacon crumbles.

Finally, the Garden Ranch Slice gets a drizzle of ranch dressing followed by shredded lettuce, diced cucumber, shredded carrot, and fresh dill. Snipping the dill with herb scissors keeps it looking bright and fresh.

Arrange everything so each slice looks distinct, then serve right away. A large serving board or charcuterie platter works well for this presentation. I like to place a set of mini serving tongs nearby; guests can grab their favorite slice without disturbing the rest of the board, keeping the presentation neat.

Chef Jenn’s Tips

• Use different colored heirloom tomatoes for the prettiest presentation.
• Pat tomato slices dry with paper towel before topping so everything sticks.
• Prep toppings ahead of time, but slice tomatoes at the last minute.
• For a fun twist, let guests assemble their own slices at the table.

Recommended

Serving Suggestions

Serve this board with crusty bread, grilled chicken, or simple pasta tossed with olive oil. A chilled glass of rosé or sparkling water with lemon rounds out the meal perfectly.

Storage

Best served fresh. If you must prep ahead, store toppings separately in airtight containers for up to a day and slice the tomatoes just before serving.