A toast worth toasting to — this Heirloom Tomato Toast brings together crunchy bread, juicy tomatoes, and vibrant pesto for the ultimate summer bite.
Heirloom Tomato Toast: Simple Ingredients, Stunning Results
This Heirloom Tomato Toast came to life because every summer, I count down the days until those perfectly juicy heirlooms are back in season. I wanted a toast that felt effortless but still had that little something extra — fully plant-based, super flavorful, and topped with microgreens, which I’ve been completely obsessed with this year. There are so many ways to make it your own: switch up the pesto, try a new variety of microgreens, or drizzle on a flavored oil. This toast truly is simplicity at its best!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
10-minute summer toast: This comes together fast with no cooking beyond a quick toast in the pan or on the grill.
Peak tomato flavor: Juicy, in-season heirloom tomatoes bring unmatched sweetness and acidity to every bite.
Fully plant-based: I am using a vegan kale peston, so for fully plant-based make sure your pesto is dairy-free! Other than that — just real, simple ingredients.
Microgreens magic: A sprinkle of microgreens adds freshness, texture, and a little extra something.
Customizable and casual: Switch up the pesto, change your greens, or finish with a flavored oil — no wrong way to do it.
Ingredient Highlight: Heirloom Tomatoes
Heirloom tomatoes aren’t just beautiful — they’re packed with flavor. Grown from older seed varieties and never genetically modified, they come in a rainbow of colors and shapes with a richer, more complex taste than your average tomato. Their juiciness and slight acidity make them perfect for toast, balancing the creamy pesto and bright lemon perfectly.
Madly Delicious Must-Know Tips and Questions
- Use a high-quality, crusty bread so it holds up to the toppings without getting soggy.
- Toast your bread in a skillet or grill pan for that extra golden, crispy edge.
- A good pesto adds richness — homemade or store-bought both work beautifully.
- Microgreens add flavor, freshness, and a gorgeous final touch.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This toast is best fresh, but you can prep the pesto and slice your tomatoes ahead to speed things up.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free bread and you’re good to go.
Not a fan of microgreens?
Try arugula, basil, or thinly sliced cucumber for a similar fresh crunch.
Let’s Dish: Did You Know?
In the early 1900s, heirloom tomatoes were rarely seen outside of home gardens — passed down like family treasures from one generation to the next. Unlike commercial hybrids, these seeds were saved season after season for their unique colors, shapes, and superior flavor, often tied to a specific region or family name. Today, they’re prized for their flavor and beauty, and show up in everything from sandwiches to sauces. Their rustic, imperfect charm makes them the star of a simple recipe like this toast, where their natural sweetness and vibrant color can really shine.
Love a simple summer recipe that still brings the flavor? Then try my Heirloom Tomato Toast!
Crispy bread, juicy heirloom tomatoes, fresh pesto, and microgreens come together for a quick, fresh bite that tastes like sunshine. Give it a try and tag me on Instagram @madly__delicious with #MadlyDelicious to share your take!
More Recipes
Easy Angel Hair Pasta with Pan-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Moroccan Quinoa with Charred Lemon Vinaigrette
Heirloom Tomato Toast
Ingredients
- 1 slice crusty bread, like sourdough or ciabatta
- Olive oil, for brushing and drizzling
- Pesto of choice
- 2-3 slices heirloom tomato
- ¼ cup microgreens
- Salt, to taste
- Squeeze of lemon
Instructions
- Toast the Bread: Brush 1 slice of crusty bread on both sides with a little olive oil brushed on. Toast in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.
- Add the Toppings: Spread a generous layer of pesto over the toasted bread. Layer on 2–3 slices of heirloom tomato, then sprinkle with salt to taste.
- Finish with Greens and Flavor: Top with ¼ cup microgreens, another pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon, and a final drizzle of olive oil. A flavored olive oil would be extra delicious here.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy while the toast is still warm and the tomatoes are fresh and juicy.