(Summer Brunch Idea) Radicchio Heirloom Tomato Salad Recipe!

Written by: Berry & Brine

May 6, 2025

Time to read 5 min

Sometimes the best salads are the ones that look super fancy but secretly take almost no time to pull together — and that’s exactly the vibe with this Radicchio Heirloom Tomato Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Spicy Maple Pickled Onions. It’s bright, bold, and totally delicious, but still laid-back enough for a casual dinner or a Sunday lunch with friends.

The real kicker that ties everything together? Our Berry & Brine Red Onion Balsamic Jelly . A spoonful mixed into the dressing brings this insane depth — a little sweet, a little tangy, totally irresistible. You’ve got the bitter bite of radicchio, the juicy sweetness of heirloom tomatoes, the creaminess of fresh mozzarella, and a pop of heat from the quick pickled onions. It's simple, it’s stunning on a plate, and it’s the kind of salad that seriously steals the show without trying too hard. Let’s dive in, because this is one you’re going to want on repeat all spring and summer.

What is in a Sparkling White Sangria Mocktail? Tools you will need to make a Sparkling White Sangria Mocktail Related Berry & Brine Products You may also like Watch how a Sparkling White Sangria Mocktail is made! Ingredients Directions Products used in a Sparkling White Sangria Mocktail Pair a Sparkling White Sangria Mocktail with:

What is in a Radicchio Heirloom Tomato Salad?

Radicchio
Grab a small, vibrant head of radicchio — look for deep purple leaves. It adds a gorgeous pop of color and a nice, slightly bitter crunch that balances all the sweeter flavors.
Heirloom Tomatoes
Go for a mix of colors if you can — yellow, orange, deep red — it makes the salad look stunning. Heirloom tomatoes are naturally sweeter and juicier, perfect for balancing the radicchio.
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
Pick a ball of soft, high-quality mozzarella (like the kind packed in water). It’s creamy, mild, and adds a dreamy richness that softens the bold flavors.
Spicy Maple Pickled Red Onions
These bring the heat and tang! Make a quick batch using maple syrup and chili flakes for that sweet-spicy magic. They totally elevate the salad.
Berry & Brine Red Onion Balsamic Jelly
Our jelly adds a sweet, deep, balsamic richness to the dressing. It’s a total shortcut for layering flavor without extra effort.
Olive Oil
Choose a really good extra virgin olive oil — peppery and grassy if you can. It’s worth it for the dressing!
White Wine Vinegar
Look for a smooth, mellow white wine vinegar. It brightens everything without overpowering the other ingredients.
Fresh Basil
Snag the brightest, freshest basil you can find. It adds a pop of green and a fresh, herbal finish that ties the whole salad together.

Tools you will need to make a Radicchio Heirloom Tomato Salad

Sharp knife
Cutting board
Small bowl for dressing
Whisk or spoon
Serving platter or shallow bowl

Just so you know, if you buy something through our links, we might earn a little commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Related Berry & Brine Products

[RECIPE] Radicchio Heirloom Tomato Salad

Make this stunning Radicchio Heirloom Tomato Salad with Fresh Mozzarella and Berry & Brine Red Onion Balsamic Jelly! Fresh, flavorful, and perfect for spring gatherings. Try it with our spicy pickled onions too!

Ingredients

1/2 radicchio head sliced into strips
2 heirloom tomatoes, cut into half slices (different colours are best)
1 ball fresh mozzarella cheese
Spicy quick pickled red onions with maple and chilli flakes* (see recipe)
1 tablespoon Berry & Brine Red Onion Balsamic Jelly
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
Fresh basil for garnish
Salt to taste

Directions

Slice the radicchio into thin strips and scatter on your serving platter.
Cut heirloom tomatoes into half-moon slices and layer over the radicchio.
Tear fresh mozzarella into bite-sized pieces and tuck them around the tomatoes.
Add pickled onions generously over the top.
Make the dressing : Whisk together 1 tablespoon Berry & Brine Red Onion Balsamic Jelly, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar.
Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of salt and pepper if you like.

There’s just something about a salad that looks this good and tastes even better. Between the creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, spicy-sweet onions, and that unreal dressing made with our Berry & Brine Red Onion Balsamic Jelly, this Radicchio Heirloom Tomato Salad is pure sunshine on a plate. Whether you’re serving it up at a backyard BBQ, brunch, or just treating yourself on a random Tuesday, it’s a total win every time.

Products used in a Radicchio Heirloom Tomato Salad

What other lettuce could work in this salad?

If radicchio isn’t your thing or you just can’t find a good one, no worries — you have options! Endive would be a great swap if you still want that nice bitter edge. Arugula is another fantastic choice; it’s peppery but a little milder and super easy to find. You could even mix a bit of arugula with some baby spinach for a softer, greener base if you want to tone down the bitterness completely. The key is just to have something that’s sturdy enough to hold up under the juicy tomatoes and rich mozzarella.

How long does it keep for?

Honestly, this salad is at its absolute best the day you make it. After a few hours, the radicchio can start to wilt a bit and the tomatoes release their juices. If you need to prep ahead, slice everything (except the basil) and keep the dressing separate. Assemble and dress it right before serving for the freshest flavor and best texture. Leftovers will still taste good the next day, but it won’t be quite as pretty!

Can I use a different oil and vinegar?

For sure! While olive oil and white wine vinegar are my go-tos here because they keep things light and bright, you could easily swap in avocado oil or even a really light walnut oil if you want a nuttier flavor. For vinegar, champagne vinegar or apple cider vinegar would also work beautifully — just avoid anything too strong like regular balsamic unless you’re adjusting the jelly ratio, since you already have that balsamic punch from the Berry & Brine Red Onion Balsamic Jelly.

Maria Boulter & Amanda Lowell, Founders

Berry & Brine was founded by childhood friends Maria and Amanda, who turned their shared love for locally sourced food into unforgettable experiences. Maria, a seasoned preserver inspired by summers in Fredericton, spent 15 years perfecting her craft, while Amanda, with a marketing background, brings a passion for hospitality. Now moms and entrepreneurs, they’ve made their dream business a reality.

Maria Boulter & Amanda Lowell, Founders