Hey y'all! Get ready to savor summer's best flavors with this irresistible Marinated Tomatoes recipe. These juicy tomatoes are bursting with tangy, garlicky, herby goodness, making them perfect for picnics, barbecues, or everyday snacking. Marinated Tomatoes are quick to whip up, versatile, and endlessly delicious—whether you pile them on toast, toss with pasta, or serve as a vibrant appetizer. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This
- Super quick and easy—just minutes of prep and no cooking required!
- Fresh, zesty, and bright flavors everyone will crave.
- Perfect for meal prepping and make-ahead appetizers.
- Customizable with your favorite herbs and spices.
- A healthy, gluten-free, vegan option for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 cups ripe cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes
Wash the tomatoes thoroughly. Pat dry and slice each tomato in half to maximize the surface area for marinating.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, pepper, and minced garlic until well combined and emulsified.
Step 3: Combine and Marinate
Add the halved tomatoes to the bowl with the marinade. Sprinkle in the chopped basil, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Gently toss everything to coat the tomatoes evenly.
Step 4: Marinate and Serve
Cover the bowl and let the tomatoes marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours. For the deepest flavor, stir once or twice during marinating. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use the ripest, freshest tomatoes you can find for the best flavor and texture.
- If you're short on time, a 15-minute quick marinade still works well!
- Reserve some fresh herbs to sprinkle on top just before serving for extra color and aroma.
Variations
- Caprese Style: Add mozzarella balls and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a marinated tomato caprese salad.
- Greek-Inspired: Toss in crumbled feta cheese, diced cucumber, and kalamata olives.
- Spicy Kick: Add a finely chopped jalapeño or extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
Required Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Plastic wrap or an airtight container
Storage Instructions
Store leftover marinated tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They may release extra liquid; simply give them a gentle stir before serving again. Not suitable for freezing, as the texture will deteriorate.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Pile onto crusty toasted bread for a simple bruschetta.
- Spoon over grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a zesty topping.
- Toss with your favorite pasta or grain salad.
- Serve as a colorful side at barbecues and potlucks.
Pro Tips
- Marinate the tomatoes for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor infusion.
- Gently toss to avoid crushing the tomatoes while ensuring all sides are coated.
- Use a non-reactive bowl (like glass or ceramic) to prevent metallic flavors from the vinegar.
FAQ
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry or grape?
Yes! Dice 3-4 medium ripe tomatoes—just be sure to remove excess seeds and juice so the marinade isn't diluted.
How far in advance can I make marinated tomatoes?
You can prepare them up to 24 hours ahead. The flavors get even richer with time, but they're best enjoyed within 1-2 days for peak freshness.
Can I add other vegetables to the marinade?
Absolutely—try thinly sliced red onion, cucumber, or even roasted peppers for added crunch and flavor variety.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Marinate time: 30 minutes to 4 hours
Total time: 40 minutes to 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Ingredients
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Wash and slice the tomatoes into ¼-inch thick rounds, then place them in a shallow bowl or dish.
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2In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, chopped basil, and chopped oregano.
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3Pour the marinade over the sliced tomatoes, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
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4Season the tomatoes with salt and black pepper to taste.
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5Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
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6Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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