Learn how to make the BEST Marinated Tomatoes! You can use grape or cherry tomatoes for this mouthwatering recipe, and it's so quick and easy (ready in minutes). Plus it's super versatile: serve it as a tasty salad or side dish, tossed the tomatoes with pasta, and so much more!
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Ginnie's Take
I have been making this flavorful Marinated Tomatoes recipe for years! It's truly one of my favorite and most used recipes. Especially in summer, when it makes the tastiest and most effortless pasta sauce. Once you try this recipe, I think it will become your fave, too! You can use cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, and the quick marinade gives the raw tomatoes the brightest, sunniest, most delicious taste. Best of all, this dish is made with the simplest ingredients. You probably have most in your pantry already!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make - This recipe is super quick and so simple to prepare. Just add the ingredients to a bowl, mix everything together, and voilà, it's ready to eat!
- Scrumptious Flavor - With its sweet, juicy tomatoes and zesty, garlic-basil vinaigrette, this tomato salad has mouthwatering Mediterranean flavor that you won't be able to resist.
- Versatile - There are so many ways to use this recipe. Serve it as an appetizer or side dish, mix it with pasta, and more. You'll find lots of ideas below!
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Ingredients
You can make these Tomatoes in Vinaigrette with just a few basic ingredients:
- Tomatoes - Cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes work best, and although they're best in summer, they're tasty enough to use year round. I used these colorful Wild Wonders. Other tomatoes, cut into wedges or chunks, can also be used (heirlooms would be delish). Just keep in mind that juicier tomatoes may need extra salt, because their juices will dilute the dressing.
- Olive Oil + Lemon - You'll use a combo of extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice to make the simple vinaigrette that coats the tomatoes.
- Basil, Garlic + Red Pepper Flakes - The tomatoes are seasoned with fresh basil, garlic, and crushed pepper flakes, all of which help create a bold flavor. Tip: This recipe is fairly mild, however you can skip the red pepper flakes if you prefer.
- Salt - I recommend using a high quality kosher salt or sea salt for the best flavor.
This recipe is naturally vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, nut free, and dairy free, so everyone at your table can enjoy it.
How to Marinate Cherry Tomatoes
This mini tomato recipe truly couldn't be easier to make! You'll find a recipe card with measurements below, but here's a quick overview of the steps:
- Prep tomatoes. Cut the tomatoes in half, or if they're especially large, or in quarters.
- Add olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, pepper flakes, and salt. Mix everything together, then season generously to taste with salt. Tip: Use a good quality olive oil, as well as fresh lemon juice and garlic, for the tastiest results.
- Mix in basil. Stir in the basil just before serving for the brightest color and freshest flavor.
So easy, right? And because they're so quick to make, these tomatoes are the perfect addition to any meal!
Variations
You can easily change up this cherry tomato recipe, depending on what's in your pantry or fridge! Here are a few ideas to try:
- Tomatoes - Swap in heirloom, cocktail, or plum / roma tomatoes (or other varieties) for the cherry or grape tomatoes.
- Herbs - Almost any fresh herb goes! Try flat leaf (Italian) parsley, dill, mint, chives, and cilantro, or use a combination.
- Vinegar - Forgot to buy a lemon? You can use red wine, white wine, balsamic, or apple cider vinegar instead.
- Veggies - Add additional fresh veggies (such as cucumber, onions, corn, avocado, or bell peppers) or leftover roasted vegetables.
- Cheese - Mix in shredded parmesan, or chunks of fresh mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese.
- Other Additions - Stir in olives, sun-dried tomatoes, pickled peppers, capers, or fancy sea salts.
How to Use
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility! Here are a few of my favorite ways to eat it:
- Appetizer - Top grilled bread or garlicky crostini with the tomatoes for a quick appetizer, pair them with burrata, serve over Whipped Goat Cheese, eat them alongside Feta Saganaki for a Greek-inspired app, or add them to an antipasto spread.
- Side Dish - This recipe makes a quick, zesty side dish for almost any meal! I especially love them with Italian dinners.
- Pasta - With their bold Italian flavor, these flavorful tomatoes make the easiest, no cook pasta sauce (one of my fave summer meals!).
- Salad - Serve the tomatoes as-is for a simple salad, or mix them with greens, grains, and other veggies.
- Topping - Use the tomatoes in sandwiches, layer them over a Hummus Pita, serve them on toast (like I did below), include them in grain bowls, add them to pizza, and so much more. They add tons of flavor to any dish!
Storage
Tomatoes will release their juices and wilt over time, so this Marinated Tomato Salad tastes best when eaten within a couple hours. If you do have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in your refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for three to four days. Let the tomatoes warm to room temperature and adjust the season (if necessary) before serving.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, try my Tomato and Red Onion Salad next! Looking for more cherry or grape tomato recipes? You'll love these dishes, too:
- These Roasted Cherry Tomatoes (or these Roasted Grape Tomatoes) are just as versatile and easy to make!
- Searching for a quick summer appetizer? These tasty Caprese Skewers are always crowd pleaser.
- This Avocado Crostini topped with colorful cherry tomatoes is such a fun (and delicious) appetizer or snack!
- Are you a pizza lover? These Kale Pizza, Summer Veggie Pizza, and Tortilla Pizza recipes all include these yummy mini tomatoes.
- Add them to a simple salad, like this Burrata Caprese or this Arugula Quinoa Salad!
Marinated Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 1 pound (454 grams) cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspooon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil (or other herbs)
Instructions
- Cut tomatoes in half, or in quarters, depending on their size. Place in a medium bowl.
- Add olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red pepper flakes, and salt. Mix well, then adjust seasoning with additional salt, if needed.
- Let tomatoes marinate for 30 minutes (or for up to 2 hours) at room temperature.
- Stir in fresh basil just before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
