Bursting with fresh herbs, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, these juicy marinated tomatoes are super easy to make. They are the perfect addition to any meal. You can add marinated tomatoes to your pasta, bruschetta, and so much more!
If you're looking for a way to jazz up your summer salads, sandwiches, or even just a fresh slice of toast, you’ve got to try these marinated tomatoes.
Whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this best-marinated tomato recipe will have you feeling like a gourmet chef in no time.
So, grab those ripe tomatoes, and let’s get marinating!
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Why We Love Marinated Tomatoes
Simple: Takes little prep using pantry ingredients
Flavor punch: Marinated tomato salad is packed with rich, tangy flavors
Versatile: The tomatoes fit perfectly into a variety of meals.
Healthy and fresh: Loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, it’s a nutritious addition to the summer menu.
Recipe Ingredients
Tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy red tomatoes that are in season and locally available to you— Roma, Heirloom, Campari, Grape, or any other. Their natural sweetness and juicy texture make them perfect for marinating and soaking up all the delicious flavors. I used fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful flavor to the marinade. Mince it finely to ensure it blends well and evenly coats the tomatoes. You can leave it out if the taste of garlic is not to your liking.
Sugar: is the magic ingredient in marinated cherry tomatoes. It draws out maximum flavor from the tomatoes and enhances their natural sweetness.
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
Balsamic vinegar: brings a tangy, slightly sweet, and complex flavor to the mix. It complements the tomatoes' sweetness and the olive oil's richness.
Herbs: I choose fresh basil leaves for that aromatic, herbaceous note. Shred them finely to release their full flavor and fragrance. Parsley, mint, or cilantro (or any combination of these) will work well.
Seasoning: Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust according to your preference.
How To Make Marinated Tomatoes
Step 1: Halve the tomatoes if you’re making marinated grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes. Slice thickly if you’re using bigger ones, like heirloom tomatoes.
Step 2: Place the cut tomatoes in a large bowl, and then add your herbs, oil, garlic, vinegar, and seasoning.
Step 3: Stir, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, giving the tomatoes time to marinate.
Final Step: Serve at room temperature and savor!
How To Store
Marinated tomatoes with balsamic vinegar are best when eaten within a day because they get softer with time. You can store them in a clean, airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For the best flavor, take the balsamic marinated tomatoes out of the fridge for about 15–20 minutes before serving to allow them to come to room temperature.
How To Serve Marinated Tomatoes
Marinated tomatoes taste heavenly on their own. But let me tell you, there is nothing better than a marinated tomato salad. Although those magical juices are sublime!
- As a fresh and flavorful topping for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas
- Mixed into scrambled eggs or alongside a hearty omelet for breakfast.
- Marinated tomatoes for bruschetta: Spoon them onto my toasted no-knead Dutch oven bread or no-knead seeded oat bread slices or top them on homemade crostini for an easy appetizer.
- Toss them in a salad like my Italian tortellini pasta salad, or easy summer pasta salad, and take the flavors up a notch!
- As a fresh, tangy topping for grilled chicken breasts, fish, or shrimp.
- Layered into sandwiches or wraps to add a juicy, zesty twist.
- As a side dish with your favorite grilled meats or BBQ dishes.
- Add them to a delicious, easy cheese platter for a tangy contrast.
📖 Recipe
Easy Marinated Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 16 oz Cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp Garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp Sugar
- 1/3 cup Olive oil
- 3 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 3-4 tbsp Shredded basil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
- Place in a large bowl. Add the minced garlic, sugar, basil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper.
- Gently stir to combine. Cover and transfer to the refrigerator to marinate for at least 2-3 hours.
- Bring the tomatoes to room temperature before serving. Enjoy!
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