Hello, tomato lover in da house 👋 😁. Get ready to improve your summer salads with this delicious 5-Ingredient Marinated Tomatoes.
These juicy, delicious tomatoes are the perfect addition to any dish, whether you’re serving them alongside grilled meats or tossing them into a refreshing salad.
With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can transform ordinary tomatoes into a burst of summery goodness. So, let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe.
Why I Put This 5-Ingredient Marinated Tomatoes Recipe Together
Tomatoes are at their peak during the summer months, and what better way to celebrate their deliciousness than with a vibrant marinated tomato dish?
This recipe is all about highlighting the natural sweetness and acidity of fresh tomatoes while infusing them with the flavors of garlic, herbs, and olive oil. It’s a simple yet elegant way to enjoy the bounty of the season.
What Makes This Recipe the Best?
This marinated tomatoes is a celebration of simplicity and flavor. By using just five basic ingredients, you can create a dish that’s bursting with bright, tangy flavors and vibrant colors.
The combination of ripe tomatoes, fragrant garlic, aromatic herbs, and fruity olive oil creates a versatile marinade that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes.
Whether served as a side dish, topping, or standalone salad, these marinated tomatoes are sure to impress.
Ingredients Needed
- 4-5 large tomatoes, preferably heirloom or vine-ripened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, or thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Alternative Ingredients
Here are some ingredients you can use in place of the ones above:
Ingredient | Alternative |
Tomatoes | Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes |
Garlic | Garlic powder or onion powder |
Extra-virgin olive oil | Avocado oil or grapeseed oil |
Balsamic vinegar | Red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar |
Fresh herbs | Dried herbs or herb seasoning blend |
Step-By-Step Guide
Step 1: Wash and dry the tomatoes, then slice them into wedges or halves, depending on your preference.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs until well combined.
Step 3: Place the sliced tomatoes in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, then pour the marinade over the top, ensuring that the tomatoes are evenly coated.
Step 4: Season the tomatoes with salt and pepper to taste, then cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Serve the marinated tomatoes chilled, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Expert Tips
- Use ripe, delicious tomatoes for the best results. Heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes are ideal, as they have a rich, sweet flavor and vibrant color.
- Feel free to customize the marinade with your favorite herbs and spices. Basil, parsley, thyme, and oregano are all delicious options, but you can experiment with different combinations to suit your taste preferences.
- For added depth of flavor, you can add a pinch of sugar or honey to the marinade to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Utensils Needed
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Shallow dish or resealable plastic bag
Frequently Asked Questions About Marinated Tomatoes
Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of large tomatoes?
Yes, you can. Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes are a delicious alternative to large tomatoes in this recipe. Simply wash and dry the cherry tomatoes, then halve them or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Follow the same steps for preparing and marinating the tomatoes, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinated tomatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. In fact, allowing the tomatoes to marinate for several hours or overnight will enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Simply cover the dish or seal the bag with the marinated tomatoes and refrigerate until ready to serve.
How long will the marinated tomatoes keep in the refrigerator?
Marinated tomatoes will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. After that, the tomatoes may become overly soft and lose their fresh flavor and texture. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy them within a few days for the best quality.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh in this recipe if fresh herbs are not available. However, keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor than fresh, so you’ll need to use less. Start with half the amount of dried herbs called for in the recipe, then adjust to taste. You can also use a dried herb seasoning blend as a convenient alternative.
Can I serve the marinated tomatoes warm instead of chilled?
Yes, you can. While marinated tomatoes are traditionally served chilled, you can certainly serve them warm if you prefer.
Simply allow the marinated tomatoes to come to room temperature before serving, or gently heat them in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Warm marinated tomatoes are delicious served over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or cooked grains for a delicious twist.
Have any comments or questions? Drop them in the comment box below. I will reply ASAP.
Also, check out our other recipes that are sure to make you go cray-cray with joy 😹.
You will find the recipe in full below 👇👇👇.
5-Ingredient Marinated Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 4-5 large tomatoes preferably heirloom or vine-ripened
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dry the tomatoes, then slice them into wedges or halves, depending on your preference.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs until well combined.
- Place the sliced tomatoes in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, then pour the marinade over the top, ensuring that the tomatoes are evenly coated.
- Season the tomatoes with salt and pepper to taste, then cover the dish or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the marinated tomatoes chilled, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use ripe, delicious tomatoes for the best results. HeirlHeirloomoom or vine-ripened tomatoes are ideal, as they hahaveve a rich, sweet flavor and vibrant color.
- Feel free to customize the marinade with your favorite herbs and spices. Basil, parsley, thyme, andand oregano are all delicious options, but you can experiment with different combinations to suit your taste preferences.
- For added depth of flavor, you can add a pinch of sugar or honey to the marinade to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.