If you have been searching for a vibrant, flavorful, and simple way to elevate your tomato game, then you’re going to fall in love with this Easy Marinated Tomatoes Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of fresh, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, all coming together in a dish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. This recipe captures the essence of ripe tomatoes and infuses them with garlic, herbs, and a luscious balsamic-honey dressing, making it an irresistible addition to any meal or a refreshing standalone snack that feels gourmet yet effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Marinated Tomatoes Recipe is how few ingredients it requires, but each one plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious flavor profile. From the juiciness of fresh tomatoes to the punch of garlic and the aromatic hit from herbs, every element is essential.
- 4 large ripe tomatoes (firm to the touch): Pick tomatoes that are ripe but still hold their shape for the best texture.
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed: Adds a bold, savory undertone that wakes up your taste buds.
- ¼ small white onion, finely diced: Offers a subtle crunch and sweet sharpness; red or yellow onions work nicely too.
- ½ small bunch fresh dill (or fresh basil, parsley, or cilantro): Fresh herbs bring a brightness and complexity to balance the dish.
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: Provides richness and helps blend all the flavors smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy depth that complements the natural sweetness of tomatoes.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Introduces a gentle sweetness to mellow out acidity.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and enhancing freshness.
How to Make Easy Marinated Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Slice the Tomatoes
Start with slicing your ripe tomatoes into about 1/3-inch thick slices. This thickness is perfect — it lets the tomatoes soak up the marinade without falling apart. Lay them out nicely on a shallow platter so each slice gets some love.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
Finely chop the garlic, onion, and your choice of fresh herbs. Dill is classic here, but basil, parsley, or cilantro each add their unique personality. Mix these with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey in a small bowl until combined beautifully.
Step 3: Season the Tomatoes
Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the tomato slices. This seasoning step is key to bringing out the tomatoes’ natural sweetness and giving them a well-rounded flavor.
Step 4: Marinate
Pour the garlic-herb marinade over the tomatoes, making sure each slice is generously coated. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marry for at least one hour — patience here means every bite will sing.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
After the tomatoes have soaked up all those incredible flavors, serve them chilled. They are ready to steal the show as a zesty appetizer or complement grilled meats beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Marinated Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra pop to your marinated tomatoes, try garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like basil or parsley. A few shavings of Parmesan or crumbles of feta cheese can also bring a lovely savory note that contrasts the sweet marinade.
Side Dishes
This Easy Marinated Tomatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or steak. It’s also fantastic alongside crusty bread or a light summer salad, making it a versatile companion no matter what else is on your table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the marinated tomatoes atop toasted baguette slices for an instant bruschetta. Or create a colorful platter layered with mozzarella and avocado slices for a stunning caprese-inspired presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (and you might!), keep them covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen over time, so marinated tomatoes taste just as amazing the next day, if not better.
Freezing
Freezing marinated tomatoes is not recommended because the tomatoes will lose their firm texture and become mushy once thawed. It’s best to enjoy this recipe fresh or within a couple of days of refrigerating.
Reheating
Since this dish is best served cold or at room temperature, there’s no need to reheat. Just take it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors come to life again.
FAQs
Can I use cherry tomatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes can be halved or quartered and marinated just like sliced large tomatoes. They’ll offer a burst of juiciness and work beautifully in this Easy Marinated Tomatoes Recipe.
How long should I marinate the tomatoes?
At minimum, marinate for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. However, leaving them for up to 3 hours in the fridge intensifies the taste without compromising texture.
Which herbs work best in this marinade?
Dill is traditional and fresh, but basil, parsley, or cilantro also add wonderful flavor dimensions. Feel free to experiment with your favorites or even mix a couple together.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes! This Easy Marinated Tomatoes Recipe uses whole, fresh ingredients with no added sugars apart from a touch of honey. It’s naturally low-carb and keto-friendly in moderation.
Can I prepare this recipe vegan?
The recipe is already vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure your honey substitute like agave syrup or maple syrup is used if you want it strictly vegan.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Easy Marinated Tomatoes Recipe that makes it a kitchen staple once you try it. Simple, fresh ingredients come together effortlessly to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and color. Give it a go for your next gathering, or just a casual meal—your palate will thank you for the burst of sunshine on your plate.
Print
Easy Marinated Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Marinated Tomatoes recipe offers a fresh, flavorful way to enjoy ripe tomatoes. Sliced tomatoes are marinated in a savory mixture of garlic, onion, fresh herbs, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey, then chilled to absorb delicious flavors. Perfect as a light appetizer or a side dish that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats.
Ingredients
Tomatoes
- 4 large ripe tomatoes (firm to the touch)
Marinade
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- ¼ small white onion, finely diced (or use red/yellow onion)
- ½ small bunch fresh dill (or fresh basil, parsley, or cilantro)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Slice the Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes into 1/3-inch thick slices to ensure they absorb the marinade evenly while maintaining their texture.
- Prepare the Marinade: Finely chop the garlic, onion, and fresh herbs of your choice, such as dill, basil, parsley, or cilantro, to release their flavors for the marinade.
- Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the chopped garlic, onion, herbs, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey until fully combined to create a balanced and aromatic marinade.
- Season the Tomatoes: Arrange the sliced tomatoes neatly on a shallow platter and sprinkle them with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
- Marinate: Spoon the prepared garlic-herb marinade evenly over the tomato slices, making sure each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor absorption.
- Refrigerate: Cover the platter tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate the tomatoes for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld and develop.
- Serve: After marinating, serve the tomatoes chilled as a refreshing appetizer or side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or your favorite meals.
Notes
- For variation, try using different fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or cilantro in place of dill.
- The marinated tomatoes can be prepared a few hours in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Use firm ripe tomatoes to ensure the slices hold up well during marination without becoming soggy.
- This dish is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
