Marinated Tomatoes: A Delicious Summer Salad Recipe

Introduction

Marinated tomatoes make a vibrant and flavorful addition to any summer meal. This easy recipe combines ripe tomatoes with a tangy balsamic dressing and fresh herbs, perfect as a side dish or salad topping.

Ingredients

• 4 large ripe tomatoes
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Select large, ripe tomatoes that are firm yet slightly soft. Rinse under cold water and pat dry.
2. Step 2: Slice the tomatoes into wedges, rounds, or cubes, ensuring uniform sizes for even marination.
3. Step 3: Place the sliced tomatoes in a large mixing bowl.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
5. Step 5: Add sea salt and black pepper to the mixture.
6. Step 6: Stir in minced garlic, followed by chopped fresh basil and parsley (or dried herbs).
7. Step 7: If desired, add red pepper flakes for heat.
8. Step 8: Whisk the marinade until well combined.
9. Step 9: Pour the marinade over the sliced tomatoes and gently toss to coat.
10. Step 10: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to a resealable plastic bag, removing excess air.
11. Step 11: Let marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
12. Step 12: After marinating, gently toss the tomatoes again to redistribute the marinade.
13. Step 13: Serve in a beautiful dish, optionally drizzling leftover marinade over the top.
14. Step 14: Enjoy as a side dish, topping for grilled meats, bruschetta, or in salads.

Tips & Variations

• Use heirloom tomatoes for extra color and unique flavors.
• For a milder taste, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
• Allowing the tomatoes to marinate longer enhances the depth of flavor.
• Fresh herbs are best, but dried herbs work well if fresh aren’t available.
• Add a splash of lemon juice for additional brightness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, allow the tomatoes to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to bring out the full flavor and soften slightly. Avoid storing at room temperature for extended periods to maintain freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of large tomatoes?

Yes, cherry tomatoes work well. Halve them and adjust marinating time slightly, as smaller pieces absorb flavors faster.

Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely. Marinated tomatoes can be prepared ahead of time and kept refrigerated. Just toss gently before serving to redistribute the marinade.

Marinated Tomatoes: A Delicious Summer Salad Recipe

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4.4 from 66 reviews

Marinated Tomatoes are a refreshing and flavorful summer salad perfect as a side dish or a topping for grilled meats and bruschetta. Made with ripe tomatoes soaked in a tangy olive oil and balsamic vinegar marinade infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and a hint of spice, this recipe is quick to prepare and allows the tomatoes to soak up vibrant flavors without any cooking.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Tomatoes

• 4 large ripe tomatoes

Marinade

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Select Tomatoes: Choose large, ripe tomatoes that are firm yet slightly soft. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water and pat dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Slice Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into wedges, rounds, or cubes, making sure the pieces are uniform in size to ensure even marination.
3. Prepare Tomatoes: Place the sliced tomatoes into a large mixing bowl, setting the stage for marinating.
4. Mix Marinade: In a separate small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, stirring to blend the flavors.
5. Add Herbs and Garlic: Stir minced garlic into the marinade, then add the chopped fresh basil and parsley (or dried herbs if using). If you like some heat, include the optional red pepper flakes. Whisk the mixture until fully combined.
6. Marinate Tomatoes: Pour the marinade over the sliced tomatoes. Gently toss the tomatoes to evenly coat them with the flavorful mixture.
7. Rest the Tomatoes: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the tomatoes and marinade into a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Let them marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor infusion.
8. Final Toss: After marinating, gently toss the tomatoes again to redistribute the marinade evenly throughout.
9. Serve: Transfer the marinated tomatoes to a serving dish. Optionally drizzle any leftover marinade over the top for extra flavor. Enjoy them as a side dish, a topping for grilled meats, bruschetta, or incorporate into salads.
10. Store Leftovers: Place any leftover marinated tomatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Before serving leftover tomatoes, allow them to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to regain their full flavor.

Notes

• Choose ripe but firm tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
• Adjust the amount of garlic and herbs based on personal preference.
• The red pepper flakes are optional for a little heat but can be omitted for a milder taste.
• Marinating at room temperature enhances flavor absorption more effectively than refrigeration, but do not exceed 2 hours to maintain freshness.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated but bring to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.

Keywords: Marinated tomatoes, summer salad, tomato salad, Mediterranean salad, easy side dish, no-cook recipe, fresh herbs