Marinated Tomatoes: A Delicious Summer Salad Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Slice Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into wedges, rounds, or cubes, making sure the pieces are uniform in size to ensure even marination.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Place the sliced tomatoes into a large mixing bowl, setting the stage for marinating.
- 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.
- 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.
- Marinate Tomatoes: Pour the marinade over the sliced tomatoes. Gently toss the tomatoes to evenly coat them with the flavorful mixture.
- 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.
- Final Toss: After marinating, gently toss the tomatoes again to redistribute the marinade evenly throughout.
- 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.
- 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
