Get ready to fall in love with Easy Marinated Tomatoes, the ultimate burst of summer you can enjoy any time of year. This vibrant dish combines juicy, ripe tomatoes with an addictive garlicky marinade, bringing out their natural sweetness and tanginess. It’s unbelievably simple to prepare—just a handful of pantry staples and fresh herbs transform humble tomatoes into a star side that’s at home at casual lunches, elegant picnics, and family dinners alike. Whether you’re making it to highlight market-fresh produce or to perk up grocery-store tomatoes, this is a recipe that will instantly climb to “repeat” status in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Easy Marinated Tomatoes couldn’t be easier, and every item plays a special role in building layers of flavor and irresistible color. Each component brings something unique, so don’t be tempted to skip anything—the magic lies in their combination!
- Tomatoes: Use 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced into thick rounds; their juiciness is key for soaking up the marinade and delivering bold flavor in every bite.
- Extra virgin olive oil: 1/4 cup gives richness and helps carry all those flavors throughout the dish.
- Red wine vinegar: 2 tablespoons add a winey tanginess that brightens up the tomatoes and balances their sweetness.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced; a little goes a long way for bringing aromatic, savory depth.
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon gently offsets the acidity, enhancing the tomatoes’ natural sweetness.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon brings out all the flavors—don’t skimp!
- Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground if possible, for a gentle kick.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): 1/4 teaspoon, if you like a hint of heat.
- Fresh basil leaves: 1/4 cup, torn or chopped. Nothing screams summer like fragrant basil!
- Fresh parsley: 1 tablespoon, chopped, for a burst of herbal freshness and vibrant green color.
How to Make Easy Marinated Tomatoes
Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes
Start by washing and drying your tomatoes thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, slice them into thick, even rounds—about half an inch thick is perfect. Lay them gently in a large, shallow dish or bowl, overlapping slightly if needed. Thick slices help the tomatoes hold their texture as they marinate, making each bite satisfying.
Step 2: Whisk the Marinade
In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a splash of heat. Whisk vigorously until everything is well blended—the goal is for the oil and vinegar to come together and the seasonings to dissolve into the mix.
Step 3: Pour and Coat
Carefully pour the flavorful marinade over the arranged tomato slices, making sure every piece is coated. Use a spoon or your clean hands to gently flip and turn the tomatoes, ensuring the dressing seeps into all the nooks and crannies. Don’t forget to scoop up any minced garlic and distribute it evenly!
Step 4: Add Fresh Herbs
Sprinkle the torn basil and chopped parsley all over the top of the tomatoes. The fresh herbs will release their aroma as they mingle with the warm notes of garlic and tangy marinade. Press them down gently so they cling to the tomatoes and soak up the flavors, too.
Step 5: Marinate and Chill
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes—though an hour or two is even better if you can wait. This marinating time is crucial, as it lets all those snappy, zesty flavors meld together, infusing the tomatoes and turning them into something truly magical. Serve Easy Marinated Tomatoes chilled or bring them to room temperature, depending on your preference.
How to Serve Easy Marinated Tomatoes
Garnishes
Elevate your Easy Marinated Tomatoes by adding a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, extra fresh basil leaves, or even a drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving. These little finishing touches enhance both the appearance and the flavor, making the dish feel truly special.
Side Dishes
These tomatoes are an ideal partner for a huge variety of main dishes. Serve alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, or pasta for a refreshing, palate-cleansing contrast. They also shine with creamy burrata, toasted sourdough, or as a refreshing salad with crunchy cucumbers and feta on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
You can showcase Easy Marinated Tomatoes in dozens of delicious ways! Try layering them on crusty bread for bruschetta, tucking them into sandwiches or wraps, piling them onto grain bowls, or even tossing them into cold pasta for a burst of color and flavor. The only limit is your imagination.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Marinated Tomatoes keep beautifully for up to two days in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will continue to deepen, and you’ll love finding new ways to enjoy them. Just remember, they may release more juice as they sit, which is perfect for dunking bread!
Freezing
While technically possible, freezing is not recommended for Easy Marinated Tomatoes because the freezing process changes the texture, making the tomatoes mushy and watery once thawed. Enjoy them fresh for the best experience.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Easy Marinated Tomatoes—they’re meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature! If they’ve been in the fridge, let them sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and allow the flavors to shine.
FAQs
Can I use cherry or grape tomatoes instead of large tomatoes?
Absolutely! Cherry or grape tomatoes add even more sweetness and a fun bite-sized twist. Just halve or quarter them before marinating for maximum flavor absorption.
How far in advance can I make Easy Marinated Tomatoes?
You can prepare them up to a day ahead, which makes them perfect for entertaining or meal prep. They’ll taste even better after a longer soak in that delicious marinade.
Is there a way to add more tang or an extra layer of flavor?
Definitely! Try swapping in a splash of balsamic vinegar for part of the red wine vinegar, or add a thinly sliced red onion to the mix for extra zing and crunch. Both variations work beautifully with Easy Marinated Tomatoes.
Are Easy Marinated Tomatoes healthy?
Yes, this dish is naturally vegetarian, gluten-free, and loaded with nutrients from the tomatoes and herbs. It’s light, refreshing, and fits beautifully into a healthy lifestyle.
What should I do with leftover marinade?
Don’t toss it! Use the leftover marinade as a zesty dressing for salads or grain bowls, spoon it over grilled veggies, or use it to marinate other ingredients. It’s too full of flavor to waste!
Final Thoughts
If you want a surefire way to make summer last just a little longer, or simply brighten up any meal, give Easy Marinated Tomatoes a try. They’re quick to make, bursting with flavor, and honestly, they never fail to impress. Whip up a batch and share the sunshine—you’ll be hooked from your first bite!
Print
Easy Marinated Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Marinating
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Easy Marinated Tomatoes are a simple yet flavorful side dish or topping that celebrates the freshness of ripe tomatoes. With a tangy marinade of olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs, these marinated tomatoes are perfect for summer meals.
Ingredients
Tomatoes:
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, sliced into thick rounds
Marinade:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare Tomatoes: Place sliced tomatoes in a dish.
- Make Marinade: Whisk olive oil, vinegar, garlic, sugar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour over tomatoes.
- Add Herbs: Sprinkle basil and parsley on top.
- Marinate: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
- Serve: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Enhance with heirloom or cherry tomatoes.
- Try adding red onions or balsamic vinegar for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
