Marinated tomatoes are a great way to start any summer meal. Grab some fresh tomatoes, and sprinkle a little salt and pepper to bring out their natural flavors. Drizzle on some vinaigrette made with chopped garlic, parsley, extra virgin olive oil, and a touch of vinegar. Finish it off with a sprinkle of oregano on top. This tomato salad is incredibly easy to make, but it's absolutely bursting with taste, making it an ideal appetizer.
Easy Marinated Tomatoes
These ripe, juicy tomatoes are bursting with flavor after soaking in olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and fresh parsley. It's a tangy, refreshing dish that’s great for summer or as a versatile side.
You can serve them alongside grilled meats, poached fish, or even as a topping for bruschetta. They also make a tasty addition to any summer salad.
When tomatoes are at their best in the summer, I love to make this simple marinated tomato dish. It only takes 5 minutes to prepare and is perfect for those hot days when you don’t feel like cooking.
I want everyone to enjoy this easy and delicious tomato marinade for their summer meals. It’s perfect for picnics, dinners, brunches, or whenever you need a quick and tasty side.
Once you try this recipe, I think you'll find yourself coming back to it often. I really hope you give it a try, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it just as much as my family and I do.
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⭐Why You'll Love This Marinated Tomatoes
Quick and Easy: This recipe is a breeze, needing just a few minutes of prep and a short marination time. You'll have a tasty side or topping ready in no time.
Fresh and Flavorful: Ripe tomatoes, garlic, fresh parsley, and a splash of white vinegar come together for a vibrant, refreshing dish. The extra virgin olive oil adds a rich, fruity touch.
Customizable: Feel free to tweak the marinade with your favorite herbs, spices, or extras like olives and capers to make it your own.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer BBQ, a light lunch, or a casual weeknight meal, these marinated tomatoes are just right. They’re fancy enough for a dinner party and simple enough for any day.
🧾Marinated Tomatoes Ingredients
Here’s the breakdown of what’s in this Marinated Tomatoes recipe:
Tomatoes: I love using vine-ripened tomatoes for this recipe. They should be firm, not mushy. These juicy, tangy tomatoes give a refreshing bite and hold up well to marinating. Feel free to use any type, like beefsteak, plum, heirloom, or cherry tomatoes.
Salt and Pepper: I use salt to bring out the tomatoes' natural flavors and draw out some moisture, making them more flavorful. Black pepper adds a hint of spice and balances the sweetness of the tomatoes with a bit of heat.-
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is key here. It gives the marinade a robust, aromatic flavor that infuses the tomatoes with a savory depth.
Parsley and Dried Oregano: Fresh parsley brightens the dish with its clean taste and vibrant color. Dried oregano adds a warm, earthy note that complements the tomatoes and garlic perfectly. Fresh oregano works well too.
White Balsamic Vinegar: I prefer white balsamic vinegar for its mild, tangy sweetness. It balances nicely with the olive oil and enhances the overall flavor. You can use other types of vinegar like balsamic, white, red, sherry, or apple cider if you prefer.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: I like extra virgin olive oil for its fruity, slightly peppery richness. It coats the tomatoes beautifully, adding a smooth texture and depth to the marinade.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Marinated Tomatoes
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
1. Wash the tomatoes and slice them thinly. Put the sliced tomatoes on a plate and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, chopped parsley, white balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Stir until everything is well combined.
3. Pour the marinade over the tomatoes, covering all the slices. Sprinkle with a pinch of dried oregano.
4. Let the tomatoes sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes. Serve the marinated tomatoes as a side dish, salad, or topping for bread.
📖Variations
Mediterranean Marinated Tomatoes: Add kalamata olives, capers, and crumbled feta. Swap parsley for fresh basil or rosemary. For a citrus twist, mix in lemon juice or zest with the white balsamic vinegar.
Italian-Style Marinated Tomatoes: Toss in thinly sliced red onions and roasted red peppers. Use fresh basil or an Italian seasoning mix. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat and a splash of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.
Tangy and Citrusy Marinated Tomatoes: Mix in zest from lemon, lime, or orange. Use fresh mint or basil. Add a bit of citrus juice along with the vinegar for a refreshing, tangy flavor.
Balsamic and Tomato Marinated Tomatoes: Swap white balsamic for dark balsamic vinegar. Fresh thyme and rosemary are perfect here. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar can help balance the acidity.
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Choose Ripe Tomatoes: Go for ripe, firm tomatoes with rich color and a fresh smell. Heirloom, vine-ripened, or Roma tomatoes are great picks. Avoid overripe ones as they can get mushy.
Slice Evenly: Cut the tomatoes into even slices so they marinate uniformly. Thicker slices will be more textured, while thinner ones soak up the marinade faster. Neat slices also look nicer and absorb the flavors better.
Let It Rest: Marinate the tomatoes for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to an hour in the fridge for deeper flavor. Taste them after marinating and tweak the seasoning if needed.
Storage: Keep leftover marinated tomatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For the best taste, let them come to room temperature before serving.
🍅 More Easy Tomato Recipes
If you love using tomatoes when you are cooking, then check out the following recipes for inspiration: Spanish Toast with Tomato, Tomato Bruschetta, Stuffed tomatoes with Rice Salad, Cherry Tomato Pasta, Chicken Recipe Sun Dried Tomatoes, and Tomato Buratta Salad.
🍛More Appetizer Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite appetizer recipes!
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📖 Recipe
Marinated Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 3 Tomatoes
- Pinch of Salt
- Pinch of Pepper
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- Parsley
- 1 tablespoon White Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Pinch of Dried Oregano
Instructions
- Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and slice them into thin rounds.
- Place the sliced tomatoes in a shallow dish. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the tomatoes to taste.
- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped parsley, white balsamic vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. Stir the mixture well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Pour the marinade over the tomatoes, making sure all the slices are well coated. Add a pinch of dried oregano to the mixture.
- Let the tomatoes marinate at room temperature for at least 15 minutes.
- Serve the marinated tomatoes as a side dish, salad, or topping for bread or bruschetta.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
John says
I love how the marinade brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. So juicy and flavorful.