Marinated Tomatoes Recipe

Introduction

Marinated tomatoes are a simple yet flavorful dish that brings out the natural sweetness and acidity of ripe tomatoes. With a blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh herbs, and garlic, this recipe adds a refreshing twist to your meals. Perfect as a side, salad topping, or bruschetta base.

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 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 a colorful and flavorful presentation.
• If you prefer a sweeter marinade, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the mixture.
• Try fresh oregano or thyme instead of basil and parsley for a different herbal note.
• For a spicy kick, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
• Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious marinade.

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 15 minutes to regain their full flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe with cherry tomatoes?

Yes, cherry tomatoes work well and require less slicing. Just halve or quarter them for even marination.

How long can I marinate the tomatoes?

Marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. For a stronger flavor, you can marinate up to 2 hours, but avoid going much longer to keep the tomatoes fresh and firm.

Marinated Tomatoes Recipe

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5 from 92 reviews

This Marinated Tomatoes recipe features ripe, juicy tomatoes soaked in a flavorful blend of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect as a vibrant side dish, topping for grilled meats, bruschetta, or salads, these marinated tomatoes are quick to prepare and bring a fresh, tangy burst of flavor to any meal.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• 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. Prepare Tomatoes: Select large, ripe tomatoes that are firm yet slightly soft. Rinse under cold water and pat dry to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Slice Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into wedges, rounds, or cubes, making sure the pieces are uniform in size to ensure even marination.
3. Mix Tomatoes and Marinade: Place the sliced tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to the mixture.
4. Add Herbs and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, followed by chopped fresh basil and parsley or their dried alternatives. If desired, include red pepper flakes to add a subtle heat to the marinade.
5. Combine Marinade and Tomatoes: Whisk the marinade ingredients until well combined, then pour over the sliced tomatoes. Gently toss to coat all pieces thoroughly with the flavorful marinade.
6. Marinate: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the tomatoes and marinade into a resealable plastic bag, squeezing out excess air. Let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse, or up to 2 hours for a more intense taste.
7. Final Toss and Serve: After marinating, toss the tomatoes gently again to redistribute the flavors. Serve in a decorative dish, optionally drizzling any leftover marinade on top for extra flavor.
8. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving leftovers, let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.

Notes

• Use ripe but firm tomatoes to prevent mushiness after marinating.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
• Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs are a convenient substitute.
• Letting the tomatoes come to room temperature before serving enhances their flavor.
• This dish is versatile and can be used as a side, salad topping, or bruschetta base.

Keywords: marinated tomatoes, tomato salad, balsamic vinegar tomatoes, Mediterranean side dish, tomato marinade