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Marinated Tomatoes Recipe

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.

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

  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