There’s something undeniably special about a bowl of marinated tomatoes. It’s one of those simple summer recipes that feel both rustic and elegant – a celebration of ripe tomatoes at their peak. This dish begins by combining chopped tomatoes with a flavorful blend of minced shallot, crushed garlic, red wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil.

If you’re looking for more recipes featuring fresh tomatoes, Rustic Bread Salad with Tomatoes and Refrigerator Tomato Jam will make your taste buds happy.

As the tomatoes sit and marinate, their natural juices mix with the dressing, creating a flavorful, tangy-sweet sauce that’s perfect for spooning over crusty bread or tossing with fresh greens.

After an hour and a half of marinating, the tomatoes become wonderfully infused with flavor. Just before serving, a generous handful of torn basil and flat-leaf parsley is stirred in, adding freshness and a pop of color.

The final dish is juicy, herbaceous, and bursting with summer flavor – perfect as a side dish, a topping for grilled meats, or a stand-alone snack straight from the bowl.

Whether served at a casual backyard meal or as part of a cozy indoor spread, marinated tomatoes bring a touch of sunshine to any table.

Ingredients to Gather

• Tomatoes – Juicy and sweet, tomatoes are the star of the dish, soaking up the marinade while releasing their natural juices for added flavor.
• Shallot – Milder than onion, shallots add a delicate, savory bite that enhances the tomato’s sweetness without overpowering it.
• Garlic – Crushed garlic infuses the marinade with bold, aromatic depth and a classic Mediterranean kick.
• Red Wine Vinegar – This adds brightness and acidity, balancing the tomatoes’ sweetness and helping to meld all the flavors together.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Rich and smooth, olive oil coats the ingredients, rounding out the sharpness of the vinegar and binding the flavors.
• Kosher Salt – Salt draws out moisture from the tomatoes and boosts the overall flavor of the dish.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds subtle heat and earthiness, giving the marinade a bit of complexity.
• Italian Flat-Leaf Parsley – Brings a fresh, clean herbal note that lightens the overall profile.
• Fresh Basil – Sweet and slightly peppery, basil adds a fragrant, summery finish that pairs perfectly with ripe tomatoes.

I found this recipe in a Southern Living Magazine and didn’t change a thing.

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Ingredients

2 pounds assorted tomatoes, roughly chopped

1 minced small shallot

3 crushed garlic cloves

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup loosely packed Italian flat-leaf parsley leaves

1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves

Directions

1. Toss tomatoes with marinade:
   In a bowl, gently mix the tomatoes with minced shallot, crushed garlic, vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 1 hour and 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to coat.
2. Finish with herbs and serve:
   Gently fold in the basil and Italian parsley leaves, then serve right away.

Tips

• Use ripe, in-season tomatoes – Heirloom or cherry varieties work exceptionally well because of their natural sweetness and vibrant color.
• Slice or halve evenly – Uniform pieces ensure every bite is well-coated and help the tomatoes absorb the marinade evenly.
• Let them sit long enough – Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 1-2 hours brings out deeper flavor. Avoid marinating overnight, or they get mushy.
• Serve at room temperature – This enhances the natural flavors, especially the olive oil and herbs.
• Customize the extras – Add capers, olives, or a few chili flakes for a briny or spicy twist.

Storage

Refrigerate in an airtight container and enjoy within 2-3 days. After 2-3 days, the tomatoes will break down and get soggy. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

Avoid freezing: Tomatoes have high water content, and freezing changes their texture drastically, making them mushy once thawed.

Let me know in the comments below if you tried the recipe and what you thought.

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Printable Marinated Tomatoes Recipe with Nutritional Information