Simple, fresh, and SO good 🍅✨ — marinated tomatoes are one of those “how is this so flavorful?” dishes. Here’s a classic, flexible recipe.
Marinated Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 4–5 ripe tomatoes (heirloom or vine-ripened), sliced or wedged
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar (or balsamic)
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: pinch of sugar or honey (balances acidity)
Instructions
- Prep tomatoes
- Slice tomatoes and place in a shallow dish or bowl.
- Make the marinade
- Whisk olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and optional sugar.
- Marinate
- Pour marinade over tomatoes.
- Gently toss to coat.
- Rest
- Let sit 15–30 minutes at room temperature (or refrigerate up to 2 hours).
- Serve
- Finish with fresh herbs right before serving.
Flavor Boosts 🍽️
- Add thinly sliced red onion or shallot
- Sprinkle with feta or mozzarella pearls
- Finish with flaky sea salt
- Add crushed red pepper for heat
Pro Tips
- Don’t marinate too long or tomatoes get mushy.
- Room temperature = best flavor.
- Spoon the leftover juices over bread, chicken, or pasta 😌
Perfect as a side for grilled meats, fried fish, or just with crusty bread.
Want a Southern-style vinegar tomatoes, Italian herb version, or a no-oil light marinade next?
