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Marinated Tomatoes Recipe

4.8 from 107 reviews

This Marinated Tomatoes recipe features ripe, juicy tomatoes soaked in a flavorful blend of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh herbs, garlic, and spices. Ideal as a refreshing side dish, salad topping, or accompaniment to grilled meats and bruschetta, this simple yet vibrant dish bursts with Mediterranean flavors and can be prepared quickly with no cooking required.

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 them under cold water and pat dry with a towel to remove any moisture.
  2. Slice Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into wedges, rounds, or cubes, ensuring the pieces are uniform in size to allow even marination.
  3. Place Tomatoes in Bowl: Transfer the sliced tomatoes into a large mixing bowl ready for the marinade.
  4. Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
  5. Add Seasonings: Stir sea salt and freshly ground black pepper into the oil and vinegar mixture.
  6. Add Herbs and Garlic: Incorporate the minced garlic and chopped fresh basil and parsley (or their dried versions) into the marinade.
  7. Add Heat (Optional): If using, sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick.
  8. Whisk Marinade: Whisk all marinade ingredients until they are fully combined and the flavors meld together.
  9. Marinate Tomatoes: Pour the prepared marinade over the sliced tomatoes and gently toss to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.
  10. Cover and Rest: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the mixture to a resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible.
  11. Allow to Marinate: Leave the tomatoes to marinate at room temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours to deepen the flavor infusion.
  12. Toss Again: After marination, gently toss the tomatoes again to redistribute the marinade evenly.
  13. Serve: Arrange the marinated tomatoes in a serving dish and optionally drizzle any leftover marinade on top.
  14. Enjoy: Serve as a refreshing side dish, a topping for grilled meats or bruschetta, or mixed into salads.
  15. Store Leftovers: Place any remaining marinated tomatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Before serving leftovers, allow them to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.

Notes

  • Use ripe but firm tomatoes for best texture; overly soft tomatoes may become mushy.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your desired spice level or omit entirely for a milder flavor.
  • Marinate at room temperature for optimum flavor absorption; avoid marinating longer than 2 hours to maintain tomato texture.
  • Fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor, but dried herbs can be used if fresh ones aren’t available.
  • Leftover marinade enhances flavor and can be drizzled over other dishes such as grilled vegetables or salads.

Keywords: marinated tomatoes, tomato salad, Mediterranean side dish, no-cook recipe, balsamic marinade, fresh herbs