There’s something truly magical about the burst of flavor that comes from a simple bowl of marinated cherry tomatoes. This easy, refreshing dish brings together juicy, ripe tomatoes with a tangy marinade made from olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and fresh herbs. Whether you’re serving it as a side, on top of a salad, or even on a piece of crunchy toast as a starter, this marinated cherry tomatoes recipe is a must-try that never fails to impress. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the freshest, sweetest tomatoes while adding a flavorful twist that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
What makes this recipe even better is how quick and simple it is to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a vibrant dish that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, the beauty of this marinated cherry tomato dish is that it works well with so many meals. You can add it to a summer BBQ, serve it with your keto meal plan, or enjoy it on a lazy afternoon as a snack. In under 30 minutes, you can marinate the tomatoes, and they’ll be ready to eat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of fresh, healthy comfort food that’s bursting with zesty flavor, then this marinated cherry tomatoes recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Here’s why:
- Quick and easy to prepare: In just 10 minutes of prep and a little marinating time, you’ll have a fresh, flavorful dish ready to go. No cooking required!
- Full of flavor: The marinated tomatoes bring together the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The garlic, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs soak into the tomatoes, giving each bite a burst of deliciousness.
- Healthy and naturally vegan: This dish is perfect for anyone following a vegan or plant-based diet. The simple ingredients — cherry tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs — are packed with nutrients that are both tasty and good for you.
- Great make-ahead option: Whether you’re hosting a party, prepping for a family meal, or just looking for a snack, marinated cherry tomatoes are an excellent make-ahead dish. You can let them marinate for a few hours, or even overnight, to allow the flavors to develop. It’s one of those easy high-protein pre-made meals that works wonderfully for meal prep.
- Versatile and customizable: You can enjoy these marinated tomatoes as a side dish, add them to salads, or use them as a base for bruschetta. The recipe is easily adaptable, so feel free to switch up the ingredients or add extra flavors that suit your tastes.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
What really sets this marinated cherry tomatoes recipe apart is its simplicity and ability to highlight the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes. While the tomatoes are the star of the show, the marinade is what truly elevates this dish. The combination of garlic, vinegar, and olive oil creates a tangy yet smooth dressing that infuses the tomatoes with flavor without overwhelming them. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley bring an aromatic freshness to the dish, making every bite a delightful experience.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer balsamic vinegar for a richer sweetness or red wine vinegar for a more tangy kick, the marinade can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences. Plus, adding a little crushed red pepper flakes or a few chili flakes will give it a gentle heat, turning this into a spicy version that adds even more depth of flavor.
Ingredients
This marinated cherry tomatoes recipe only calls for a handful of ingredients, all of which work together to create a balanced and delicious dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, or chives)
- Salt and black pepper
Optional:
- Red onion
- Sugar or lemon juice
- Chili flakes (for a spicy kick)
How to Make It Step-by-Step
The beauty of marinated cherry tomatoes is how easy and quick they are to prepare. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a zesty, fresh dish ready to go in no time!
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Start by rinsing your cherry tomatoes. Once clean, slice them in half to expose their juicy interiors. If you’re using grape tomatoes, you can also slice them into halves or quarters for a more bite-sized portion.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar), minced garlic, and fresh herbs. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you want to add a little sweetness, stir in sugar or lemon juice. The sweetness balances the acidity of the vinegar and garlic, creating a perfectly balanced marinade.
- Combine and Marinate: Toss the tomatoes in the marinade until they’re fully coated. Gently stir to ensure the tomatoes are evenly dressed with the garlic, vinegar, and oil mixture.
- Let it Marinate: Cover the bowl and let the tomatoes marinate at room temperature for 1–2 hours. For the best flavor, you can refrigerate them for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. The longer the tomatoes marinate, the more they’ll absorb the flavors of the dressing, creating a delicious, tangy burst in every bite.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once marinated, give the tomatoes a quick stir and serve them at room temperature. You can enjoy them as-is or use them in a variety of dishes, like a bruschetta base or a side salad. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for Best Results
- Use the freshest tomatoes: The best part of this dish is the tomatoes, so it’s essential to use fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes. Choose tomatoes that are vibrant, juicy, and sweet for the best results.
- Don’t skip the marinating time: While you can serve the tomatoes after just an hour of marinating, letting them sit for a few hours (or overnight) will give the flavors a chance to develop and deepen. It’s totally worth the wait!
- Adjust the acidity: You can control the tanginess of the dressing by adjusting the amount of vinegar used. If you prefer a more mellow dressing, use less vinegar or swap it out for lemon juice.
- Store properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to stir the tomatoes and bring them to room temperature before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
One of the great things about this marinated cherry tomatoes recipe is how easily it can be customized. Here are a few ideas for variations and substitutions:
- Add protein: For a heartier dish, toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a high-protein meal that’s filling and satisfying.
- Cheese addition: Top your marinated tomatoes with crumbled feta or mozzarella for added creaminess. Fresh burrata is also a great option for a more indulgent version.
- Spicy kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of red chili flakes to give the tomatoes a nice heat. It’s a great way to make this dish spicy while still keeping it refreshing.
- Mediterranean style: To create a Mediterranean-inspired version, toss in some olives, cucumbers, and oregano. This will add a briny, herbaceous flavor that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- Oil-free option: For a lighter, oil-free version, you can skip the olive oil and use lemon juice or extra vinegar instead. This gives the dish a fresher, more acidic flavor.
- Peel the tomatoes: For a more refined presentation, you can blanch and peel the tomatoes before marinating them. This adds a smoother texture to the final dish, making it even more elegant.
Serving Suggestions
These marinated cherry tomatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:
- As a side dish: Serve them as a fresh, zesty side alongside grilled meats, pasta, or roasted vegetables. They also work wonderfully as part of a vegan meal prep.
- Bruschetta topping: Spoon the marinated tomatoes onto toasted baguette slices with some fresh basil for an easy and delicious bruschetta appetizer.
- Salads: Use them as a topping for mixed greens or a Mediterranean salad. The tangy dressing and fresh flavors will add depth and color to any salad.
- Grilled meats: Marinated cherry tomatoes pair perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. The acidity of the tomatoes balances the richness of the meat beautifully.
- With pasta: Toss these tomatoes with some pasta for a quick and easy high-protein meal that’s light but filling.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
- Drinks: Pair your marinated cherry tomatoes with a glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. If you’re not into wine, sparkling water with a slice of lemon is a perfect refreshing alternative.
- Sides: Serve these tomatoes with grilled bread, salads, or roasted vegetables. They’re also a great side for a Mediterranean platter or a light vegan meal prep plan.
- Cheese boards: Add these marinated tomatoes to your cheese board for an extra burst of flavor. They pair well with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Storage: Store your marinated cherry tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the dressing in the container to ensure the tomatoes stay coated.
- Reheating: These tomatoes are meant to be served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat them. Just take them out of the fridge and give them a quick stir before serving.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
- Make ahead: You can prep these marinated tomatoes in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better the longer they marinate!
- Freezing: Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe because the tomatoes will lose their texture. For the best results, enjoy them fresh.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using unripe tomatoes: For the best flavor, make sure your tomatoes are ripe and sweet. Unripe tomatoes will be too tart and lack the juiciness that makes this dish so refreshing.
- Over-marinating: While marinating is key to infusing the tomatoes with flavor, don’t leave them for too long, especially in the fridge. After 2–3 days, they may start to lose their fresh texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it’s actually better to make these marinated tomatoes ahead of time. They taste even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
Can I use grape tomatoes instead of cherry?
Absolutely! Grape tomatoes work just as well and provide a similar sweetness and texture.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Since this recipe doesn’t include avocado, you don’t have to worry about that! But for other recipes, you can toss sliced avocado with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Knife and cutting board
- Small bowl for dressing
- Large bowl for tossing
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Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Toss the tomatoes to coat evenly with the marinade.
- Add the chopped basil and parsley, and stir gently to combine.
- Cover the bowl and let the tomatoes marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours to allow flavors to develop.
- Stir the tomatoes gently before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish, salad topping, or bruschetta topping.
