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Marinated Tomatoes: A Delicious Recipe

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4.9 from 91 reviews

Marinated Tomatoes are a simple, flavorful dish made with ripe tomatoes soaked in a vibrant blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh herbs, and spices. This easy recipe enhances the natural juiciness of tomatoes, making it a perfect side dish, topping for grilled meats, bruschetta, salads, or pasta. The tomatoes are sliced and left to marinate at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully for a fresh, delicious taste.

Ingredients

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. Select and Prepare Tomatoes: Choose 4 large ripe tomatoes that are firm but slightly soft to the touch. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat dry. Slice the tomatoes into wedges, rounds, or cubes, ensuring uniform size for even marination. Place the slices in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Make the Marinade: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar until slightly emulsified. Add 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 2 cloves minced garlic. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh chopped basil and 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (or their dried equivalents). Optionally, add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat and whisk everything well to combine.
  3. Marinate Tomatoes: Pour the marinade over the sliced tomatoes in the bowl. Gently toss the tomatoes with a spatula or hands to coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the contents to a resealable plastic bag, squeezing out excess air before sealing. Let marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1-2 hours, to allow flavors to develop.
  4. Serve: Give the tomatoes a gentle toss after marinating to redistribute the dressing. Arrange the tomatoes on a serving dish, optionally drizzling some leftover marinade on top. Serve as a side dish, on grilled meats, bruschetta, salads, or pasta dishes for a fresh, flavorful addition.
  5. Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving leftovers, let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes to restore fresh flavor.
  6. Variations and Tips: Experiment with oregano, thyme, or sprinkle feta cheese for different flavor profiles. Add 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup to the marinade to balance acidity with sweetness if desired.

Notes

  • Use ripe but firm tomatoes for best texture and flavor.
  • Marinate at room temperature to enhance flavor absorption, but do not marinate longer than 2 hours to avoid sogginess.
  • Adjust dried herbs quantity down since they are more concentrated than fresh.
  • Red pepper flakes are optional; adjust to your preferred spice level.
  • Leftover marinated tomatoes keep up to 3 days refrigerated and benefit from resting at room temperature before serving.
  • Adding a bit of honey or maple syrup can balance the vinegar’s acidity if preferred.
  • Great as a side dish, topping for grilled meats, bruschetta, salads, or pasta.