These Marinated Cherry Tomatoes are a delightful treat that brings vibrant flavor to any dish. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing side, this recipe showcases the natural sweetness of ripe cherry tomatoes enhanced by zesty seasonings. Versatile and easy to make, they work beautifully on crostini, in salads, or even as a topping for your favorite dishes.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Salad
- For the Marinade
- How to Make Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
- Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Step 2: Create the Marinade
- Step 3: Let It Sit
- Step 4: Serve Your Dish
- How to Serve Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
- On Crostini
- In Salads
- With Avocado Toast
- As a Pasta Topping
- In Grain Bowls
- As a Snack
- How to Perfect Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
- Best Side Dishes for Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
- Reheating Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How long should I marinate cherry tomatoes?
- Can I use different types of tomatoes?
- What dishes pair well with marinated cherry tomatoes?
- Can I make this recipe vegan?
- How do I enhance the flavor of my marinated cherry tomatoes?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic, lemon juice, and vinegar creates a tangy marinade that enhances the tomatoes’ natural taste.
- Versatile Uses: Enjoy these marinated beauties atop crostini, salads, or even mixed into pasta for a fresh twist.
- No Cooking Required: Simply mix and let the flavors meld—perfect for warm weather dining!
- Healthy Addition: Low in calories and packed with nutrients, these tomatoes are a guilt-free way to elevate your meals.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, it’s good to have all your tools ready. These essential items will help you create the perfect marinated cherry tomatoes without any hassle.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily and ensures even mixing.
- Knife: A sharp knife is essential for quickly and safely chopping vegetables like tomatoes and onions.
- Cutting board: Protects your countertop while providing a stable surface for chopping.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accuracy in your ingredients, which is key for achieving balanced flavors.
Ingredients
These quick and easy Marinated Cherry Tomatoes are crazy simple to make and full of flavor. Enjoy them bruschetta-style on crostini, on top of leafy green salads, and more!
For the Salad
- 1/2 pound ripe cherry tomatoes (quartered)
- 1/4 red onion (sliced thin)
- 1/2-1 clove garlic (smashed and minced into a paste)
- sea salt (to taste)
For the Marinade
- 1/4 cup quality extra virgin olive oil
- 1 TBSP red apple vinegar
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- optional fresh basil
How to Make Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Quarter your cherry tomatoes and slice the onion into thin strips.
- Using the flat side of your knife, smash peeled garlic and mince it into a paste. Season with a pinch of salt and add it to a bowl with your veggies.
Step 2: Create the Marinade
- Add olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, freshly cracked black pepper, and fresh basil if desired.
- Mix well to coat all the ingredients thoroughly.
Step 3: Let It Sit
- Allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even marination.
Step 4: Serve Your Dish
These marinated tomatoes are fantastic as a summer salad topping that doubles as dressing! Pair with leafy greens, homemade croutons, or enjoy them atop toasted crostini as an appetizer. They’re also great on avocado toast! The possibilities are endless—enjoy!
How to Serve Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
Marinated Cherry Tomatoes are versatile and can elevate many dishes. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them.
On Crostini
- Toast slices of baguette until golden brown, then top with marinated cherry tomatoes for a delightful appetizer.
In Salads
- Toss marinated cherry tomatoes into leafy green salads for an added burst of flavor and color.
With Avocado Toast
- Spread ripe avocado on toasted bread and add marinated cherry tomatoes on top for a fresh twist.
As a Pasta Topping
- Mix marinated cherry tomatoes with cooked pasta for a quick and tasty meal. Add some grated cheese for extra richness.
In Grain Bowls
- Incorporate them into grain bowls with quinoa or farro, along with your favorite veggies for a healthy lunch option.
As a Snack
- Enjoy them straight from the bowl as a refreshing and healthy snack any time of day.
How to Perfect Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Marinated Cherry Tomatoes, follow these helpful tips.
Choose ripe tomatoes: Select the freshest, ripest cherry tomatoes for maximum sweetness and juiciness.
Let them marinate: Allow the tomatoes to sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Adjust seasoning: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving to ensure perfect seasoning.
Experiment with herbs: Feel free to add other fresh herbs like oregano or thyme for different flavor profiles.
Serve at room temperature: These tomatoes taste best when served at room temperature, enhancing their natural flavors.
Store properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but enjoy them fresh if possible.
Best Side Dishes for Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
Marinated Cherry Tomatoes pair well with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal.
Grilled Vegetables: Charred seasonal vegetables add a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the brightness of the tomatoes.
Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers and herbs makes for a nutritious side dish.
Garlic Bread: Warm, crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious marinade from the tomatoes.
Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs provide a hearty contrast to the lightness of marinated tomatoes.
Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella balls, basil, and marinated cherry tomatoes on skewers create a fun finger-food option.
Zucchini Noodles: Light spiralized zucchini noodles tossed with olive oil and seasonings make an excellent low-carb side dish alongside marinated tomatoes.
Chickpea Salad: A refreshing chickpea salad mixed with onions, cucumber, and lemon dressing adds protein and crunch next to the juicy tomatoes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making marinated cherry tomatoes is simple, but there are a few key mistakes to avoid for the best flavor.
- Boldly skip the salt: Not adding enough salt can result in bland tomatoes. Salt enhances the flavors, so season them generously.
- Boldly overlook freshness: Using old or overripe tomatoes can lead to mushy results. Always opt for fresh, firm cherry tomatoes for the best texture.
- Boldly rush the marinating process: Allowing the tomatoes to marinate for only a short time can limit their flavor. Aim for at least 1-2 hours at room temperature for optimal taste.
- Boldly ignore balancing flavors: Failing to balance the acidity from vinegar and lemon juice may result in an overpowering taste. Adjust these ingredients until you find your preferred balance.
- Boldly forget about customization: Sticking strictly to the recipe may limit your creativity. Feel free to add herbs or spices that you love!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store marinated cherry tomatoes in an airtight container.
- They will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
- Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture of the tomatoes.
- If necessary, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
Reheating Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm them on a baking sheet for 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 20-30 seconds until warmed through, being careful not to overcook.
- Stovetop: Gently heat in a skillet over low heat until warmed, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about marinated cherry tomatoes.
How long should I marinate cherry tomatoes?
Marinate cherry tomatoes for at least 1-2 hours at room temperature, or overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Can I use different types of tomatoes?
Yes! While cherry tomatoes are ideal, other small varieties like grape or heirloom can also be used.
What dishes pair well with marinated cherry tomatoes?
These marinated cherry tomatoes are great on salads, crostini, or even avocado toast. Their versatility makes them an excellent addition to many dishes!
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! This recipe is already plant-based and vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products.
How do I enhance the flavor of my marinated cherry tomatoes?
Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano, or incorporating spices such as red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
These marinated cherry tomatoes are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. They make a delightful appetizer or can elevate your salads and sandwiches. Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs and spices to make this recipe your own!
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Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Marinated Cherry Tomatoes are a vibrant and flavorful addition to your meals, perfect for enhancing summer dishes or serving as a refreshing side. This quick and easy recipe showcases the natural sweetness of ripe cherry tomatoes, complemented by zesty garlic, lemon juice, and vinegar. In just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll create a delightful dish that can be enjoyed on crostini, tossed into salads, or mixed with pasta for a light meal. With no cooking required, it’s an effortless way to elevate your dining experience while providing a burst of fresh flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound ripe cherry tomatoes (quartered)
- 1/4 red onion (sliced thin)
- 1/2–1 clove garlic (smashed and minced into a paste)
- Sea salt (to taste)
- 1/4 cup quality extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red apple vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Optional: fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by quartering the cherry tomatoes, slicing the onion, and mincing the garlic into a paste. Combine them in a mixing bowl with salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, black pepper, and basil if using. Pour over the tomato mixture.
- Let the marinated tomatoes sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve on crostini, in salads, or as desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
