From soups to sauces, salads, pastas, freezer recipes, and more, we have you covered with the best fresh tomato recipes to make the most out of this summer staple.
To me summer is a clock ticking. There’s limited time to make the juiciest, sweetest, sunniest tomato recipes in every shape, size and color!
That often means bringing home as many tomatoes as I can carry from my local farmers’ market. I slice them for Cucumber Tomato Salad at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I freeze batches of Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce for the dark days of winter. On the days when it’s too hot to cook, I grate them for Pan con Tomate or No-Cook Tomato Sauce (Sugo Di Pomodoro Crudo).
The true magic of a fresh summer tomato is you don’t need a recipe to make something delicious. Just a drizzle of olive oil, and a dash of flaky salt, maybe a grind of pepper if you’re feeling fancy.
This collection of 52 fresh tomato recipes keeps that effortless summer spirit. They’re easy and flavorful without the fuss, made to embrace the summer tomato’s natural perfection. Make them to celebrate this beautiful summer fruit in all its glory, and bank the memories for colder days ahead.
How To Tell If Tomatoes Are Fresh
Fresh tomatoes can make all the difference, making or breaking the taste and texture. Luckily fresh, ripe tomatoes have a few telltale signs:
- Color: Look for vibrant, deep colors. Ripe tomatoes are typically a rich red, but heirloom varieties can be yellow, orange, green, or purple.
- Texture: Heirlooms and on-the-vine tomatoes should feel firm but yield slightly to pressure, indicating ripeness (some varieties like Roma stay rather firm even when they’re ripe). Avoid tomatoes that are too soft or have wrinkles as these are signs of over-ripeness.
- Smell: Fresh tomatoes should have a sweet, earthy aroma, especially near the stem. If a tomato has no smell, it might not be fully ripe.
- Skin: Check for smooth, blemish-free skin. Cracks, blemishes, or soft spots can indicate that the tomato is overripe.
- Weight: A fresh tomato should feel heavy for its size, indicating juiciness.
How to Store Fresh Tomatoes
Properly storing fresh tomatoes ensures they stay flavorful and last longer. Here’s how to keep your tomatoes at their best:
- For ripe tomatoes: Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. Place stem side down in a single layer. Avoid stacking them to minimize the risk of damage.
- For very ripe tomatoes: It’s best to just use them. One of my go-tos if I want something easy but don’t want to eat them right away is to quick-roast them, but I have about 44 more ideas for you below.
- Unripe tomatoes: Store at room temperature until they ripen. To speed up the process, place them in a paper bag or a box. If you have one handy, add an apple or banana, too. The fruits emit ethylene gas, which helps promote ripening of the tomatoes.
- Cut tomatoes: Again, using them is best. But you can cover and refrigerate them for a couple of days, they will just lose that fresh, juicy-yet-firm quality, and might be a little mealy.
- Forget the fridge: I know I just said if you have some leftover tomatoes in a salad it’s OK to refrigerate them, but they lose a lot of what makes them wonderful. However, they won’t be inedible and it’s better than throwing them out. As a general rule, however, you don’t want to store tomatoes in the fridge.
Tomato Salad Recipes
Vibrant and refreshing, these salad recipes are the perfect addition to any meal, breakfast included!
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
This is our classic salad that we eat with everything: simply delicious! Enjoy on its own or as the perfect starter for your next cookout alongside Greek lamb burgers or grilled chicken drumsticks, and spoon it over your chicken shawarma!
Caprese Salad
The purists would disagree but I think there are so many ways to caprese–from adding roasted eggplant, chicken, lentils, and beyond. But this simple recipe made from layers of tomato, mozzarella, basil, and olive oil is the traditional Italian salad in all its glory. Honestly, with a great summer tomato, it really doesn’t get better.
Kisir (Turkish Bulgur Salad)
This hearty grain salad made with bulgur, tomatoes, red pepper paste, and pomegranate molasses is enjoyed straight out of the fridge, on its own or scooped into lettuce cups. It’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot day.
Panzanella Salad (Bread and Tomato Salad)
One of the best ways to use day-old bread! Perfectly ripe tomatoes, Italian bread, and a tangy vinaigrette come together in this easy salad that’s hearty, light, and yet deeply satisfying. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture, from the crisp bread to the juicy tomatoes, and soft creamy cheese. Serve with simple proteins, like grilled chicken or salmon kabobs.
Chorizo Tomato and Charred Corn Salad
With spicy-garlicky chorizo, juicy tomatoes, and charred sweet corn, this flavorful salad is peak summer deliciousness. Plus, it’s a full meal on its own that takes just 25 minutes. Serve it alongside, and icy cold beverage. Try Hibiscus Tea if you’re booze-free or a nice White Wine Sangria if you want to indulge a bit.
Cucumber Tomato Tahini Salad
This delicious salad is creamy yet vegan, fresh yet rich, and takes just 15 minutes to prepare. Serve with pita chips as a light meal. Or spoon over falafels, chicken skewers, grilled fish, and more!
Mediterranean Tomato Feta Salad
Tomato feta salad blends sweet tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and creamy feta cheese into an easy side dish that’s both simple and flavorful. Prepare this tomato salad recipe in the summertime when garden tomatoes are at their peak.
Mediterranean Pomegranate Tomato Salad
This pomegranate tomato salad recipe offers a fresh twist on the classic lettuce salad. Featuring vibrant tomatoes, it takes just 15 minutes to prepare. It’s a great way to add flavor and brightness to your dinner table, while also providing a boost of vitamin C and antioxidants!
Simple Heirloom Tomato Salad with Dukkah
Enjoy a simple and fresh heirloom tomato salad, enhanced Mediterranean-style with a unique garlicky, lemony dressing, and a sprinkle of delicious dukkah! Customize it with a variety of mix-ins and toppings, and pair it with simple main courses like grilled whole chicken and shish kabobs for the perfect summer meal.
Tabouli Salad Recipe (Tabbouleh)
Also known as Tabbouleh, this protein and vitamin-rich tomato salad is a favorite in the Mediterranean. Simply toss finely chopped vegetables with an abundance of fresh parsley, bulgur wheat (stock up at our shop), lime juice, and olive oil.
Cherry Tomato Recipes
Of all the tomatoes, cherry and grape are the most seasonably flexible. These cherry tomato recipes taste best with those beautiful cartons of small tomatoes you can get in the summertime, but I’ll admit to making them in cooler months too.
Grilled Halloumi with Blistered Cherry Tomatoes and Honey-Rosemary Glaze
Sweet, salty, smoky, savory, and aromatic, this easy appetizer will surprise your guests in all the best ways. Use the best wildflower honey you can get your hands on (I love our Greek Alfa Honey).
Quick Roasted Tomatoes with Garlic and Thyme
You will love these quick roasted tomatoes with garlic and thyme. Roasted in a high-heat oven until they’re super tender and bursting with intense, concentrated flavor, they make a versatile addition to all your meals. Prepare them ahead of time, and use them as a delicious vegetarian side, toss them with pasta, or serve them bruschetta-style on toast!
Burrata with Tomato, Basil, and Prosciutto
Ready in just 10 minutes, this dish is more than just a burrata salad! It features burrata with fresh tomatoes, basil, prosciutto, and crusty Italian bread, and serves as a delightful meal on its own. It’s the perfect way to kick off an Italian-style dinner!
Easy Blistered Tomato Bruschetta
Bruschetta is one of the simplest classic Italian appetizers. This recipe is made with blistered sweet cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and tangy balsamic glaze served over crispy grilled bread. Ready in just 15 minutes, this is how you make the perfect tomato bruschetta! Pair it with main courses like Italian stuffed peppers and grilled chicken breast, and you can’t go wrong.
Marinated Cherry Tomato Salad
This easy marinated cherry tomato salad is perfect as a starter or snack with some pan-fried sourdough bread. Or, enjoy it as a no-fuss side dish with all your favorite main courses such as green goddess chicken, citrus salmon, or roasted lamb.
Tomatoes for Breakfast!
Eating fresh fruits and vegetables–including salads–for breakfast is a big part of the Mediterranean Diet. From Greek omelets to a hearty breakfast pizza, these dishes showcase the versatility and bright flavors of tomatoes in meals you’ll look forward to waking up to in the morning!
Easy Shakshuka
Shakshuka is perhaps one of the most beloved Mediterranean breakfasts around the world. To make it, you simply poached eggs in a flavorful chunky tomato and bell pepper sauce. Hearty and filling, it’s sure to keep you satisfied all morning. Pair it with a side of Mlewi (Tunisian Flatbread) for dipping.
Open-Faced Greek Omelet with Tomatoes
This traditional open-faced omelet originates from southern Greece. Known as Kayiania, fresh tomatoes are quickly pan-fried until caramelized and slightly crisped, then cooked with eggs , garlic, a touch of feta, and Mediterranean spices. Ready in just 20 minutes!
Easy Savory Oatmeal Bowls
Enjoy a nutritious and flavor-packed breakfast with this Mediterranean-style savory oatmeal recipe featuring eggs and cherry tomatoes. In just 20 minutes, hearty oats create a delicious base for sweet potatoes, tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, and a sprinkle of za’atar seasoning (stock up at our shop!).
Open Faced Sandwich with Prosciutto and Basil
Let the vibrant flavors of Italy shine through with this open-faced sandwich recipe! Featuring whipped ricotta, prosciutto, and juicy tomato slices, it’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer.
Egg Toast with Vegetables
This easy egg toast recipe with flavorful cherry tomatoes is one you’ll want to keep on hand for repeat meals! It’s a satisfying and healthy breakfast option that requires just 5 minutes to prepare. Whip it up for your family or scale it up to serve a larger group with ease.
Tomato Appetizers, Snacks, and Sides
From classic bruschetta with sweet cherry tomatoes and basil, to easy roasted tomatoes with garlic and thyme, these dishes are bursting with vibrant fresh summer flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a light starter, these tomato-centric recipes promise to add color and zest to your table.
Greek Tomato Fritters With Sun-Dried Tomato Yogurt Dip
You may be familiar with Greece’s beloved zucchini fritters, but did you know there’s a tomato version as well? Crispy and layered with both fresh and sun dried tomatoes, you’ll love these for an appetizer, snack, or vegetarian sandwich patty.
Rustic French-Style Tomato Tart
Rustic yet elegant, this dairy-free tomato tart recipe with Dijon mustard and fresh herbs makes for a beautiful centerpiece when guests arrive. Or serve with Lemon Parmesan Lettuce Salad for a light lunch.
Stuffed Zucchini Boats with Tomato and Feta
A quick, nutritious appetizer, these vibrant stuffed zucchini boats filled with Mediterranean favorites such as tomatoes, feta, and fresh herbs can be prepared in 20 minutes or less!
Pan Con Tomate (Spanish Tomato Bread)
Pan con Tomate is a popular Catalan tapa made with simple ingredients including fresh tomatoes, bread, garlic, and olive oil. It’s a great way to give day-old bread new life!
Garlic Fried Tomatoes
Fried tomatoes, gently cooked in extra virgin olive oil and seasoned with garlic, chili pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of fresh mint. This vegan and gluten-free tomato dish is perfect as a mezze or side, served with your favorite bread to soak up the delicious juices!
Vegan Fried Eggplant with Green Peppers and Tomatoes
Savor the delicate, flavor-packed combination of crispy fried eggplant with green peppers and fresh tomatoes. This simple Mediterranean dish is perfect as a vegetarian main course, paired with your favorite grain or warm Pita Bread. It also shines as a side dish or an appetizer alongside other mezze favorites.
Tomato Appetizer with Feta
Hosting just got less stressful! This 5-minute appetizer is one of my go-to’s in the summer months, along with pitcher drinks like White Sangria. It sets a festive, casual tone for the party and is always such a hit.
Mediterranean Roasted Tomato “Nachos”
Add a fun twist to your classic nachos with this Mediterranean roasted tomato nacho recipe. Use crispy flatbread pizza or crunchy pita chips in place of tortilla chips then top with tomatoes, olives, fresh herbs, artichoke hearts, and feta. It will surprise your guests in all the best ways!
Freezable Tomato Recipes
Make these tomato recipes during peak tomato season, freeze, and thank yourself later.
Oven Roasted Tomato Sauce
Transform 3 pounds of fresh tomatoes and a few pantry staples into a rich, fragrant pasta sauce in 45 minutes or less! Prepare a large batch to freeze and enjoy on rainy days ahead. Just make sure you leave a little space in the container because frozen foods expand.
Easy Ratatouille (One Pot Vegetable Stew)
Ratatouille is a classic vegetable stew from Provence, France, with tomatoes, eggplants, summer squash, bell peppers, onions, and garlic. My easy recipe takes one pot and cooks in about 40 minutes. And because it is even better the next day or two, it is the perfect make-ahead meal.
Tomato Basil Soup
A classic comfort food, this tomato basil soup recipe shows that homemade roasted tomato soup is far superior to store-bought! It’s vegan, gluten-free, and freezes exceptionally well. Save for a chilly night with feta pita grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping.
Tomato and Chickpea Chili (Two Ways)
Warm, hearty, and flavorful Tomato and Chickpea Chili! Make it in the slow cooker for a hands-off dinner, or prepare it on the stovetop in just 30 minutes! This chili is made with a chickpea base, which is a fun digression from the usual black or kidney beans. If you’re looking for high-quality chickpeas to use in soups, dips, and more check out our shop.
Mediterranean Bean Soup with Tomato Pesto
This Mediterranean three-bean soup recipe is a hearty, vegetarian, and gluten-free dinner perfect for feeding a hungry crowd! If you’ve ever thought beans were boring, this delicious and cozy soup, topped with a bold tomato pesto, will change your mind. The recipe serves 8 in under 40 minutes and is great with a side of bread.
Easy Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
This is my family’s secret homemade spaghetti sauce (well, it’s not so secret anymore)! It’s silly-easy to make and uses just a few pantry staples. You can use canned or fresh tomatoes and it’s scented with all those gorgeous summer flavors like basil, oregano, and parsley. Perfectly rich and flavorful, you’ll be ditching that store-bought pasta sauce!
Chilled Tomato Soup Recipes
These chilled tomato soups are ideal for lunch or dinner on days so hot it’s hard to imagine eating, let alone cooking! The best part? The flavor just gets better with time, so they’re great for getting ahead.
10-Minute Tomato Gazpacho
This recipe is everything you need to create the ultimate Tomato Gazpacho! This Spanish chilled tomato and vegetable soup is fresh, light, and bursting with flavor. Prepare it in advance, and chill it in the fridge for the best flavor.
Salmorejo (Spanish Chilled Tomato Soup)
Cool off with a delicious bowl of Salmorejo, Spain’s cold tomato soup. Similar to Gazpacho but even simpler, this creamy (but dairy-free) soup makes for a refreshing summer comfort food. Serve as a light lunch or an easy appetizer, with or without the hard-boiled egg and ham topping.
Watermelon Gazpacho
Blending sweet, juicy watermelon with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, this vegan soup is a little spicy, a little bit sweet, and incredibly refreshing. Serve with a Niçoise salad for a light summer meal (you can leave off the tuna to keep it vegetarian).
Tomato Pasta Recipes
Count fresh tomatoes as your favorite comfort food with these simply delicious tomato pasta recipes. Perfect for everything from family dinners to fancy date nights at home!
Pomodoro Tomato Sauce
A delightful dish of spaghetti or rigatoni tossed in a very simple but flavorful basil-infused tomato sauce. Is there anything more satisfying? Serve with a Big Easy Italian Salad.
Creamy Orzo with Garlic, Parmesan, and Blistered Tomatoes
This simple weeknight dinner relies on protein-rich Greek yogurt for a luxurious, velvety texture and a delightful tang. Best of all, it’s ready in 30 minutes or less. Enjoy on its own for a vegetarian meal, or pair with protein-rich mains like Sautéed Shrimp or Lemon Garlic Chicken to make it even more filling.
Pasta Primavera
I swap the heavy cream for a lighter lemony sauce to let the seasonal vegetables shine, including bright and juicy cherry tomatoes. Use whatever veggies look best at your market, and serve with a fresh Smashed Cucumber Salad.
Italian Pasta Salad
This Italian-inspired pasta salad is my go-to all summer long! Loaded with extras like cherry tomatoes, pearl mozzarella, olives, and just a touch of salami for a bit of depth. I toss the whole thing in a delicious homemade Italian dressing and finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs. It’s great for desk lunches, school lunches, or BBQs.
Pesto Pasta with Tomatoes and Mozzarella
This pesto pasta is perfectly coated in sauce for maximum flavor, tossed with juicy quick-roasted tomatoes, and adorned with fresh baby mozzarella. Keep it vegetarian or add shrimp or grilled chicken to boost the protein content. This recipe makes 6 servings in 40 minutes making it a great weeknight dinner option for the whole family!
No-Cook Tomato Sauce (Sugo Di Pomodoro Crudo)
Fresh ripe tomatoes, herbs, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil effortlessly combine to create a bright and flavorful no-cook tomato sauce. Serve this 5-ingredient fresh tomato sauce with pasta, use it as a fresh pizza sauce, or enjoy it as a simple topping for bread! It’s ready in just 10 minutes!
Summery Mains
For the true tomato lovers, here are 9 fresh tomato recipes that let the tomatoes be the star (or at least the co-star!).
Stuffed Tomatoes with Tuna
These Spanish-inspired stuffed tomatoes filled with tuna, olives, and parsley create a nutritious and satisfying pescatarian dinner that’s gluten- and dairy-free. Enjoy the flavors of late summer garden tomatoes with this healthy and delicious recipe!
Grilled Scallops with Mediterranean Tomato Salsa
Tender, buttery, and flavor-packed grilled scallops take just 5 minutes on your grill pan or outdoor grill! Served over a bed of my Mediterranean fresh tomato salsa, these scallops are easy to make for a quick dinner that feels even fancier than your favorite restaurant. Add a side of rice or pasta to make it even more filling.
Mediterranean Baked Fish with Tomatoes and Capers
Ready in just 35 minutes, this simple recipe is not only delicious but also healthy, low-carb, low-calorie, and gluten-free, too! Pair with sides like grilled zucchini, Greek roasted potatoes, or Lebanese rice for a hearty meal.
Mediterranean Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives
Made in a single skillet, this Mediterranean chicken dish is ready in under 30 minutes. It features my cherished childhood flavors: garlicky seared chicken, briny olives, creamy feta, tomatoes, and parsley. With fewer dishes, less time, and incredible flavor, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner! Serve it as is, or pair it with pasta or rice to soak up every drop.
Greek Stuffed Tomatoes (Gemista)
This satisfying tomato recipe features a robust stuffing of ground meat, rice, onions, garlic, fragrant spices like cumin, oregano, and nutmeg, along with fresh herbs.
Italian-Style Skillet Chicken Breast with Tomatoes and Mushrooms
This Italian-inspired skillet chicken comes together in just 30 minutes! Chicken cutlets are cooked in a delightful garlic and white wine sauce with tomatoes and mushrooms until juicy and flavorful. It’s perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal, yet fancy enough for a date night at home.
Easy Grilled Pizza With Tomato And Mozzarella
Skip the takeout. Making grilled pizza at home is simple with a high-heated grill and a few techniques! No special pizza oven or pizza stone is needed for the perfect crust. You’ll enjoy fresh, flavor-packed toppings like sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and robust olives.
Baked White Fish Recipe, Mediterranean-Style
Cod fillet is a good choice for an easy, baked-fish dinner, topped with a delicious mixture of olives, shallots, and fresh grape tomatoes. This recipe is ready in 25 minutes and is seasoned with lemon, oregano, and thyme.
Easy Chicken Caprese
Make the basil pesto yourself, or use a high-quality store-bought pesto and this simple dinner is ready in 20-minutes. You can make it in a skillet or on your outdoor grill! For a simple and summery side to go along, I love this Orzo with Zucchini and Chickpeas.
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I need to try all 15 of these! They all look so good.
So many good recipes here. The Italian baked chicken is my favourite and I can’t wait to give it a go. Yum and yum! Tomatoes are the best and the Mediterranean twist opens up making so many possibilities! They all look delicious.
So may great options for those tomatoes from my garden.
So many of my favorite ways to use tomatoes are listed here. My favorite is Caprese Chicken and a close second is Shakshuka. Now I’m kind hungering for one of these dishes for dinner tonight.
LOVE this roundup, everything looks so good!
Such wonderful meal ideas with tomatoes! I am particularly loving that hash potato, need to try it before everything else. 😉
So many delicious choices! I’m starting with the zucchini boats and working my way through the rest. Thanks!
Looks yummy.
Thanks for some great ideas!
Enjoy!
I am already a massive fan of your Olive Oil Pasta and Gazpacho, so I just know that the rest of this list is going to be just as good! I think I’l start with that halibut! It looks delicious!
Yay! Enjoy, Claire!
There is not one of these recipes that I wouldn’t love! I’m going to get loads of tomatoes at the farmers’ market today, so hope to try a few of these next week.
These recipes would be perfect with the tomatoes growing in the garden this year!
Wonderful, Jackie! Can’t wait to hear which you’ll try.
Love all of the flavors!!?
Glad to hear it, Kate!
Wow these look amazing! Can’t wait to try them.
Wow! Everything looks so delicious!
Enjoy, Melissa!
Love these ideas!! There’s just nothing better this time of year than fully ripened tomatoes.
Totally, Susan! Thanks so much for stopping in.
What a beautiful and healthy array of your favorite tomato recipes. Gorgeous and so tempting – I am bookmarking this for future dinners! 🙂
Awesome, Jane! Thank you so much!