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Marinated Tomatoes Recipe

5 from 119 reviews

This Marinated Tomatoes recipe features ripe tomatoes infused with a flavorful mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or a vibrant topping for grilled meats, bruschetta, and salads. The quick marination enhances the natural sweetness and zest of the tomatoes, making it an easy yet elegant addition to any meal.

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. Select Tomatoes: Choose large, ripe tomatoes that are firm yet slightly soft. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water and pat dry with a clean towel to prepare for slicing.
  2. Slice Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes into wedges, rounds, or cubes, making sure to keep the pieces uniform in size for consistent marination.
  3. Prepare Tomatoes: Place the sliced tomatoes in a large mixing bowl to hold them while you make the marinade.
  4. Combine Liquid Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix together the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar as the base for your marinade.
  5. Add Seasonings: Season the mixture with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out the flavors.
  6. Incorporate Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, then add chopped fresh basil and parsley, or use dried herbs if preferred.
  7. Add Heat (Optional): If you like a bit of spice, add the red pepper flakes to the marinade for a gentle kick.
  8. Whisk Marinade: Whisk all marinade ingredients together until well combined to ensure even distribution of flavors.
  9. Marinate Tomatoes: Pour the marinade over the sliced tomatoes and gently toss to coat all pieces evenly with the flavorful mixture.
  10. Cover and Rest: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the tomatoes and marinade to a resealable plastic bag, carefully removing excess air to seal.
  11. Marinate Time: Let the tomatoes marinate at room temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a deeper infusion of flavors.
  12. Toss Again: After marinating, gently toss the tomatoes once more to redistribute the marinade evenly.
  13. Serve: Transfer the marinated tomatoes to a beautiful serving dish, optionally drizzling leftover marinade on top for extra flavor.
  14. Usage Suggestions: Enjoy as a fresh side dish, a flavorful topping for grilled meats, bruschetta, or include them in salads for a vibrant taste.
  15. Store Leftovers: Any leftover marinated tomatoes should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving again to bring out their flavors.

Notes

  • Use ripe but firm tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
  • Adjust marination time depending on how strong you want the flavors; longer marination intensifies taste.
  • Red pepper flakes are optional and can be omitted or adjusted according to your spice preference.
  • For a fresher herb flavor, use fresh basil and parsley; dried herbs work well but are less vibrant.
  • This dish can be served immediately after marinating but tastes best after at least 30 minutes.
  • Always store leftovers refrigerated to keep the tomatoes fresh and flavorful.

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