There are few foods that serve as a more palpable reminder that summer has arrived than tomatoes — fat, juicy, farmers’-market-fresh tomatoes. And there’s something nostalgic about eating tomatoes in the summer, isn’t there? Scarfing them straight from the vine as a child, giggling while the pulpy seeds spilled down your face. Asking for more salt, please. Or perhaps watching a grandparent artfully arrange slices on a piece of bread while, seemingly in one fell swoop, slathering the other side with Duke’s Mayonnaise (or Miracle Whip, depending on your druthers, but that’s an argument for another day).
But we’re all grown-ups here — at least we do our best at pretending to be — and the world of tomato recipes is exponentially larger than it was in our youth. We probably have Pinterest to thank for that. But the point is, you’d be doing both yourself and this beautiful fruit a disservice by not exploring all of the wonderful ways you can eat it.
Yes, they’re always going to be extra-delicious straight from vine. But the following recipes will make you appreciated tomatoes even more, not to mention make your summer just a little more magical (not to mention delicious).
Fresh Fig, Prosciutto and Arugula Salad with Cherry Tomato Vinaigrette
Starting with the obvious, this salad recipe from Half Baked Harvest is crazy beautiful. Like, people will stop and stare. They might even ask to take its picture — because, yes, this salad has enough star power to merit its own paparazzi.
Okay, maybe we’re being hyperbolic. Still, you certainly won’t be able to stop photographing it or eating it, thanks to a stunning combination of fresh fig, prosciutto, arugula, basil, burrata cheese and, the special ingredient, cherry tomato vinaigrette.
Three-Ingredient Tomato Sandwich
We couldn’t very well make a list about must-eat tomato recipes without including some form of tomato sandwich, now could we? What’s really special about Cup of Jo’s version is that, although it has the same three ingredients as typical tomato sandwiches (tomato, mayo and bread), it uses a variety of tomatoes. Not only does this give the flavor depth, but it also makes the sandwich, well, pretty.
Nourishing Spiced Lentil and Tomato Soup
This isn’t your standard tomato soup! Thanks to favored Indian spices like turmeric and cumin, Rebel Recipes’ lentil and tomato soup is packed full of flavor. Ditch the grilled cheese and use flatbreads for dipping instead.
Basque Piperade with Fresh Eggs
There are so many things that make Cured By Bacon’s basque piperade (adapted from a recipe by Portland chef John Gorham). It features affordable ingredients, it’s comfort food elevated, it’s surprisingly simple to make and, yep, it features yummy tomatoes.
Tomato Cracker Salad
If you’ve never had this Southern favorite, let this be the summer you give it a shot. It’s pretty much exactly like it sounds — tomatoes and broken saltines mixed with a little mayo and salt and pepper — and it’s downright addictive.
Everything Bagel Galettelettes with Tomatoes & Scallion Cream Cheese
Put that oversized bottle of “everything bagel” topping to good use! My Name Is Yeh’s galettelettes need a liberal sprinkling. It’s the perfect complement to tomatoes and scallion cream cheese.
French Tomato and Goat Cheese Tart
It’s hard to say what makes Coley Cooks’ tart most magical: the buttery crust, tangy Dijon mustard, ripe heirloom tomatoes or creamy dollops of goat cheese.
Homemade Scalloped Tomatoes
If you love scalloped potatoes, you’re really going to love Foodal’s recipe for scalloped tomatoes. It’s light and fresh, which is a nice change of pace during the steamy summer months.
Italian Herb Tomato Bread
Fresh tomatoes, Italian herbs, garlic and cheese come together in a loaf pan to create this hearty bread by Bunsen Burner Bakery.
Crispy Parmesan Tomato Chips
Um, say hello to your new favorite snack. Sugar-Free Mom’s parmesan tomato chips will satisfy your cravings for something crunchy and salty, without the added fat and carbs of potato chips.
Marinated Cherry Tomatoes With Burrata and Toast
You know what’s appealing about Half Baked Harvest’s marinated cherry tomatoes? They’re easy. And if it’s easy, it’s me-asy (just go with it). All you really have to do is toss heirloom tomatoes in a super-quick marinade, toss in a few balls of burrata cheese and, when you’re ready to eat, toss it all on some toast.
Fresh Stewed Okra and Tomatoes
Okra and tomatoes should go down in the annals of food history as one of the great flavor combos, like peanut butter and jelly. If okra “slime” weirds you out, you’ll appreciate How to Feed a Loon’s stewed okra and tomatoes — cooking them this way takes away that distinctive texture.
Okra and Green Tomato Fritters
Listen, put aside any reservations you might have about okra. When combined with green tomatoes and cooked ‘til crispy in fritter form, you’ll fall in love (and when you do, you can send a letter to Southern Bite to say thanks for the recipe!).
Tomato Bread Pudding
You’re probably used to eating your bread pudding sweet, but we’re here to tell you it’s high time to taste-test savory bread pudding. You can start with Recipe Girl’s tomato bread pudding since it’s sure to make a compelling case.
Gnocchi With Tomato Sauce
Craving something hearty but still with the summery freshness of tomatoes? Look no further than Bianca Zapatka’s tomato gnocchi. If this dish doesn’t look like a saucy dream in a skillet, we don’t know what does.
Caramelized Onion and Tomato Tart
Between their perfectly portable size and a delightful combo of caramelized onions and tomatoes, you can’t ask for a much better summer party appetizer than Grandbaby Cakes’ tasty tart recipe.
Charred Cherry Tomatoes With Cold Yogurt
Adapted by House & Home from Yotam Ottolenghi’s cookbook Ottolenghi Simple, these charred cherry tomatoes pop against cold and creamy yogurt. And the contrast in temperature and texture will make your taste buds sing.
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