In just 10 minutes, fashion this fresh and zesty dish for a meal-prep side or topping.
When I was little, I often roamed through my grandparents’ lakeside garden like a rabbit, on the hunt for fresh cherry tomatoes. I followed soft, emerald vines with my fingertips to the juicy red gems, then plucked them effortlessly. Each one popped in my mouth and dribbled down my chin, which my mom would later clean up and giggle about. I was thrilled; I thought I had found nature’s tangiest candy.
Now that I’m older, I have a more refined appreciation for this ruby, round produce. The uniquely bright taste of garden-fresh tomatoes is elevated when you soak them in a citrus marinade. Garlicky and full of fresh herbs, these marinated tomatoes are mouthwatering and simple to whip up. They can jazz up almost any dish, especially those that are veggie-heavy. Any salad lover worth their salt should try a scoop of marinated tomatoes as a topping. Trust me—it transforms the whole mix.
But salad isn’t the only type of dish that can benefit from marinated tomatoes. It’s fun to incorporate them into all kinds of recipes, from rice pilaf to grilled cheese sandwiches. Yep, your meal-prep game just got an easy upgrade!
Did tomatoes originate in Italy?
No. While much of Italian cuisine includes and focuses on tangy tomatoes, they actually come from South America. It wasn’t until the 16th century, when Spanish explorers brought tomato seeds back from Mexico to Spain, that Europe was exposed to the terrific little fruit-veggie. Today, there are several different kinds of tomatoes—big and small—which are best grown in warm, sunny, and moderately humid climates.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover marinated tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for 2-3 days. Keep in mind that over time, the tomatoes will soften, so it’s better to enjoy them sooner before they get too mushy. Serve them cold or let them reach room temperature before digging in.
Serving suggestions
Want to keep it simple? Dish out marinated tomatoes with some fresh Bread Without Yeast or Gluten-Free Flatbread. But if you’re hungry for a whole meal, any of these dishes would harmonize well with marinated tomatoes: 7-Layer Salad, Vegetable Rice Pilaf, Quinoa Chickpea Salad, Spinach Tomato Pasta, Caprese Sandwich, or Mexican Chopped Salad. This dish might seem simple, but it opens the doors to all kinds of fun combos, no matter which cultural cuisine you try.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cherry or grape tomatoes halved or quartered
- 1 clove garlic finely grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 pinch dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 2 teaspoons fresh basil minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley minced
Instructions
- Place the tomatoes in a bowl. Add in the grated garlic, olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and fresh herbs. Toss until everything is well combined.
- Cover the bowl and let the tomatoes marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to blend.
- Remove the tomatoes from the fridge and let them reach room temperature before serving. Enjoy as a side or salad topping.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment