Description
This Easy Marinated Tomatoes recipe offers a bright and fresh way to elevate ripe tomatoes with a simple garlic-herb marinade. Perfect as a refreshing appetizer or a flavorful side, the marinated tomatoes soak up the tangy balsamic vinegar and fragrant herbs, delivering a delightful burst of flavor with minimal effort. Ready in just 10 minutes plus marinating time, this dish is a great make-ahead addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Tomatoes
- 4 large ripe tomatoes (firm to the touch)
Marinade
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- ¼ small white onion, finely diced (or use red/yellow onion)
- ½ small bunch fresh dill (or fresh basil, parsley, or cilantro)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Slice the Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes into 1/3-inch thick slices to ensure they marinate evenly and absorb the flavors effectively.
- Prepare the Marinade: Finely chop the garlic, onion, and your choice of fresh herbs such as dill, basil, parsley, or cilantro for a fragrant and flavorful base.
- Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the pressed garlic, diced onion, chopped herbs, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey until well combined.
- Season the Tomatoes: Arrange the tomato slices on a shallow platter and sprinkle them evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural sweetness.
- Marinate the Tomatoes: Spoon the garlic-herb marinade generously over the tomato slices, making sure each slice is well coated to maximize flavor infusion.
- Refrigerate: Cover the platter tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the tomatoes to soak up the marinade and develop rich flavors.
- Serve: Serve the marinated tomatoes chilled as a refreshing appetizer or alongside grilled meats to complement savory dishes.
Notes
- Use firm, ripe tomatoes for best texture and flavor.
- Feel free to substitute the fresh dill with basil, parsley, or cilantro to suit your taste preferences.
- Marinate for longer (up to 4 hours) for a deeper flavor, but avoid exceeding 6 hours to prevent the tomatoes from becoming too soft.
- This dish can be prepared up to a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Adjust honey quantity for desired sweetness based on your taste.