Marinated Cherry Tomatoes

Try our simple yet delightful Marinated Cherry Tomatoes recipe. Easy to prepare, it’s a vibrant addition to any meal, no matter the occasion.

Dive into the sun-drenched flavors of our Marinated Cherry Tomatoes recipe, a tribute to simplicity and freshness. This dish centers on juicy cherry tomatoes marinated in a rich mix of olive oil, fragrant herbs, zesty lemon, pungent garlic, and sharp red onion, transforming these tiny treasures through the art of marination.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. While it’s perfect for summer gatherings and backyard barbecues, it’s also a great option for elevating your everyday meals. Toss the marinated tomatoes with some warm pasta and fresh veggies for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or use them as a topping on homemade pizza.

So why not give our Marinated Cherry Tomatoes recipe a try? With its simple ingredients and delicious flavors, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Tips for the BEST Marinated Tomatoes

• Using a shallow bowl will help to ensure all your tomatoes are covered evenly in the marinade. Baking dish also works well for this purpose.
• By letting the tomatoes sit in the marinade for at least an hour, preferably overnight, they absorb all the bold flavours and become even more vibrant and delicious. Cherry tomatoes are a good choice as they hold their shape and keep their texture even after several days.
• Taste before chilling then again before serving, and adjust as needed. You may want to add more garlic, seasoning, lemon juice etc… If the tomatoes are a little too acidic you can add a touch of sugar.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment! Try out different fresh herbs or swap out the red onion for shallots. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, throw in some chopped olives, cucumbers or capers for an added burst of flavour.

Storing Leftover Marinated Tomatoes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Do not freeze.

About the Ingredients for Marinated Tomatoes

Tomatoes – I used a combination of Axiany and Sundrop cherry tomatoes, but you can use any fresh, juicy and sweet tomatoes you have on hand. Cherry tomatoes are a good choice as they taste great all year long.

Garlic – Don’t go overboard with the garlic, but feel free to use as much, or as little as you like.

Onion – I enjoy red onion in small amounts, you can omit altogether if you like, but it does work really well here.

Oil – A good extra virgin olive oil goes a long way here for the marinade, but you can use any neutral flavoured oil that you prefer.

Seasoning – You will want to season with salt and pepper to taste. A little sugar helps to balance out the acidity.

Lemon – The acidity of the lemon is needed to marinate the tomatoes. You can use a vinegar of your choice instead if you prefer. Balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar are good choices, but I really prefer the flavour of lemon juice with the tomatoes.

Herbs – Use fresh basil to give this salad more of a caprese flavour. Fresh mint is really nice too if you don’t go too crazy with it. Fresh parsley is another good choice.

Serving Suggestions

These marinated cherry tomatoes are amazing as their own, served as a fresh tomato salad. Of course they can be served other ways as well! Try some of these ideas:

• Mixed into couscous, quinoa or orzo for a more substantial side dish.
• Tossed into hot pasta for a flavourful meal.
• A topping for chicken, steak or fish.
• On top of pizza, garlic toast, or crusty bread.
• Served with Burrata for a tasty starter.

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How to Make Marinated Cherry Tomatoes

Yields: 8 servings | Prep time: 10 Minutes | Marinating time: 1 Hour

Ingredients:

• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons parsley flakes or finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1 lb cherry tomatoes
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh herbs finely chopped, optional (basil, mint, or fresh parsley)

Directions:

Combine the lemon zest, juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, sugar and parsley flakes in a medium bowl and stir to combine.

Wash the cherry tomatoes, then halve them. If any are larger quarter them.

Add the cherry tomatoes and red onion to the marinade. Stir to combine, then season further to taste with salt and pepper.

Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, then add fresh herbs if using, before tossing gently and serving.