Mildly tangy and a bit bit candy, this garlic and herb marinade goes superbly with the pure acidity of tomatoes. I’ve all the time favored tomatoes, however these marinated tomatoes have taken that relationship to a complete new degree.

I’ve been combining tomatoes and balsamic dressings for some time (taking a look at you, you lovely cucumber tomato salad). However this recipe for marinated tomatoes has me feeling very Mary Poppins. Only a spoonful of sugar makes such a distinction!
Marinated Tomatoes


I’m bought on this taste mixture. The primary time I made these tomatoes, I couldn’t keep out of all of them afternoon as they had been marinating on the counter, so I moved them to the fridge. And I nonetheless couldn’t keep out of them!
I stored telling myself I wanted to stir them to ensure they had been marinating good. By some means that wound up in a style or two every time. Think about your self warned, these actually are that good!
Even my brother, who hates vinegar favored these tomatoes. So, I’m assured that they will convert even diehard skeptics. Simply keep in mind that with nice energy comes nice duty. And snack nicely, my mates!


Components and Substitutions
Tomatoes – I often use cherry or grape tomatoes. However, this recipe will work properly with no matter tomatoes you occur to have available.
Vinegar – Balsamic vinegar is ideal with the acidity of the tomatoes, including a tangy, tart taste.
Olive Oil – You’ll wish to use further virgin olive oil for the dressing, as it is a dressing the place the oil will get to share the highlight.
Sugar – I add a bit sugar, to carry out the sweetness of the tomatoes.
Garlic – Recent garlic is the transfer. There is no such thing as a substitute this time round.
Recent Herbs – You’re going to like the earthy, virtually peppery notes that freshly chopped basil and parsley carry to the combo.
Seasonings – Thyme rounds out the flavors with a type of minty trace. And, I all the time use kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Notes on Gear
- Mixing bowl or hermetic container with lid
- Slicing board
- Chef’s knife. Meals prep is a lot simpler when you’ve got a high quality knife. It was over 10 years in the past after I first tried this knife, whereas visiting knowledgeable take a look at kitchen. I nonetheless love the knife and the worth level merely can’t be beat for high quality.
- Measuring spoons
- Garlic Press That is fingers down the most effective press I’ve ever used. The press is available in two completely different sizes, and the bigger one truly cuts it into tiny items. And, the BEST half? It’s simply two items of chrome steel that click on collectively and are available aside for the simplest cleansing you possibly can think about.


Make Marinated Tomatoes
Washing the Tomatoes: To begin, you’ll wish to clear the tomatoes. Pat them dry with a material or paper towel afterward.
Making ready the Produce: I halve or lower the tomatoes into bite-size items. I additionally lower the basil and parsley and mince the garlic at this stage.
Assembling the Tomatoes: Place the tomatoes in a big bowl or container with a lid. Add the garlic, parsley, and basil. Sprinkle with the sugar, salt, pepper, and thyme. Pour the oil and vinegar over them.


Tossing: Toss all the pieces collectively till the tomatoes are totally coated.
Marinating: You’ll wish to cowl the bowl and let the tomatoes marinate for a couple of hours, both at room temperature or within the fridge. This offers all of the flavors time to meld and marry. However, it’s best to completely snack on a couple of (it’s a style take a look at! completely official) simply to ensure all the pieces is nice.
Serving: As soon as the tomatoes have marinated, serve chilled or at room temperature.


Skilled Tip
One of many greatest taste contributors right here is the basil. To be able to get probably the most out of your basil leaves, you’ll wish to chiffonade the basil. Don’t panic if you hear that phrase! All which means is you’ll wish to stack the leaves on high of each other, roll them collectively, then use a knife to slice the leaves into very skinny slivers. Then, simply gently separate all of the slivers earlier than including them to the bowl.
Selecting the Finest Tomatoes – You need to use completely different types of tomatoes, however keep in mind that this recipe is ALL about them. So, select the freshest, ripest fruits you will discover. They need to be aromatic and heavy for his or her dimension with taut pores and skin.
Mincing the Garlic – Utilizing contemporary garlic delivers a end result that’s not possible to match with another type of garlic. Not a fan of mincing garlic? I extremely suggest a high quality garlic press. (I’ve used and really useful this one for years.)
Reserving Marinade – The juices from the tomatoes will pool within the container whereas they sit within the fridge. Scoop the tomatoes out with a slotted spoon and use that marinade. It makes a terrific salad dressing!
Serving Strategies
These tomatoes are a summer time aspect that goes with virtually something off the range. I really like them subsequent to halibut with a pine nut crust after I need lighter fare. And, they’re simply pretty much as good piled up subsequent to my favourite Italian chicken thighs.
I additionally wish to spoon the tomatoes and their juices over a bowl of this easy rice pilaf and let the rice absorb all that unimaginable tomato taste. The bowl by no means lasts lengthy.


Make Forward & Storage
Make Forward: These tomatoes may be prepped upfront. Isn’t that sort of a requirement with one thing you marinate?
Retailer: I maintain the tomatoes in an hermetic jar or container within the fridge for as much as three days.
Extra Tomato Recipes
Regularly Requested Questions
By no means! The seeds will merely turn into a part of the dressing for the tomatoes.
It relies upon the way you’re utilizing them. In the event you’re serving them as a aspect by themselves, I take advantage of a slotted spoon to go away the marinade behind. However, in case you’re utilizing them in a salad, or as a part of one other dish, let the marinade turn into the flavorful dressing.
No. No, no. Don’t use canned tomatoes. The feel is all unsuitable, and so they have already got absorbed about as a lot as is tomato-ly attainable.
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Place the tomatoes in a big mixing bowl. Add the garlic, parsley, and basil. Sprinkle with sugar, salt, pepper, and thyme. Add the oil and vinegar.
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Toss nicely after which permit the tomatoes to marinate at room temperature or within the fridge for a couple of hours. The tomatoes will create their very own wonderful marinade as they relaxation.
I’ve used all types of tomatoes for this recipe. It should work properly with no matter tomatoes you occur to have available.
Energy: 105 kcal | Carbohydrates: 6 g | Protein: 1 g | Fats: 9 g | Saturated Fats: 1 g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fats: 7 g | Sodium: 199 mg | Potassium: 192 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 4 g | Vitamin A: 753 IU | Vitamin C: 12 mg | Calcium: 12 mg | Iron: 1 mg
Vitamin data is mechanically calculated, so ought to solely be used as an approximation.
{initially printed 7/20/11 – recipe notes and pictures up to date 6/15/26}
I made these marinated tomatoes for the primary time 15 years in the past, the day after Ree shared them. My recipe is customized from and with because of Missy by way of The Pioneer Woman.
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