The 33 Best Tomato Recipes for Savoring Summer
From easy cheesy sandwiches to grilled kabobs and everything in between
We tend to take tomatoes for granted since they’re available year ‘round, but peak tomato season — when they’re at their juiciest and most flavorful — is worth celebrating. The best tomato recipes are ones that show ‘em off (like gorgeous multi-colored tomato tarts) and use them up before they go bad (and so you can acquire your next stash!) Not just delicious, there are tons of tomato health benefits, so don’t hesitate to load up on them the next time you see a colorful pile. And if you have even a little bit of sunny outdoor space, maybe it’s time to think about growing tomatoes: It’s hard to beat biting into a vine-ripened beauty that you’ve grown yourself. So go ahead and make the most of these vibrant summer jewels with this collection of recipes for fresh vegetarian dinners (some for meat-eaters, too), surprising sides and even a cocktail!
BLT Pasta Salad
All the ingredients of this summer staple, in a picnic-perfect format!
Greek Salad
Don't skip the fresh oregano. It adds just the right herby touch to the caper vinaigrette in this bright, juicy salad.
Mediterranean Chicken Bowls
Airfryer, for the win! In this case, tomatoes and onions cook along with chicken breasts to create a healthy, hearty meal that can be on your table in 30 minutes.
Get the recipe for Mediterranean Chicken Bowls »
RELATED: 9 Best Air Fryers of 2021, According to Kitchen Appliance Pros
Caponata Flatbread
Grilled tomatoes, eggplant and peppers mingle with capers and vinegar to make the topping on this pizza pop! Serve it as a fun appetizer or make it a vegetarian main.
Easy Red Salsa
This chunky salsa is fresh, festive, and can be put together in 15 minutes. Let it sit for another 10 at allow the flavors to meld, then dig in!
Shakshuka
This baked egg dish is a great way to use up extra tomatoes. Use whatever type you have on hand, but just make sure to have some crusty bread around for sopping up the garlicky juices.
BLT Bites
Cutting down on carbs? You can still indulge a little with this hand-held take on the classic.
Tomato, Peach and Basil Salad
Ultra-ripe summer fruits mingle with marinated onions and tangy feta for a sweet-savory side dish or hearty main.
Tomato, Tomato
Not your typical cocktail ingredient, but this recipe proves cherry tomatoes deserve a place on the bar cart.
Mini Meatballs With Garlicky Tomatoes
Serve as is or stuff into mini rolls for a kid-friendly lunch. Meal prepping? You can make the meatballs up to four days ahead.
Tomato-Eggplant Tartines
For a sophisticated twist on a gooey grilled cheese, serve the sandwiches open-faced and topped with grilled eggplant and tomato slices.
Frico Cups
Fresh salad served in a fried cheese cup? Count us in!
Rainbow Veggie Kabobs
Burgers and steaks are so ... brown. Add a pop of color to your grill with yellow summer squash, green broccoli and multicolored tomatoes.
Penne with Roasted Tomatoes & Spring-Onion Pesto
For maximum flavor, throw fresh-off-the-vine tomatoes in the oven until they burst.
Get the recipe for Penne with Roasted Tomatoes & Spring-Onion Pesto »
Honey-Lime Ramen Salad
Upgrade the college staple with tomatoes, cilantro, cucumber and a Honey-Soy vinaigrette.
Caprese Bites
These bite-sized basil, tomato and mozz skewers will disappear fast. Plan ahead and prep a few extra batches.
Meatball-Mozzarella Pizza
When you top your pizza with juicy plum tomatoes, there's no need for sauce.
Mussels Provençal
This dish is best enjoyed with a waterfront view, but as long as there's bread for dunking, any place will suffice.
Peanutty Edamame & Noodle Salad
This low-calorie noodle dish actually tastes better at room temp, making it perfect to pack for a picnic.
Soy-Braised Beef and Tomato Mint Salad
Throw the beef brisket into the slow cooker in the a.m., then stock up on grape tomatoes from the farmers' market on your way home.
Grilled Buffalo Salmon with Celery Slaw
Spicy "Chicken Pizza" Parm
Grilled Balsamic Eggplant Boats
Watermelon Soju
