Intro and Brief Recap
Have you ever experienced the burst of flavor when biting into a perfectly marinated cherry tomato? The combination of sweet, juicy tomatoes soaked in aromatic herbs and spices creates a tantalizing treat that is impossible to resist. The Tempting Simple Marinated Cherry Tomatoes Recipe for Summer Bliss will elevate your summer gatherings and provide an unforgettable taste sensation.
Imagine sitting outside on a warm summer evening, surrounded by friends and family, as the sun sets in a golden hue. This dish makes the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats or a refreshing salad. With every bite, the vibrant flavors of the marinated tomatoes meld together, offering an explosion of freshness that embodies the essence of summer. Get ready to impress your guests with this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite!
Key Ingredients For Tempting Simple Marinated Cherry Tomatoes Recipe for Summer Bliss
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Cherry Tomatoes: Look for firm, plump tomatoes with vibrant color; these will offer the best flavor and texture.
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Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A high-quality olive oil enhances the overall taste; opt for one with fruity notes.
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Balsamic Vinegar: Use a good balsamic vinegar to add depth and sweetness to the marinade.
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Fresh Basil: Fresh basil leaves bring a fragrant aroma; tear them just before using for maximum flavor.
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Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds a wonderful savory note; use minced garlic for an even distribution.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Instructions For Tempting Simple Marinated Cherry Tomatoes Recipe for Summer Bliss
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
First Step : Prepare the Tomatoes
Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water and dry them using a clean kitchen towel. Slice each tomato in half, ensuring they are easy to marinate.
Second Step : Make the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and salt. This mixture will enhance the tomatoes’ natural sweetness.
Third Step : Combine Ingredients
Add the halved cherry tomatoes into your bowl with marinade. Gently toss until all tomatoes are evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.
Fourth Step : Add Fresh Herbs
Tear fresh basil leaves into small pieces and sprinkle them over the marinated tomatoes. Stir gently to incorporate without bruising the herbs.
Fifth Step : Let it Marinate
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer everything into an airtight container. Allow it to marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or up to two hours for deeper flavor absorption.
Serve Suggestion: Transfer marinated cherry tomatoes onto a serving platter and drizzle any leftover marinade over them for an inviting presentation.
Expert Tips
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
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Choose Ripe Tomatoes: Always select ripe cherry tomatoes for maximum sweetness and juiciness in your dish.
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Marination Time Matters: Letting tomatoes marinate longer enhances their flavor; aim for at least one hour if possible.
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Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like oregano or parsley based on your preferences.
Presentation Ideas
This Tempting Simple Marinated Cherry Tomatoes Recipe for Summer Bliss is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
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Grilled meats: These marinated cherry tomatoes complement grilled chicken, steak, or fish beautifully, adding a burst of flavor.
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Pasta dishes: Toss these tomatoes into pasta salads or serve them alongside spaghetti for a refreshing twist.
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Crostini: Top slices of toasted baguette with the marinated cherry tomatoes for an elegant appetizer.
Why Marinate Cherry Tomatoes?
Marinating cherry tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth to their flavor. The marinade infuses the tomatoes with herbs, garlic, and a splash of vinegar, making them irresistible. This process not only elevates their taste but also transforms them into a delightful summer side dish. Enjoying these marinated delights brings a taste of summer to your table year-round.
How to Store Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
To keep your Tempting Simple Marinated Cherry Tomatoes Recipe for Summer Bliss fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last up to five days. The flavors will continue to develop as they sit, making them even tastier over time. Make sure to use clean utensils when serving to avoid contamination.
Health Benefits of Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are low in calories yet high in nutrients. They are rich in vitamins A and C, which support your immune system and skin health. Additionally, these little gems contain antioxidants that can combat free radicals in the body. Including marinated cherry tomatoes in your meals not only enhances flavor but also boosts nutritional value.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these tempting marinated cherry tomatoes as a refreshing side dish at barbecues or picnics. You can also incorporate them into grain bowls or salads for added color and taste. Their vibrant appearance and robust flavor make them a perfect addition to any summer meal.
FAQs
Can I use different types of tomatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are perfect due to their sweetness and size, you can experiment with grape or heirloom tomatoes as well. Just remember that different varieties may have varying levels of sweetness and acidity, so adjust the marinade accordingly.
How long should I marinate the tomatoes?
For optimal flavor, marinate the cherry tomatoes for at least one hour before serving. However, if you have more time, letting them sit overnight will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Just ensure you keep them refrigerated during this time.
Can I add other ingredients to the marinade?
Yes! Feel free to customize your marinade by adding ingredients such as red onion, basil, or even a splash of lemon juice for extra brightness. The Tempting Simple Marinated Cherry Tomatoes Recipe for Summer Bliss is adaptable and can suit various taste preferences.
Are marinated cherry tomatoes suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! These marinated cherry tomatoes are perfect for meal prep as they can enhance several dishes throughout the week. Prepare a batch on Sunday and enjoy their vibrant flavors all week long in salads, sandwiches, or as snacks!
Tempting Simple Marinated Cherry Tomatoes Recipe for Summer Bliss
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Elevate your summer gatherings with these tantalizing marinated cherry tomatoes. Bursting with flavor, this easy recipe combines ripe cherry tomatoes with aromatic herbs and a zesty marinade of balsamic vinegar and garlic. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or an elegant appetizer, these marinated delights will impress your guests and transform any meal into a celebration of summer.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Instructions
- Rinse and dry the cherry tomatoes, then slice them in half.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, and salt.
- Add the halved tomatoes to the marinade and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle over the tomatoes; stir gently to combine.
- Cover and let marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60g)
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
