Description
This vibrant and flavorful Tomato Marinade Recipe is a perfect light summer salad or side dish, featuring fresh cherry tomatoes marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, extra virgin olive oil, red wine and balsamic vinegars, fresh lemon juice, Italian seasoning, shallots, and fresh herbs. The marinade enhances the natural sweetness and acidity of the tomatoes, making them a versatile accompaniment to a variety of dishes or a delicious stand-alone appetizer.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 1-2 cloves Garlic - grated or smashed and minced into a paste
- 5 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (use a good quality!)
- 1 tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Kosher Salt + Ground Black Pepper - to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Cherry or Grape Tomatoes - halved or quartered, depending upon size
- 2 large Shallots - finely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
- 1-2 tablespoons Finely Chopped Fresh Herbs - basil, flat-leaf parsley, or a combination
Instructions
- Mix marinade: In a glass measure or small mixing bowl, combine the garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and a generous pinch of freshly-ground black pepper. Whisk thoroughly to combine and emulsify. Set aside.
- Combine veggies and herbs: Place the halved or quartered cherry or grape tomatoes, finely chopped shallots, and fresh herbs into a large, shallow mixing bowl.
- Add marinade: Pour the prepared marinade over the tomato mixture. Toss gently to evenly coat all the tomatoes and shallots. Arrange the tomatoes so they are fully submerged in the marinade liquid.
- Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, preferably 1 to 2 hours, stirring once or twice to evenly distribute flavors. For marinating longer than 2 hours, refrigerate the tomatoes.
- Adjust to taste: Taste the tomatoes and if needed, add a pinch of flaky salt and extra lemon juice to brighten flavors. Add more fresh herbs if flavor is dull. If the tomatoes taste too acidic, balance with a bit more balsamic vinegar or a small pinch of sugar, agave, or honey.
- Serve: Enjoy the marinated tomatoes as a refreshing summer salad, a salad topper, or a side dish alongside grilled meats, fish, or pasta dishes.
Notes
- Tomatoes: Use any favorite tomato variety, including fresh heirlooms, if in season for enhanced flavor.
- Variations: Add mozzarella pearls for a marinated Caprese salad; add cucumber and sliced onions for a fresh tomato salad; add crispy salty bacon shards and serve over butter lettuce for a BLT-inspired twist.
- Flavor boost: Add a splash of Bloody Mary mix or V8 juice for extra depth.
- Serving Suggestions: Spoon over focaccia or toasted baguette for an easy Italian appetizer; make bruschetta; use as a salad topper; serve over grains like orzo or quinoa; pair as a side with grilled fish, chicken, or steak; stir into pasta salad.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
