Description
Marinated cherry tomatoes are a simple yet flavorful side dish or topping, ideal for adding a fresh, zesty punch to salads, pasta, and more. The combination of ripe cherry tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar, and fresh herbs makes this recipe versatile and easy to customize to suit your taste. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or longer for more intense flavor, and enjoy the burst of freshness with every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (or any fresh herbs of choice)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes:
Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly. Slice them in half to expose the juicy inside, ensuring they absorb the marinade well. - Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, fresh basil, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir the ingredients together until well-mixed. - Marinate the Tomatoes:
Place the halved cherry tomatoes in a bowl or jar. Pour the marinade over the tomatoes, making sure they are fully coated. Stir gently to combine. - Let It Marinate:
Allow the tomatoes to marinate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate for 1-2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become. - Serve & Enjoy:
Once marinated, serve the cherry tomatoes as a topping for salads, pasta, grilled meats, or simply enjoy as a side dish.
Notes
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the herbs and vinegar types depending on your preferences. Basil, thyme, and parsley work well, and you can try apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile.
- Storage: Store leftover marinated tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serving Tip: For a creamy touch, try pairing these marinated tomatoes with crumbled feta or fresh mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
- Category: Side Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Marinating
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (about 4-5 halves)
- Calories: 80 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 75 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Marinated cherry tomatoes, Easy tomato marinade, Cherry tomato recipe, Mediterranean side dish, Fresh tomato topping