Marinated Garden Tomatoes: A Refreshing and Flavorful Side Dish

Marinated Garden Tomatoes are a vibrant and tangy dish that’s perfect for hot days when you’re craving something light and refreshing. This recipe, passed down from the creator’s grandmother, uses ripe tomatoes fresh from the garden, combined with a flavorful marinade of red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs. It’s an ideal side dish that even non-vegetable lovers will enjoy, thanks to its tangy taste and refreshing crunch.

Quick Benefits

• Refreshing and Light: Perfect for a hot day, this dish is a cool, crisp addition to any meal.
• Customizable: It can be marinated for a few hours or left overnight for deeper flavor.
• Herbaceous Flavor: Fresh parsley and thyme give it a vibrant and aromatic taste.
• Low in Calories: A light, healthy option with only 125 calories per serving.
• Great for Leftovers: The marinade can be reused, making it a sustainable and cost-effective dish.

Essential Ingredients

To make this delicious Marinated Garden Tomatoes dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Red wine vinegar (¾ cup) – Adds the tangy base to the marinade.
• Olive oil (½ cup) – Provides richness and helps balance the vinegar.
• Fresh parsley (⅓ cup, chopped) – Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
• Fresh thyme (1 tablespoon, snipped) – A fragrant herb that pairs well with tomatoes.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Infuses the marinade with a savory kick.
• Coarsely ground salt (2 teaspoons) – Enhances the flavors of the marinade.
• Coarsely ground black pepper (½ teaspoon) – Adds a mild heat to the dish.
• Large tomatoes (6, sliced ¼-inch thick) – The main ingredient, providing juiciness and texture.
• Green onions (½ cup, thinly sliced) – Adds a mild onion flavor and crunch.

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, olive oil, chopped parsley, thyme, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
2. Slice the Vegetables: Slice the tomatoes into ¼-inch thick slices and thinly slice the green onions.
3. Combine: In an 11×13-inch glass dish, layer the sliced tomatoes and green onions.
4. Marinate: Pour the prepared marinade over the tomatoes and onions, ensuring they are evenly coated.
5. Refrigerate: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for a more intense flavor.
6. Serve: Once marinated, serve chilled and enjoy the tangy, refreshing dish.

Health Benefits

• Rich in Vitamins: Tomatoes are a great source of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and promote healthy skin.
• Good for Digestion: The fiber from the tomatoes and green onions supports digestive health.
• Antioxidant-Rich: Tomatoes are high in antioxidants, including lycopene, which is linked to reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease.
• Healthy Fats: Olive oil, a healthy fat, helps improve heart health and adds richness to the dish.
• Low in Calories: With only 125 calories per serving, this dish is a healthy, low-calorie option for any meal.

Serving Suggestions

• As a Side Dish: Serve these marinated tomatoes alongside grilled meats, fish, or pasta for a light and flavorful accompaniment.
• On Toast: Spread the marinated tomatoes on crusty bread for a simple and satisfying appetizer.
• Topped on Salads: Add the marinated tomatoes on top of leafy greens for a burst of flavor.
• Pair with Cheese: Serve with a mild cheese like mozzarella or goat cheese for an even more indulgent bite.

Creative Variations

• Add Fresh Herbs: Experiment with fresh basil, oregano, or dill for a different herbal note.
• Add a Sweet Touch: Incorporate a teaspoon of honey or a sprinkle of brown sugar to balance out the tangy vinegar.
• Make it Spicy: Add some red pepper flakes or thinly sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in other fresh vegetables, like cucumbers or bell peppers, for added crunch and flavor.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store the marinated tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Leftover Marinade: Reuse the leftover marinade for a new batch of tomatoes, or try marinating cucumbers or other vegetables in it.
• Chilled Serve: For the best flavor, keep the dish refrigerated and serve it chilled.

Pro Tips

• Use Fresh Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes from the garden or a farmer’s market will give this dish the best flavor.
• Adjust Marinating Time: For a more intense flavor, let the tomatoes marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
• Reuse the Marinade: As mentioned, you can use the leftover marinade to make a second batch, which adds more depth to the flavors.
• Don’t Over-Marinate: If left for too long, the tomatoes can lose their texture, so keep the marinating time to about 4-6 hours for optimal crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use dried thyme instead of fresh, but reduce the amount to about 2 teaspoons to avoid overpowering the flavors.

Can I make this recipe with cherry tomatoes?

Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes work well for this recipe, just slice them in half or quarters to allow the marinade to soak in.

How long will the marinated tomatoes last?

This dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. After that, the tomatoes may start to lose their texture and flavor.

Can I add more vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! Feel free to add cucumbers, bell peppers, or even fresh herbs like basil for extra flavor and color.

This Marinated Garden Tomatoes recipe is the perfect combination of fresh, tangy, and savory. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s full of vibrant flavors, and it’s sure to be a hit at your next meal or family gathering!

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