Fresh Tomato Recipes - Cooking Light

Tomato Stack Salad with Corn and Avocado

Photo: Nigel Cox

Healthy and Fresh Tomato Recipes

There's so much to love about these seasonal beauties. When summer is here, put down the cans and head to the farmer's market for fresh tomato flavor that can't be beat. From rustic sauces to salsas, we can't stop dreaming up new ways to enjoy fresh tomatoes.

First up: Here is the essence of summer in a standout side salad. This is the star of the meal; keep the entrée simple.

View Recipe: Tomato Stack Salad with Corn and Avocado

Photo: Johnny Autry

Tomato, Squash, and Red Pepper Gratin

Sometimes the best "steak" comes in the form of ripe, juicy beefsteak tomato slices, as in this easy gratin. Serve with a salad of fresh summer greens.

View Recipe: Tomato, Squash, and Red Pepper Gratin

Photo: Nigel Cox

Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic

Height-of-summer tomatoes burst with flavor and need little embellishment to create a spectacular dish. Churning the oil into boiling liquid emulsifies the mixture, yielding a creamy sauce that coats.

View Recipe: Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic

Photo: Francesco Tonelli

Tomato Tart

A summery spectacular, but also a creamy, cheesy calorie and sat-fat bomb. Ours is meat-free and cream-free, but olives add satisfying richness.

View Recipe: Tomato Tart

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Baked Tomatoes with Quinoa, Corn, and Green Chiles

These tomatoes are stuffed full with super healthy quinoa, sweet fresh corn, poblano chiles, and lots of shredded cheese. Fresh lime juice adds a burst of citrus freshness. It's a delicious side or meatless main.

View Recipe: Baked Tomatoes with Quinoa, Corn, and Green Chiles

Photo: Nigel Cox

Seared Scallops with Summer Vegetables and Beurre Blanc

A screaming-hot skillet and baking sheet yield fantastic seared scallops and quick-roasted tomatoes and veggies. The luxurious sauce is little more than butter emulsified into reduced white wine—keep the butter cold and whisk it in gradually for the creamiest sauce.

View Recipe: Seared Scallops with Summer Vegetables and Beurre Blanc

Photo: Johnny Autry

Open-Faced Sandwiches with Mushrooms and Fried Eggs

This open-faced sandwich is savory and delicious. It's perfect for breakfast, lunch or a light dinner.

View Recipe: Open-Faced Sandwiches with Mushrooms and Fried Eggs

Photo: Johnny Autry

Pork and Tomato Skillet Sauté

Use heirloom tomatoes to make this dish extra colorful. A sprinkling of basil before serving gives one last punch of freshness.

View Recipe: Pork and Tomato Skillet Sauté

Photo: Johnny Autry

Fresh Tomato-Feta Pizza

If olives are a deal breaker, leave them off; the pizza is still yummy with garden-fresh tomatoes and tangy feta.

View Recipe: Fresh Tomato-Feta Pizza

Photo: Romulo Yanes

Shrimp and Corn Cakes with Heirloom Tomato Salsa

Delicious patties made of fresh corn, shrimp, and bell pepper are pan-fried to perfection in this recipe. Serrano chile in the heirloom tomato salsa adds a bit of heat, and cilantro some earthy freshness.

View Recipe: Shrimp and Corn Cakes with Heirloom Tomato Salsa

$Tex-Mex Chicken Soup Recipe$

Photo: Johnny Autry

Tex-Mex Chicken Soup

This is a true fiesta in a bowl. This soup is chock-full of the southwestern flavors we all love. Serve this showstopper with a garnish of lime.

View Recipe: Tex-Mex Chicken Soup

Photo: Mary Britton Senseney/Wonderful Machine

Crispy Flounder and Roasted Tomatoes

Panko and fresh herbs give flounder a crispy and flavorful coating. Oven roasted cherry tomatoes are the perfect side.

View Recipe: Crispy Flounder and Roasted Tomatoes

Photo: José Picayo

Vegetable Lasagna

Lots of colorful, delicious baby veggies between pasta layers reduce the typical mounds of cheese. Our white sauce is based on fat-free broth, and we add just a bit of cream and an egg to give it a silky texture. We sprinkled the Parm within the layers to supplement the fontina that's used to give a crunchy-cheesy crust on top.

View Recipe: Vegetable Lasagna

Photo: Johnny Autry

Eggplant Involtini

Ciao down on the flavors of Italy with this vegetarian entree of Eggplant Involtini. Fresh tomatoes and tender slices of eggplant are the stars here.

View Recipe: Eggplant Involtini

Photo: John Autry

Pan-Seared Chicken with Tomato-Olive Relish

Select your favorite varieties of olives from the supermarket olive bar to make the relish without leftovers. Quartered cherry tomatoes give a sweet crunch.

View Recipe: Pan-Seared Chicken with Tomato-Olive Relish

Photo: John Autry

Spanish-Style Cod in Tomato Broth

When stirring the shallot and broth mixtures, be careful not to break up the fish. Look for wild Atlantic cod from Iceland, Maine, or the Arctic to ensure a sustainable choice.

View Recipe: Spanish-Style Cod in Tomato Broth

Photo: John Autry

Baked Feta with Romesco and Olive Tapenade

Make the romesco sauce and tapenade up to three days ahead, and keep them chilled separately.

View Recipe: Baked Feta with Romesco and Olive Tapenade

Photo: Johnny Autry

Mexican Stuffed Poblanos

Poblano peppers are stuffed with a delicious combination of pinto beans, bulgur, and topped with fresh tomatoes and Mexican flavors for a delicious meal.

View Recipe: Mexican Stuffed Poblanos

Photo: John Autry

Grilled Vegetable Gazpacho

Make this soup up to two days ahead, cover, and chill until you’re ready to serve. If you prepare it ahead, you may need to stir in a bit of water before serving, as it may thicken slightly as it sits. For more heat, leave the seeds in the jalapeño, or remove them to tame the flames.

View Recipe: Grilled Vegetable Gazpacho

Photo: Randy Mayor

Creole Tomato Salad

Tomatoes are an important ingredient in the Creole cooking of New Orleans. This composed salad is easy to put together yet yields abundant, fresh flavor.

View Recipe: Creole Tomato Salad

Photo: Randy Mayor

Asparagus, Tomato, and Onion Farinata

Italian flavors abound in this vegetarian one-dish meal of Asparagus, Tomato, and Onion Farinata. Farinata is a thin cake made with chickpea flour. The chickpea flour makes this crispy crust high in fiber and gluten-free.

View Recipe: Asparagus, Tomato, and Onion Farinata

Photo: John Autry

Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce and Clams

Inspired by salsa cruda, or "raw sauce," this dish features a simple and delicious combination of tomatoes, chives, garlic, and balsamic vinegar.

View Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce and Clams

Photo: Lee Harrelson

Fried Green Tomato BLTs

A Southern favorite, fried green tomatoes lend a delightful twist to this sandwich. The tomatoes take center stage over the bacon in this version.

View Recipe: Fried Green Tomato BLTs

Photo: Johnny Autry

Spicy Moroccan Chicken Skewers

Serve with hot cooked couscous. Give the couscous nutty flavor by toasting it in a hot pan before you rehydrate it.

View Recipe: Spicy Moroccan Chicken Skewers

Photo: Mary Britton Senseney/Wonderful Machine

Charred BLT Salad

Classic BLT ingredients receive unexpected flavor from grilling romaine hearts. Cubed whole-grain bread gives added heartiness.

View Recipe: Charred BLT Salad

Photo: Oxmoor House

Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce

Don’t doubt this sauce because it’s so easy. The key is your sun-ripened garden tomato. San Marzano, Roma, or the smaller, dark-shouldered Black Plum would be ideal. Use the sauce on fresh, artisanal pastas for a truly special meal.

View Recipe: Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce

Photo: Marcus Nilsson

Arctic Char with Blistered Cherry Tomatoes

Highlight two champions of summer: wild arctic char and pints of sunny sweet cherry tomatoes. Wild arctic char from the northern seas is available for only a few weeks in late summer, when the ice has melted enough for the local fishermen to reach them. It is a sought-after delicacy, and one that will cost you. Fresh is well worth the splurge when you can find it.

View Recipe: Arctic Char with Blistered Cherry Tomatoes

Photo: Johnny Miller

Penne with Herbs, Tomatoes, and Peas

An ideal dish for warm-weather entertaining or to serve to company, this pasta dish is full of only the freshest flavors of summer.

View Recipe: Penne with Herbs, Tomatoes, and Peas

Photo: Johnny Miller

Heirloom Tomato and Beet Salad

Heirloom tomatoes serve as the base for this vibrant and delicious vegetable salad.

View Recipe: Heirloom Tomato and Beet Salad

Photo: Johnny Miller

Green Tomato and Fig Cupcakes

Tomatoes and fig come together to create an unusual, yet oh-so-decadent dessert that everyone in the family will love.

View Recipe: Green Tomato and Fig Cupcakes

Photo: John Autry

Grilled Chicken with Tomato-Avocado Salad

For less heat in the dish, use regular chili powder in place of chipotle chile powder.

View Recipe: Grilled Chicken with Tomato-Avocado Salad

Photo: John Autry

Baby Potatoes with Tomato-Corn Sauté

Enjoy this easy and delicious side of baby potatoes mixed with fresh and flavorful veggies.

View Recipe: Baby Potatoes with Tomato-Corn Sauté

Photo: Squire Fox

Mini Cornmeal Cakes with Heirloom Tomato Relish

With tomatoes fresh from the garden, these mini cornmeal cake appetizer treats encompass the full flavors of the season's best produce.

View Recipe: Mini Cornmeal Cakes with Heirloom Tomato Relish

Photo: Randy Mayor

Spicy Grilled Shrimp with Quinoa Salad

Quinoa, shrimp, and chickpeas pack a triple punch of protein into this tasty dish.

View Recipe: Spicy Grilled Shrimp with Quinoa Salad

Photo: Johnny Miller

Italian Three-Bean Salad

Prepare the salad up to 1 day ahead, and store in the refrigerator. If you can't find fresh cranberry beans, substitute rinsed and drained canned cannellini beans, and add them to the snap beans for the last 2 minutes of cooking.

View Recipe: Italian Three-Bean Salad

Photo: Francesco Tonelli

Spaghetti with Clams and Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

This dish makes an elegant dinner for entertaining. Spaghetti dressed with clams is a Southern Italian classic, and tomatoes contribute a contemporary addition.

View Recipe: Spaghetti with Clams and Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Photo: Brian Woodcock

Blush Mac and Cheese with Tomatoes

Both adults and kids will love this elegant twist on traditional mac and cheese.

View Recipe: Blush Mac and Cheese with Tomatoes

Photo: Brian Woodcock

Fettuccine with Seared Tomatoes, Spinach, and Burrata

Don't skimp on the oil: There's a good bit here, but it creates a gorgeous tomato sauce that coats the noodles nicely. Burrata is rich, delicious fresh mozzarella cheese filled with cream. Although it was originally a hard-to-find imported Italian ingredient, now Bel Gioioso (an American cheese producer) makes and sells it in the gourmet cheese section at many major supermarkets.

View Recipe: Fettuccine with Seared Tomatoes, Spinach, and Burrata

Photo: Joseph De Leo

Asparagus with Balsamic Tomatoes

This recipe is quick and bursting with flavor. We love the sweetness from the grape tomatoes paired with the creaminess of the goat cheese.

View Recipe: Asparagus with Balsamic Tomatoes

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Fusilli with Roasted Tomato Sauce

Oven-roasting tomatoes with garlic and herbs boosts the flavor in this meatless sauce.

View Recipe: Fusilli with Roasted Tomato Sauce

Photo: John Autry

Hot and Hot Tomato Salad

This recipe is a lightened interpretation of a Southern summer staple. Use whatever varieties of colorful tomatoes you find at your local market. Cherokee purple tomatoes add unique flavor and color to the plate, if you can find them. Outside of the South, black-eyed peas are a fine sub for lady peas, and okra is a regional delicacy that's optional in this dish.

View Recipe: Hot and Hot Tomato Salad

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Rustic Tomato-Basil Tart

You can use all red tomatoes if you can't find yellow.

View Recipe: Rustic Tomato-Basil Tart

Photo: John Autry

Roasted Asparagus and Tomato Penne Salad with Goat Cheese

Make an upscale pasta salad that’s company-worthy by combining penne pasta, roasted asparagus, tomato, arugula, herbes de Provence and goat cheese and tossing with a lemony vinaigrette. Serve immediately or cover and chill for 2 hours for a cold pasta salad.

View Recipe: Roasted Asparagus and Tomato Penne Salad with Goat Cheese

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Chicken-and-Brie Sandwich with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

A good balsamic vinegar makes all the difference in the roasted tomatoes, whose heat will immediately melt the soft Brie. There's no need to cut the rind off the Brie, since it's edible.

View Recipe: Chicken-and-Brie Sandwich with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Photo: Gentl and Hyers

Quick-Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce with Spaghetti

Make a quick fresh tomato sauce for this meatless pasta recipe by roasting cherry tomatoes and adding basil, parsley and goat cheese to the dish.

View Recipe: Quick-Roasted Cherry Tomato Sauce with Spaghetti

Photo: Randy Mayor

Oven-Dried Tomatoes

Cooking tomatoes for a long time at a low temperature dehydrates them and concentrates their flavor. These are plumper and softer than commercial sun-dried tomatoes, with a delicate, rich flavor.

View Recipe: Oven-Dried Tomatoes

Photo: Tina Cornett

Grilled Flatbreads with Tomatoes and Basil

This recipe combines a salad and bread all in one. Each bite of bread is infused with the garlicky vinaigrette that's tossed with the tomatoes. Use the best tomatoes you can find–if they're beefsteak tomatoes, chop them instead of slicing. Spoon on the topping shortly before serving so the bread doesn't become soggy.

View Recipe: Grilled Flatbreads with Tomatoes and Basil

Photo: Randy Mayor

Grilled Salmon with Smoky Tomato Salsa

If you prefer a milder relish, remove seeds from the jalapeño before grilling.

View Recipe: Grilled Salmon with Smoky Tomato Salsa

Photo: Gentl and Hyers

Summer Peach and Tomato Salad

Simplicity has never looked so beautiful. A stunning combination of skin-on peaches and heirloom tomatoes of various colors, sizes, and shapes creates a sweet-savory salad that pairs well with grilled pork.

View Recipe: Summer Peach and Tomato Salad

Photo: John Autry

Grilled Flank Steak with Onions, Avocado, and Tomatoes

Use colorful in-season heirloom tomatoes for a pretty presentation.

View Recipe: Grilled Flank Steak with Onions, Avocado, and Tomatoes

Photo: Randy Mayor

Chicken Breasts with Tomatoes and Olives

Kalamata and picholine olives add salty savor. Serve over couscous, with dressed greens on the side.

View Recipe: Chicken Breasts with Tomatoes and Olives

Photo: Oxmoor House

Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes with Mustard and Dill

Use different varieties of tomato for more color. Prepare just before serving so the tomatoes will hold their shape.

View Recipe: Marinated Heirloom Tomatoes with Mustard and Dill

Photo: Randy Mayor

Red Lentil-Rice Cakes with Simple Tomato Salsa

Crisp on the outside and creamy on the inside, these salsa-topped, red-lentil rice cakes make a lovely vegetarian entrée.

View Recipe: Red Lentil-Rice Cakes with Simple Tomato Salsa

Photo: John Autry

Tomato-Dill Couscous

This easy side will be an instant hit with your family. Cook just a few minutes on the stove, and throw in snips of fresh dill, a handful of Sun Gold or Sweet 100 cherry tomatoes, and chopped red onion.

View Recipe: Tomato-Dill Couscous

Photo: Oxmoor House

Fresh Tomato-Feta Pizza

If olives are a deal breaker, leave them off; the pizza is still yummy.

View Recipe: Fresh Tomato-Feta Pizza

Photo: Oxmoor House

Heirloom Tomato, Watermelon, and Peach Salad

This summer salad features seasonal tomatoes, watermelon, and peaches to create a sensationally delicious side dish that's appropriate for any occasion.

View Recipe: Heirloom Tomato, Watermelon, and Peach Salad

Photo: Oxmoor House

Heirloom Tomato, Arugula, and Bacon Sandwiches

Try a slightly new interpretation of the classic BLT with a flavored mayo. You can prepare the mayonnaise mixture and cook the bacon up to one day ahead. Heirloom tomatoes can vary in size, so use your judgment: If your tomatoes are small, add a slice or two more.

View Recipe: Heirloom Tomato, Arugula, and Bacon Sandwiches

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Rotini with Chicken, Asparagus, and Tomatoes

Reminiscent of a pasta salad, this recipe coats rotini and colorful vegetables with a basil-flecked balsamic vinaigrette.

View Recipe: Rotini with Chicken, Asparagus, and Tomatoes

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Mini Tomato-Parmesan Tarts

If you don't have a pastry cutter, use the rim of a drinking glass to cut rounds from the puff pastry.

View Recipe: Mini Tomato-Parmesan Tarts

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Rainbow Trout with Smoked Tomato Salsa

Incorporate more fish into your healthy diet with this easy-to-make trout recipe. Enjoy an extra kick of flavor from the smoked salsa that serves as an elegant garnish for this fish-based main dish.

View Recipe: Rainbow Trout with Smoked Tomato Salsa

Photo: John Autry

Tomato and Asparagus "Carbonara"

Toss the pasta and vegetables immediately after cooking. The heat from the pasta will cook the egg, thickening it into a light, creamy sauce.

View Recipe: Tomato and Asparagus "Carbonara"

Photo: Randy Mayor

Eggplant, Tomato, and Smoked Mozzarella Tart

Salting the eggplant draws out some of the bitter flavor and moisture. Less moisture in turn minimizes the amount of oil the eggplant will absorb. This dish has a crispy crackerlike crust, a nice contrast to the tender eggplant.

View Recipe: Eggplant, Tomato, and Smoked Mozzarella Tart

Photo: John Autry

Tomato Panzanella with Shrimp and Basil

This version of bread salad incorporates a healthy blend of shrimp and heirloom tomatoes for great taste and a filling entrée.

View Recipe: Tomato Panzanella with Shrimp and Basil

Photo: Randy Mayor, Becky Luigart-Stayner, Colleen Duffley, and Beau Gustafson

Spiced Marinated Tomatoes

Marinated tomatoes are a great choice for summer entertaining because you can marinate up to two days ahead. This spiced-up version features jalapeño pepper, ginger and cumin.

View Recipe: Spiced Marinated Tomatoes

Photo: John Autry and Randy Mayor

Snapper with Zucchini and Tomato

Lemon juice and rind brighten this snapper dinner for two. Vermouth also adds a hit a flavor to the vegetables.

View Recipe: Snapper with Zucchini and Tomato

Photo: Randy Mayor

Aromatic Slow-Roasted Tomatoes

Slow roasting is one of the best uses for winter tomatoes because it intensifies their sweetness.

View Recipe: Aromatic Slow-Roasted Tomatoes

Photo: Oxmoor House

Fresh Tomato, Sausage, and Pecorino Pasta

Ripe, late-summer tomatoes are juicy and delicious in this entrée, with no seeding or peeling necessary.

View Recipe: Fresh Tomato, Sausage, and Pecorino Pasta

Photo: Oxmoor House

Chunky Tomato-Fruit Gazpacho

The mangoes, melons, and nectarines, along with the cucumber, give this gazpacho a sweet spin.

View Recipe: Chunky Tomato-Fruit Gazpacho

Photo: Oxmoor House

Bruschetta with Warm Tomatoes

Use any variety of small summer tomatoes you find at the market; for a gorgeous look, mix tomato colors and shapes, such as yellow and orange pear tomatoes paired with red grape tomatoes.

View Recipe: Bruschetta with Warm Tomatoes

Photo: John Autry and Randy Mayor

Bacon, Tomato, and Arugula Pizza

Instead of having an arugula salad on the side, put it on top of your pizza for fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with the tomato and applewood-smoked bacon pizza toppings.

View Recipe: Bacon, Tomato, and Arugula Pizza

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Stove-Top Macaroni and Cheese with Roasted Tomatoes

The macaroni mixture is cooked over medium-low heat so the cheese won't become stringy and the sauce, grainy.

View Recipe: Stove-Top Macaroni and Cheese with Roasted Tomatoes

Photo: Anna Williams

Summer Tomato, Feta, and Basil Galette

Pair this summery side with grilled flank steak, chicken, or salmon.

View Recipe: Summer Tomato, Feta, and Basil Galette

Photo: Randy Mayor

Heirloom Tomato Salad with Herbs and Capers

Use a combination of your favorite varieties. We like a mix of red Brandywine, Green Zebra, and Persimmon for the beefsteak tomatoes, and Sungold, Yellow Pear, and Green Grape for the cherry tomatoes.

View Recipe: Heirloom Tomato Salad with Herbs and Capers

Photo: Jan Smith

Cheese and Olive-Stuffed Tomatoes

This wonderful side dish pairs well with steak or warm tuna salad and is great heated in the microwave for a quick lunch.

View Recipe: Cheese and Olive-Stuffed Tomatoes

Photo: Oxmoor House

Summer Pappardelle with Tomatoes, Arugula, and Parmesan

If your cooked pasta is clumping together, just rinse it under hot water, drain thoroughly, and then toss with the tomato mixture and arugula.

View Recipe: Summer Pappardelle with Tomatoes, Arugula, and Parmesan

Photo: Johnny Autry

Bacon Endive Tomato Bites

Bacon lends a smoky flavor to this appetizer that will help use your delicious tomato bounty.

View Recipe: Bacon Endive Tomato Bites

Photo: Johnny Autry

Pickled Tomatoes

Toast the spice seeds in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until they become fragrant and start to release their flavorful oils.

View Recipe: Pickled Tomatoes

Photo: Johnny Autry

Heirloom Tomato and Eggplant Terrine

Use multicolored tomatoes for the prettiest terrine.

View Recipe: Heirloom Tomato and Eggplant Terrine

Photo: Johnny Miller

BLT Panzanella Salad

Use the showiest farmers' market or garden tomatoes in a dish that deliciously combines a favorite sandwich and a classic Italian salad, with a touch of corn and basil thrown in for extra summery flair.

View Recipe: BLT Panzanella Salad