Home
Recipes
100 Ways to Use Fresh Tomatoes This Summer

100 Ways to Use Fresh Tomatoes This Summer

By Cooking Light

July 17, 2018

1807 - Grilled Heirloom Tomato and Feta Panzanella

Credit: Caitlin Bensel

Fresh tomatoes—sweet, juicy, and bursting with flavor—are a farmers' market highlight. From blistered sides to chunky salsas, these fresh tomato recipes feature the best ways to enjoy summer's showstopper.

Start Slideshow

1 of 100

Greek Tomato Salad

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez

View Recipe: Greek Tomato Salad

This light, summery salad is a guaranteed crowd pleaser for any gathering this season. Macerate the tomatoes with a little salt before building this salad and you’ll be amazed at the difference. The salt concentrates the tomato flavor and helps loosen the tomato juices, which are great in addition to the tangy dressing.

2 of 100

Tomato Gratin Lasagna

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Tomato Gratin Lasagna

This is a fresh, summery take on lasagna. We call for seeding one-third of the tomatoes to get just the right amount of juciness.

3 of 100

Lobster Roll Bruschetta

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Lobster Roll Bruschetta

Though we love the sweet flavor of lobster in this appetizer, you can easily substitute 1/2 pound of shrimp with delicious results.

4 of 100

Cherry Tomato Confit

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Cherry Tomato Confit

Because the oil picks up the flavors of the garlic and thyme, a milder, less expensive oil works best.

5 of 100

BLT Pasta

Credit: Photo: Greg Dupree

View Recipe: BLT Pasta

Slab bacon lets you get a thicker dice than presliced bacon that will hold its own in the pasta; if it's hard for you to find, just use thick-cut sliced bacon. Peppery watercress wilts well yet maintains a little crunch. It also adds a nice savory note, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes and the saltiness of the bacon. Arugula would also work.

6 of 100

Red Snapper With Chunky Tomato-Watermelon Salsa

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Red Snapper With Chunky Tomato-Watermelon Salsa

The salsa combines sweetness from watermelon; acid from tomatoes and lime; a bit of heat from the chile; and a pop of herbal freshness from cilantro and mint. It pairs particularly well with red snapper and would be lovely with most any mild white fish. To get the fish skin good and crisp, be sure to forgo a nonstick skillet in favor of a stainless-steel or cast-iron one; reach for a 12-inch skillet- (or larger) so the fish doesn't get overcrowded—or cook in 2 batches if using a smaller pan.

7 of 100

Caprese Tomato Salad

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez

View Recipe: Caprese Tomato Salad

Make this crisp, fresh tomato salad for your next summer cookout. If you can't find smaller basil leaves, you can gently tear the larger leaves in half.

8 of 100

BLT Salad

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez

View Recipe: BLT Salad

Serve this fresh tomato salad with any summer main, or make the salad more substantial by adding toasted bread cubes. Of course, no BLT would be complete without mayo. Here it becomes a creamy drizzle spiked with lemon and fresh dill.

9 of 100

Southern Tomato Salad

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez

View Recipe: Southern Tomato Salad

Make the most of your farmers' market haul with this sweet and tangy tomato salad, which also boasts summer peaches, fresh mint, and goat cheese. This stunning, southern-inspired salad would make a welcome addition to any summer cookout or picnic.

10 of 100

Tomato-Ricotta Pizza

Credit: Photo: Greg Dupree

View Recipe: Tomato-Ricotta Pizza

Red tomatoes are richer in antioxidants when cooked, giving you better access to lycopene (a disease-fighting antioxidant). The higher-quality ricotta you use, the creamier, and more delicious the pizza; we prefer Calabro brand.

11 of 100

Grass-Fed Flat Iron Steak With Grilled Ratatouille

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Grass-Fed Flat Iron Steak With Grilled Ratatouille

Pounding the flat iron steak breaks down the muscle fibers and tenderizes the meat. Grain-fed flat iron steaks are a relatively tender cut. But with grass-fed steak's lower fat content, we find pounding the meat before cooking ensures tenderness. It also helps the steaks cook quickly—they only need about 3 minutes on a searing hot grill to hit medium-rare.

12 of 100

Falafel, Feta, and Tomato Salad

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Falafel, Feta, and Tomato Salad

Think of chopped falafel as a tasty, protein-packed crouton—it adds texture to the salad and instantly turns a simple side into a substantial main dish. We chose a Mediterranean theme here, but you could use any nuts, cheeses, or vegetables you like.

13 of 100

Pesto Chicken with Blistered Tomatoes

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez

View Recipe: Pesto Chicken with Blistered Tomatoes

Here, pesto acts as a binder, helping the crispy panko topping stick to the chicken. Serve with green beans tossed with lemon rind. Garnish with any extra basil you have on hand.

14 of 100

Feta-Herb Edamame Succotash

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Feta-Herb Edamame Succotash

Fresh, flavorful, and ready in 20 minutes, this vegetarian main is a family favorite. This speedy, veggie-packed entrée is light yet satisfying, and it holds up great when prepared a day in advance. We love for the glories of summer produce, but if they're not in season, frozen vegetables and year-round grape tomatoes do the job wonderfully. Edamame adds hearty texture and a hit of plant-based protein.

15 of 100

Mini Mozzarella-and-Kale Pita Pizzas

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Mini Mozzarella-and-Kale Pita Pizzas

Try this clever idea—split the pitas in half before toasting so the crusts can get extra crisp. They’ll also be slightly shallow rather than flat, a perfect vessel for the sauce and toppings.

16 of 100

Falafel Pita Sliders

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Falafel Pita Sliders

We make falafel patties instead of balls because the wide, flat surface area gets extra crisp when seared and baked, a lighter approach to shallow frying. Use any stuffers you like for the sandwiches, or load up as the Israelis do with a chopped cucumber and tomato salad, pickled cabbage, and tahini sauce.

17 of 100

Seared Salmon with Balsamic-Blistered Tomatoes

Credit: Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez

View Recipe: Seared Salmon with Balsamic-Blistered Tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes and balsamic vinegar mirror and amplify eah other; both are a bit tangy and sweet, and both benefit from a little high heat in the pan.

18 of 100

Tahini-Marinated Chicken Thighs With Cucumber-and-Tomato Salad

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Tahini-Marinated Chicken Thighs with Cucumber-and-Tomato Salad

Adding tahini to the marinade makes the chicken buttery tender without an overwhelming amount of sesame flavor in the finished dish. It also helps the chicken to char nicely on the grill.

19 of 100

Chard-Stuffed Trout With Charred Tomato Vinaigrette

Credit: Photo: Victor Protasio

View Recipe: Chard-Stuffed Trout With Charred Tomato Vinaigrette

For convenience, you can make the tomato vinaigrette a day ahead. If your fishmonger doesn’t have small butterflied trout, you can use larger single trout fillets and simply top them with the chard mixture to bake. The vinaigrette lends bracing tang to the dish, balanced by the peppery, verdant chard and sweet bell pepper. The chard stuffing helps keep the delicate trout moist as it roasts.

20 of 100

Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Tomatoes are a summer superstar. Enjoy them in a refreshing salad or simply sliced. Sweet peach dressing amps up the summery deliciousness in this simple salad.

21 of 100

Tomato-Leek Pie with Quinoa Crust

Credit: Photo: Jennifer Causey

View Recipe: Tomato-Leek Pie with Quinoa Crust

The two-slice portion on this summer pie is nice and hearty. For a lighter lunch or brunch for eight people, serve one slice with a simple spinach salad. For extra flavor, try tossing 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme into the crust.

22 of 100

Tomato Stack Salad With Corn and Avocado

Credit: Photo: Nigel Cox

View Recipe: Tomato Stack Salad with Corn and Avocado

This tomato side salad is the ultimate summer recipe with a stack of colorful tomato slices and avocado topped wtih fresh herbs, corn, crumbled bacon, and a creamy dressing. This is the star of the meal; keep the entrée simple.

23 of 100

Tomato, Squash, and Red Pepper Gratin

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: 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.

24 of 100

Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic

Credit: Photo: Nigel Cox

View Recipe: 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.

25 of 100

Tomato Tart

Credit: Photo: Francesco Tonelli

View Recipe: Tomato Tart

A good tomato tart is a summery spectacular. But it's also a creamy, cheesy calorie and sat-fat bomb. Ours is meat-free and cream-free, letting more of the bright tomato flavor shine through. Olives are added to give a satisfying richness.

26 of 100

Baked Tomatoes with Quinoa, Corn, and Green Chiles

Credit: Photo: Romulo Yanes

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

These tomatoes are stuffed full with healthy quinoa, fresh corn, poblano chiles, and lots of shredded cheese. Fresh lime juice adds a burst of citrus freshness.

27 of 100

Seared Scallops with Summer Vegetables and Beurre Blanc

Credit: Photo: Nigel Cox

View Recipe: 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.

28 of 100

Open-Faced Sandwiches With Mushrooms and Fried Eggs

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: 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.

29 of 100

Pork and Tomato Skillet Sauté

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: 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.

30 of 100

Fresh Tomato-Feta Pizza

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: 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.

31 of 100

Shrimp and Corn Cakes With Heirloom Tomato Salsa

Credit: Photo: Romulo Yanes

View Recipe: 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.

32 of 100

Eggplant Involtini

Credit: Photo: Johnny Autry

View Recipe: 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.

33 of 100

Pan-Seared Chicken With Tomato-Olive Relish

Credit: Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: 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.

34 of 100

Spanish-Style Cod in Tomato Broth

Credit: Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: 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.

35 of 100

Baked Feta With Romesco and Olive Tapenade

Credit: Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: Baked Feta With Romesco and Olive Tapenade

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

36 of 100

Grilled Vegetable Gazpacho

Credit: Photo: John Autry

View Recipe: 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.

Account

100 Ways to Use Fresh Tomatoes This Summer

1 of 100

Greek Tomato Salad

1 of 100

2 of 100

Tomato Gratin Lasagna

2 of 100

3 of 100

Lobster Roll Bruschetta

3 of 100

4 of 100

Cherry Tomato Confit

4 of 100

5 of 100

BLT Pasta

5 of 100

6 of 100

Red Snapper With Chunky Tomato-Watermelon Salsa

6 of 100

7 of 100

Caprese Tomato Salad

7 of 100

8 of 100

BLT Salad

8 of 100

9 of 100

Southern Tomato Salad

9 of 100

10 of 100

Tomato-Ricotta Pizza

10 of 100

11 of 100

Grass-Fed Flat Iron Steak With Grilled Ratatouille

11 of 100

12 of 100

Falafel, Feta, and Tomato Salad

12 of 100

13 of 100

Pesto Chicken with Blistered Tomatoes

13 of 100

14 of 100

Feta-Herb Edamame Succotash

14 of 100

15 of 100

Mini Mozzarella-and-Kale Pita Pizzas

15 of 100

16 of 100

Falafel Pita Sliders

16 of 100

17 of 100

Seared Salmon with Balsamic-Blistered Tomatoes

17 of 100

18 of 100

Tahini-Marinated Chicken Thighs With Cucumber-and-Tomato Salad

18 of 100

19 of 100

Chard-Stuffed Trout With Charred Tomato Vinaigrette

19 of 100

20 of 100

Tomato and Cucumber Salad

20 of 100

21 of 100

Tomato-Leek Pie with Quinoa Crust

21 of 100

22 of 100

Tomato Stack Salad With Corn and Avocado

22 of 100

23 of 100

Tomato, Squash, and Red Pepper Gratin

23 of 100

24 of 100

Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes and Garlic

24 of 100

25 of 100

Tomato Tart

25 of 100

26 of 100

Baked Tomatoes with Quinoa, Corn, and Green Chiles

26 of 100