Marinated Tomatoes Salad

This soaked tomato mix turns basic items into a tasty treat that works for everything from quick family meals to fancy get-togethers. When you combine juicy tomatoes, garden herbs, and a zesty balsamic mix, you get something way better than what you'd expect.

I whipped this up when I needed something fast for surprise dinner guests, and now it's what I make whenever tomatoes look good at the store. The way people's faces light up after they try it always reminds me that the easiest dishes often leave the biggest mark.

What You'll Need

• Juicy yet firm tomatoes: Key for the right feel, grab ones with bright color that yield just slightly when pressed
• Raw garlic: Gives a bold kick that softens while sitting in the mix
• White onion: Adds a nice snap and mild bite, go for smaller sweet ones
• Fresh dill: Brings a unique grassy taste that lifts the whole dish
• Extra virgin olive oil: Worth using the good stuff since it's the foundation of your mix
• Balsamic vinegar: Adds sweet tang, don't need the fancy bottle
• Honey: Cuts the sour taste with natural sweetness
• Salt and pepper: Boost all other tastes, chunky kosher salt works great

How To Make It

Cut Your Tomatoes:

Slice them into 1/3-inch rounds so they soak up flavor evenly while staying intact. A sharp knife helps make clean cuts without squashing the flesh.

Get Your Mix-ins Ready:

Chop the garlic super fine to release its oils, dice onion into tiny bits so they spread throughout, and finely chop herbs to spread their flavor in the mix.

Mix Your Dressing:

Throw the garlic, onion, and fresh herbs in a bowl. Pour oil and vinegar over them, then add honey. Stir it all up until the honey dissolves and everything blends together.

Set Up Your Tomatoes:

Lay tomato slices flat on a dish with raised edges to keep the liquid from spilling. Sprinkle plenty of salt and fresh pepper to bring out their natural goodness.

Add Your Dressing:

Drizzle the herb and garlic mix over all tomato slices, making sure each one gets coated with both liquid and bits of herbs and flavoring.

Let Them Sit:

Cover the dish tightly and stick it in the fridge for at least an hour so flavors can sink in. For best results, spoon any pooled liquid back over the tomatoes now and then.

Pin it

The dill in this mix means a lot to me. My grandma grew it in her backyard, and this dish takes me back to summer nights on her porch. When I smell dill mixing with the other ingredients, I think about watching her cook simple but amazing meals from things she grew herself.

Ways To Enjoy

These flavor-soaked tomatoes go perfectly next to grilled meat, chicken, or fish. Their tang cuts through rich foods really well. For a full meal, add some crusty bread to soak up all that tasty juice and a simple green salad. Want to impress guests? Put them on little toast pieces with some crumbled cheese and extra herbs.

Changing With The Seasons

In summer, grab the juiciest tomatoes you can find, straight from a garden or farmers market. When it's cold out, look for cocktail or Roma types, which usually taste better year-round. The herbs can change too try basil in summer, rosemary when fall comes, or even mint in spring for totally different flavors.

Keeping It Fresh

Your tomatoes will stay good in the fridge for about three days if you keep them in a sealed container. They'll actually get more flavorful during that time, though they will soften a bit. Let them warm up before serving since the oil might thicken when cold, and you want it nice and runny.

Put Your Spin On It

You can change this dish in tons of ways. Try adding thin cucumber or avocado slices for more crunch. Throw in some capers or olives for a taste of the Mediterranean. Want it spicy? Add crushed red pepper or chopped jalapeño. You can even turn it into a full meal by mixing in cooked grains like quinoa or small pasta and some little mozzarella balls.

Pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I pick a different type of tomato?

Definitely! Just make sure they’re ripe yet firm. Skip any that feel soft or overly squishy.

→ Which herbs go best here?

Try dill for a classic combo, or switch it up with cilantro, basil, or parsley for variety.

→ What’s the minimum marinating time?

An hour in the fridge works great to let the flavors develop.

→ Is it okay to replace olive oil?

Of course! Avocado oil is a fantastic alternative that blends nicely with the other flavors.

→ How many tomatoes make a single portion?

About one tomato per serving, depending on how thick or thin you slice them.