Missy’s Marinated Tomatoes: A Burst of Summer Flavor
An herb and garlic-infused dish that tastes even better after hours in the fridge.
Missy’s Marinated Tomatoes: A Flavorful Summer Tradition
Missy’s Marinated Tomatoes have earned a loyal following as an essential dish at summer gatherings, offering a refreshing contrast to grilled meats and hearty sides. This recipe blends juicy, ripe tomatoes with a zesty marinade, bursting with fresh herbs, garlic, and the perfect balance of tang and sweetness. The result is a versatile salad that only gets better after a day or two in the fridge—ideal for making ahead and enjoying as a snack, side, or even a bruschetta topping.
Missy’s tradition is lovingly recounted by Ree Drummond, who says these tomatoes “hit the spot” at their Fourth of July celebrations and are always left for her at the end of the night, ready to enhance the following day’s meals.
Why Marinated Tomatoes Stand Out
- Freshness: Uses peak-season tomatoes for maximum flavor.
- Versatility: Perfect as a salad, snack, side dish, or bruschetta topping.
- Make-Ahead: Flavors deepen and improve after marinating for several hours or overnight.
- Simple Preparation: Easy to assemble with minimal cooking required.
Ingredients
This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to select your favorite tomato varieties or use what’s on hand:
- 2 pounds bite-size tomatoes (halved; use campari, cherry, grape, sunburst, or any mix you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 10 fresh basil leaves, sliced thinly
- 1/8 teaspoon ground thyme (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: green onions, sliced, for additional flavor and color
Preparation Steps
- Place the halved tomatoes into a large mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle in sugar, salt, freshly ground black pepper, parsley, basil, and thyme.
- Add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic (plus green onions if using).
- Toss well until ingredients are evenly distributed and tomatoes are well coated.
- Allow to marinate at room temperature or, preferably, in the refrigerator for several hours (minimum 3–4 hours; overnight for best results).
- Stir occasionally to ensure full flavor penetration and even marination.
Expert Tips for Perfect Marinated Tomatoes
- Tomato Varieties: Combine heirloom, cherry, grape, and plum tomatoes for varied textures and colors.
- Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley brighten up the dish; add chives or oregano for a twist.
- Oil & Vinegar: Extra virgin olive oil provides richness; balsamic vinegar adds depth. A splash of red wine or sherry vinegar can give extra complexity.
- Sugar: Just a touch of sugar rounds out acidity and enhances natural tomato sweetness.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Flavors deepen and tomatoes soften as they sit.
Serving Suggestions
- Salad: Serve cold or at room temperature as a side for grilled meats, roast chicken, or casseroles.
- Bruschetta: Slice a baguette, brush with olive oil, grill until golden, rub with garlic, then top with marinated tomatoes. Elevate with goat cheese or mozzarella if desired.
- Pasta: Toss with warm spaghetti or penne for a quick weeknight meal.
- Sandwiches: Use in grilled cheese or as a topping for burgers and wraps.
- Salad Bowls: Add to leafy greens, grain bowls, or over cottage cheese for a light lunch.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 105 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 6 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Sodium | 199 mg |
| Potassium | 192 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Vitamin A | 753 IU |
| Vitamin C | 12 mg |
Variations and Customizations
- Tomato Mix: Combine red, yellow, and orange tomatoes for visual appeal.
- Cheese Addition: Finish with crumbled feta, goat cheese, or fresh mozzarella for richness.
- Herb Swaps: Experiment with dill, tarragon, or cilantro for different flavor profiles.
- Acidity Adjust: Lemon juice can brighten the marinade; substitute or blend with vinegar.
- Heat: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for a kick.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Ideal for entertaining—make a day ahead to allow flavors to blend and tomatoes to absorb the marinade.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving for even flavor distribution.
- Leftover marinade can be used as a salad dressing or tossed with pasta or grains.
What others are reading
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use any type of tomatoes?
Yes, most types of fresh tomatoes work well in this recipe, including grape, cherry, campari, heirloom, and plum. Mixing varieties adds color and texture, making the dish more visually appealing.
Is it necessary to marinate overnight?
No, but marinating for at least 3–4 hours deepens the flavor and enhances the texture. Overnight marination yields the best results, as the tomatoes soak up more marinade.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely. The flavors improve with time, so this is an ideal make-ahead salad for picnics, potlucks, and get-togethers.
How do I serve leftovers?
Leftover marinated tomatoes are delicious on bruschetta, tossed into salads, added to pasta, or used as a flavorful sandwich topping. You can also spoon the juices over grilled meats or vegetables.
Can the recipe be doubled for a crowd?
Yes, simply scale up all the ingredients proportionally. Large batches marinate and store just as well.
Bruschetta Variation
One favorite way to use leftover marinated tomatoes is on bruschetta:
- Slice a crusty baguette and brush each slice with olive oil.
- Grill or toast bread until golden and crispy.
- Rub toasted bread with cut garlic clove for aroma and flavor.
- Spoon marinated tomatoes (with juices) on top.
- Optional: Add crumbled goat cheese or mozzarella, and sprinkle with extra basil.
This appetizer is simple, elegant, and highlights the dish’s bright flavors.
Testimonial
“My sister-in-law Missy brings these marinated tomatoes to our Fourth of July bash every year, and as far as I’m concerned, they’re essential to my emotional well-being. Amidst all the grilled steaks, warm corn casserole, and potatoes, the cool, fresh flavor of the tomatoes always, always hits the spot.”
—Ree Drummond
Simple Summer Entertaining
- Marinated tomatoes add a fresh, healthy touch to rich and grilled dishes.
- Quick to assemble—less time in the kitchen, more time with guests.
- Ideal for picnics, potlucks, barbecues, and family reunions.
Additional Tips
- Use glass, ceramic, or stainless steel bowls for marinating—avoid reactive metals.
- Stir tomatoes occasionally during marination for best results.
- For extra crunch, serve the salad with toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
- Don’t discard marinade—use as a base for vinaigrettes or soups.
SEO Keywords & Search Guidance
- Marinated tomato salad
- Bruschetta tomato topping
- Summer tomato recipes
- Easy vegetable side dish
- Fourth of July salads
Summary
Missy’s Marinated Tomatoes transform simple ripe tomatoes into an irresistible, flavor-packed dish with just a few fresh ingredients and time spent marinating. Versatile, colorful, and deeply satisfying, this salad adapts beautifully to nearly any summer table—whether alongside grilled favorites or as a vibrant topping for rustic bruschetta. Prep ahead for parties, savor leftovers as a snack, and enjoy the essence of summer in every tangy bite.
References
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