If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for easy dinner recipes that make life a little less stressful. Well, you’re in for a treat because I’ve got a list of 15 amazing fresh tomato recipes that are perfect for those busy nights when you need something quick but full of flavor!
These are all great summer tomato recipes, especially if you’re lucky enough to have fresh garden tomatoes on hand. Whether you’re wondering what to do with fresh tomatoes or looking for tomato dishes that everyone in the family will love, these tomato recipes will have you covered. From fresh tomato recipe dinners to fun things to make with tomatoes, you’ll be set!
So if you’re looking for new ways to use up those fresh tomatoes, keep reading for some of the best recipes using fresh tomatoes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
1. Classic Tomato Basil Soup
Servings: 4
Total Time: 30 minutes
Okay, this tomato basil soup is a total lifesaver when you’re in the mood for something comforting. It’s super easy to make, and the kids love it too! It’s like a big warm hug in a bowl. Serve it with grilled cheese for the perfect meal. Here’s how I do it:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (or 2 tbsp dried)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onions and garlic, cook until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth. Let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- (Optional) Stir in heavy cream for a creamy texture.
- Use an immersion blender to smooth out the soup if you prefer a creamy consistency.
- Serve hot and enjoy with a side of bread!
2. Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Servings: 4
Total Time: 10 minutes
Caprese salad is perfect when you need something fresh and light. It’s super simple and looks fancy enough for any dinner. Plus, my kids love the mozzarella! You don’t need much to make this one, so it’s great when you’re running low on ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 3 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1 ball of fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Instructions:
- Arrange tomato slices and mozzarella slices on a plate.
- Tuck fresh basil leaves in between.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Serve chilled or at room temp!
3. Roasted Tomato and Garlic Pasta
Servings: 4
Total Time: 45 minutes
This one is a big hit in our house, especially when I’m craving comfort food that feels fancy. Roasting the tomatoes brings out all the flavor and makes everything taste so rich! It’s the perfect meal after a busy day of running errands and school pickups.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb spaghetti or your favorite pasta
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Toss halved tomatoes and smashed garlic in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Once tomatoes are done, toss them with the cooked pasta.
- Add Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, and toss again.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
4. Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Servings: 4
Total Time: 10 minutes
This salad is super refreshing and just screams “summer.” I love it because it’s so quick to put together and adds a nice crunch to any meal. You can also snack on it while you’re prepping the rest of dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss everything together, and serve cold!
5. Homemade Tomato Salsa
Servings: 6
Total Time: 15 minutes
This salsa is so much better than store-bought, and it’s super easy to whip up! I love making this with the kids; they always want to help mix the ingredients together. Serve it with chips or use it as a topping for tacos.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño (optional), minced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Squeeze lime juice over the mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper, then stir.
- Let it sit for 10 minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Serve with tortilla chips or on your favorite tacos!
6. Stuffed Tomatoes with Quinoa
Servings: 4
Total Time: 45 minutes
Stuffed tomatoes are a great way to use up extra tomatoes, and they make a filling meal. I love how they’re so customizable, and you can add whatever you have on hand. They’re a favorite in our house, especially when I need a quick but healthy dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 large tomatoes, hollowed out
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/4 cup cheese (feta or mozzarella)
- 1/4 cup chopped spinach
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Hollow out the tomatoes, leaving enough flesh to keep them sturdy.
- Mix quinoa, spinach, and cheese in a bowl.
- Stuff the tomatoes with the quinoa mixture.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Place stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes.
- Serve warm!
7. Tomato Bruschetta with Baguette
Servings: 4
Total Time: 15 minutes
This is one of those appetizers that always impresses guests and kids alike! It’s so simple but bursting with fresh flavors. I love it as a snack or as a side for dinner. Super easy to make, and you only need a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 baguette, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Place baguette slices on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the tomato mixture onto the toasted baguette slices.
- Serve immediately!
8. Veggie-Packed Tomato Stew
Servings: 6
Total Time: 1 hour
This tomato stew is packed with veggies and perfect for a hearty, comforting meal. It’s also one of those dishes that gets better the longer it sits, so it’s great for meal prep! Plus, my kids love how colorful it is.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and sauté onion for 5 minutes.
- Add carrots, zucchini, and green beans. Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and vegetable broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot!
9. Tomato and Avocado Toast
Servings: 2
Total Time: 10 minutes
This is the kind of breakfast that feels super healthy and fancy but is actually really easy. My kids love this one, and it’s perfect when we need a quick bite before school or running errands. Plus, avocado makes everything better!
Ingredients:
- 2 slices whole grain bread
- 1 avocado, mashed
- 1 tomato, sliced
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Olive oil drizzle (optional)
Instructions:
- Toast the bread slices.
- Mash avocado and spread it over each slice of bread.
- Top with tomato slices.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle with olive oil, if desired.
- Serve immediately!
10. Tomato and Mozzarella Skewers
Servings: 4
Total Time: 10 minutes
These little skewers are the perfect snack or appetizer, especially when we’re having a picnic or outdoor gathering. They’re simple to assemble and make the kids feel like they’re eating something special.
Ingredients:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 ball fresh mozzarella, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Salt & pepper
Instructions:
- On each skewer, thread a tomato, a piece of mozzarella, and a basil leaf.
- Drizzle with olive oil.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately or chill until ready to serve!
11. Fresh Tomato and Spinach Frittata
Servings: 4
Total Time: 30 minutes
This frittata is such an easy way to get a delicious meal on the table fast. It’s packed with veggies and protein, making it perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Plus, it’s a hit with the kids, and you can even sneak in some extra veggies if you want.
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup cheese (cheddar or feta)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour eggs over the veggies in the skillet and sprinkle with cheese.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until eggs are set.
- Serve warm!
12. Baked Parmesan Tomatoes
Servings: 4
Total Time: 20 minutes
These baked tomatoes are so simple and yet so delicious. They make a perfect side dish or snack, and they’re always a hit at family dinners. Plus, the Parmesan makes everything taste extra yummy!
Ingredients:
- 4 large tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Arrange the tomato halves on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Top with Parmesan cheese.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Serve immediately!
13. Tomato Panzanella Salad
Servings: 4
Total Time: 20 minutes
Panzanella is the perfect way to use up any stale bread you have. The tomatoes make it so fresh and vibrant, and the bread soaks up all the yummy juices. It’s super easy to throw together and super satisfying!
Ingredients:
- 4 tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 loaf of bread, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Toast the bread cubes on a baking sheet for 10-12 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, and toasted bread.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately!
14. Sun-Dried Tomato Hummus
Servings: 8
Total Time: 10 minutes
If you need a snack or appetizer, this sun-dried tomato hummus is the way to go. It’s so creamy, with a punch of flavor from the sun-dried tomatoes. My kids love it with veggies or pita chips, and it’s super quick to make!
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a food processor, combine chickpeas, sun-dried tomatoes, tahini, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
- Blend until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve with pita chips or veggies!
15. Tomato and Chickpea Curry
Servings: 4
Total Time: 30 minutes
This curry is full of flavor and super satisfying! It’s quick to make and is such a great way to add a little spice to your dinner. Plus, the tomato base makes it so comforting!
Ingredients:
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, and cook until soft.
- Stir in curry powder and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, letting the tomatoes break down.
- Stir in chickpeas and coconut milk, and cook for another 10-15 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot with rice or naan!
So there you have it, 15 tomato recipes that are perfect for those days when you need easy dinner recipes but still want something tasty and fresh. Whether you’re looking for fresh tomato recipes, summer tomato recipes, or garden tomato recipes, these dishes will give you plenty of ideas for what to do with fresh tomatoes. From quick dinners to things to make with tomatoes, these tomato dishes are sure to be a hit in your house!
So next time you’re wondering what to make with tomatoes, just pick one of these tomato recipes, and I promise you’ll have a meal everyone loves. Happy cooking, mama!
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