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    Home » Recipes » Salad Recipes

    Marinated Garden Tomatoes

    Published: Aug 17, 2021 by Kristi · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Looking for an easy and fresh way to use up those summertime tomatoes? These Marinated Garden Tomatoes are the answer! Thick slices of perfectly ripe tomatoes are gently tossed in a simple vinaigrette with chopped fresh parsley and left to marinate for 20-30 minutes.

    This dish is the essence of summer on a platter!

    Marinated Garden Tomatoes on a platter.

    Why This Recipe Works

    • The recipe begins with fresh vine-ripened summer tomatoes.
    • A simple vinaigrette dresses the tomatoes and brings out their best.
    • A 30 minute rest to let the tomatoes marinate in the vinaigrette elevates this side dish to something incredibly flavorful.

    The Story Behind This Recipe

    This is my mom's recipe, and I remember it being on our table nearly every night from the time that tomatoes started appearing in the garden each summer. It goes with just about anything!

    The Ingredients

    Labeled ingredients for Marinated Garden Tomatoes
    • The tomatoes are definitely the star of the show here so find the very best! If you don't grow your own, consider making a trip to the farmer's market or farm stand to find some locally grown beauties.
    • Tarragon vinegar is the acidic ingredient in this vinaigrette. Can't find tarragon vinegar? No problem! Substitute white wine vinegar instead.
    • Fresh parsley makes a nice herbal complement to the tomatoes, but you could also use fresh basil, dill or tarragon (or a combination of herbs) instead.

    How To Make This Recipe

    • Slice the tomatoes into ½ inch thick slices. Transfer to a 9x13 baking dish.
    Sliced fresh tomatoes in a glass bowl.
    • Mince the garlic and let it sit in medium-sized bowl with the vinegar for about 10 minutes or so (this helps mellow out the raw garlic flavor).
    • Whisk the Dijon mustard, sugar, salt and parsley in with the garlic and vinegar. Slowly whisk in the olive oil.
    Herbed vinaigrette in a glass bowl with a whisk.
    • Pour the vinaigrette over the sliced tomatoes and carefully combine. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, gently turning them from time to time.
    Marinated Garden Tomatoes in a glass dish.

    Expert Tips

    • Use only the very best ripe tomatoes! I can't stress this enough. This is a recipe that is meant to be made in the summer with gloriously ripe tomatoes from the garden, farm stand or farmer's market.
    • Use a serrated knife to cut the tomatoes. Slicing ripe tomatoes with a regular knife isn't easy. Switch it out for one with a serrated edge (one with visible teeth like a bread knife) instead. You will get much cleaner slices!
    • Cut around any cores if necessary. Really ripe tomatoes often have very little core in the center. Should you encounter any, simply cut around the core and discard it.
    • Whisk the olive oil into the rest of the vinaigrette ingredients S-L-O-W-L-Y. Oil and vinegar don't naturally want to combine. By pouring the olive oil in at a slow trickle while constantly whisking as you go you will be making an emulsion which creates an optimal dispersement of the oil and vinegar that helps hold the vinaigrette together and keep it from separating. It's all you ever wanted to know about culinary emulsions and more.
    • Use a 9 x 13 baking dish or something similar to marinate the tomatoes. This allows the tomatoes to spread out and soak up more of the delicious vinaigrette. It also makes gently turning them over as they marinate a little easier.

    FAQs

    Can I use any shape or size of tomato in this recipe?

    Yes! As long as the tomatoes are ripe and delicious they will be perfect.

    What can I substitute for the tarragon vinegar?

    White wine vinegar is the best substitute for tarragon vinegar.

    What herbs can I use in place of the parsley?

    Basil, tarragon and/or dill will all work nicely in this recipe.

    Can I make this recipe in advance?

    Yes! You can make it several hours ahead of time. If you plan to have the tomatoes marinating for more than an hour, cover them in plastic wrap and place them in the refrigerator. Take the tomatoes out 30-45 minutes before you plan to serve them so they can warm up slightly.

    How do I store leftovers?

    Cover any leftover marinated tomatoes tightly and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    Related Recipes

    Looking for more Nordic-inspired tomato recipes? There are several here on the blog:

    • A bowl of barley salad with corn, zucchini and tomatoes
      Summer Harvest Barley Salad with Corn, Zucchini and Tomatoes
    • Zucchini barley cakes, roasted cherry tomatoes and ricotta cheese on a a plate
      Zucchini Barley Cakes with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Ricotta
    • Bowl of roasted tomato red pepper soup topped with basil.
      Creamy Roasted Tomato and Red Pepper Soup
    • A close up of a rustic tomato tart topped with basil
      Rustic Tomato Tart with Rye Crust

    Recipe

    Marinated Garden Tomatoes on a platter.

    Marinated Garden Tomatoes

    Looking for an easy and fresh way to use up those summer tomatoes? These Marinated Garden Tomatoes are the answer! Thick slices of perfectly ripe tomatoes are gently tossed in a simple vinaigrette with chopped fresh parsley. It's summertime perfection!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: salads, side dishes
    Cuisine: Nordic, Scandinavian
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Marinating TIme: 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 247kcal
    Author: Kristi

    Ingredients

    • 2½-3 pounds ripe summer tomatoes
    • 2 tablespoons tarragon vinegar or substitute white wine vinegar instead
    • 1 large clove of garlic minced
    • 1 teaspoon fine salt
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
    • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
    • ¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
    • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

    Instructions

    • Slice the tomatoes into ½ inch thick slices and transfer to a large bowl Set aside.
    • Combine the garlic and vinegar together in a medium bowl and let stand for 10 minutes. Add the salt, sugar, pepper, mustard and parsley and whisk together. Slowly whisk in olive oil. Pour the vinaigrette over the tomatoes. Let stand at least 30 minutes, gently turning over occasionally. Serve at room temperature.

    Notes

    Use a serrated knife to cut the tomatoes. Slicing ripe tomatoes with a regular knife isn't easy. Switch it out for one with a serrated edge (one with visible teeth like a bread knife) instead. You will get much cleaner slices!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 247kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 20g | Sodium: 613mg | Potassium: 25mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 318IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @TrueNorthKitchen or tag #truenorthkitchen!

    If you loved this recipe, give it a star review! Also, snap a picture of your Marinated Garden Tomatoes and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #truenorthkitchen and tagging me @true_north_kitchen.

    More Nordic/Scandinavian Salad Recipes

    • Close up of a bowl of Creamy Tarragon Chicken Salad.
      Creamy Tarragon Chicken Salad
    • Close up of Easy Quick Pickled Mushrooms in a white bowl.
      Easy Quick Pickled Mushrooms
    • Featured image for Kale and Butternut Squash Salad.
      Kale and Butternut Squash Salad
    • Midsummer Salad with greens, salmon, eggs and potatoes in a wreath shape on a white plate.
      Midsummer Smoked Salmon Salad

    Comments

    1. Kristi says

      December 09, 2024 at 1:22 pm

      5 stars
      These marinated tomatoes are the essence of summer and are a great way to enjoy those farm stand or garden tomatoes that are so prolific at this time of year.

      Reply
    5 from 1 vote

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