Description
Easy Marinated Tomatoes is a fresh and flavorful appetizer featuring ripe tomato slices soaked in a garlic-herb marinade with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey. Ready in just 10 minutes plus marinating time, this dish is perfect for a quick, refreshing side or starter that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomatoes
- 4 large ripe tomatoes (firm to the touch)
Marinade
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- ¼ small white onion, finely diced (or use red/yellow onion)
- ½ small bunch fresh dill (or fresh basil, parsley, or cilantro)
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Slice the Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes into 1/3-inch thick slices to ensure they absorb the marinade well and maintain a nice texture.
- Prepare the Marinade: Finely chop the garlic, onion, and your choice of fresh herbs such as dill, basil, parsley, or cilantro to create a flavorful base for the marinade.
- Combine Marinade Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the chopped garlic, onion, herbs, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey until well blended.
- Season the Tomatoes: Arrange the tomato slices neatly on a shallow platter and season them evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
- Marinate: Spoon the garlic-herb marinade over the tomatoes, making sure each slice is well coated with the mixture to maximize flavor absorption.
- Refrigerate: Cover the platter tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the tomatoes to marinate and develop a delicious, tangy taste.
- Serve: Serve the marinated tomatoes chilled. They make a perfect refreshing appetizer or a vibrant side dish to complement grilled meats and other main courses.
Notes
- You can customize the herb choice based on your preference: dill, basil, parsley, or cilantro all work beautifully.
- For a sweeter flavor, increase the honey slightly, or for a tangier profile, add a little more balsamic vinegar.
- Marinate for longer than 1 hour if you prefer more intense flavors, up to 3 hours in the refrigerator.
- Use firm yet ripe tomatoes to maintain structure and avoid sogginess.
- This dish is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
