The juiciness of these tiny red jeweled tomatoes is a hit-and-miss, especially during the off-seasons. But when it comes to getting great flavor any time of year, nothing comes close to this recipe for Marinated Cherry Tomatoes. An herbaceous olive oil dressing is tossed with cherry tomatoes and marinated at room temperature for a little bit, allowing the flavors to seep deep into the tomatoes. They’re then transferred to the fridge to get to a nice chilled temperature.
After rinsing and slicing the cherry tomatoes, you go ahead and make your marinade. Olive oil is the main base alongside lemon juice.
Next goes in the flavor enhancers like garlic, vinegar, and fresh basil leaves.
Season the marinade with salt and pepper, and then mix it up and then toss in the cherry tomatoes.
A good tossing is all they need, alongside a helping of patience. These cherry tomatoes need to sit at room temperature for a bit. This time allows the flavors to marinade and meld together. Some recipes call for a long period of several hours at room temperature, but that doesn’t factor in the risk of foodborne illness.
Pop the Marinated Cherry Tomatoes in the refrigerator and let them get to a nice chilled temperature. Unlike other oil marinades, this one doesn’t harden in the fridge.
They’re great to pair with meat and cheeses or are a perfect topping to a crusty slice of bread. It can be the base of a cold pasta salad as well. There are so many ways to utilize these tomatoes!
Marinated Cherry Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon white wine or red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 6 to 8 basil leaves, finely chopped
- 1/2 lb cherry tomatoes, halved
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Preparation
- In a large bowl combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, vinegar, Italian seasoning, and basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper.
- Gently toss in tomatoes.
- Transfer into a glass jar or container.
- Let the marinated tomatoes sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally or transfer to the refrigerator to marinate overnight (2 to 3 hours if you’re pressed for time).
- Serve at room temperature or chilled and enjoy!
Recipe adapted from Peas and Crayons.