Marinated Cherry Tomatoes

When summer's cherry tomatoes are ripe, sweet and plentiful, this easy marinated cherry tomatoes recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the season's bounty.  Made with just 5 simple ingredients, these juicy, flavour-packed tomatoes come together quickly and makes a versatile summer side dish for grilled meats, chicken or fish.  They're just as delicious spooned over eggs for breakfast, scattered over pizza or tossed into salads for an easy burst of fresh summer flavour.  Simple, fresh and endlessly versatile, these marinated cherry tomatoes are a delicious way to make the most of summer's best little tomatoes.

Every August, I can't help myself at the farm stands near The Lakehouse.  They're overflowing with fresh summer tomatoes in every colour, shape and size, but it's always the little ones that catch my eye.  I bring home a truly ridiculous amount, and there's inevitably a big bowl of cherry tomatoes sitting on the countertop for everyone to snack on as they cruise by.  But as much as we love eating them straight from the bowl, I'm always looking for easy ways to use them up.  This quick and easy marinated cherry tomato recipe turns a bowl of sweet little tomatoes and a few simple pantry ingredients into a zesty, flavour-packed side dish that works beautifully for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

What goes in Marinated Cherry Tomatoes?

These marinated cherry tomatoes come to life with a handful of simple pantry staples that work together to bring out the tomatoes' natural sweetness and turn them into something bright, juicy and full of flavour.

• Cherry Tomatoes:  The star of this recipe is of course, the tomatoes.  Cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or any variety of small, sweet tomatoes work beautifully here, especially when they're ripe and at their peak.  Choose whichever small tomatoes look best.
• Olive oil:  Choose a good-quality extra virgin olive oil with a flavour you love - it's a key part of the marinade and helps bring out the best in the tomatoes.  Since the ingredients are so simple, a flavourful olive oil can make all the difference.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Red wine vinegar adds just the right amount of tang to these marinated cherry tomatoes, but there's no need to make a special trip to the store.  Apple cider vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or white wine vinegar all work beautifully, so use whichever you have on hand. This recipe is especially handy in August, when tomatoes are at their peak but supplies at the cottage, cabin or lakehouse may be starting to run low.  Simple pantry staples are all you need to make the most of those ripe, juicy marinated cherry tomatoes.
• Garlic: A clove of fresh garlic adds savoury depth that makes these tomatoes even more delicious.  Freshly harvested garlic is also at the farm stands and farmers' markets this time of year, so be sure to pick up a fresh head during your next visit.  It's bright, punchy flavour is the perfect match for sweet, ripe tomatoes.
• Fresh Herbs:  Fresh herbs make this recipe wonderfully versatile.  Parsley, basil, chives and thyme all work bveautifully so feel free to use whatever you have growing in the garden or find at the market.  For a simple combination, I like 1 tablespoon of basil with 1 tablespoon of parsley.  If you're using a stronger herb such as rosemary, oregano or tarragon, pair it with a milder herb like parsley to keep the flavours balanced and let the tomatoes shine.
• Sea Salt:  A nice sea salt will bring all the flavours together.  Keep in mind that not all salts contain the same amount of sodium, so some salts taste saltier than others.  State with 1/2 tsp, then add more as needed.  the goal is to season the tomatoes without overpowering their fresh, sweet flavour.  If you don't have sea salt on hand, other salts will work just as well.  Just be sure to add a small amount first, then adjust it to taste.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Marinated cherry tomatoes are an easy way to add bright, fresh flavour to almost any meal.  Their juicy texture and tangy herb-infused marinade make them a versatile side dish, topping or condiment for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  Here's where I'd work them into each meal:

Breakfast:  Spoon marinated cherry tomatoes alongside scrambled, fried or poached eggs, or serve them on top of avocado toast.  They're also delicious tucked into an omelette or served on crusty toast with ricotta.  Did you know you can easily make Homemade Ricotta Cheese?  Find the simple recipe for Ricotta here.

Lunch: Add marinated cherry tomatoes to salads, grain bowls, sandwiches, wraps or pasta.  They're expecially good with fresh mozzarella, feta, chickpeas or white beans for an easy, flavourful lunch.  I love the combination of tuna, white beans and these tomatoes spooned into lettuce cups or scooped up with crackers for an easy work-from-home lunch.

Dinner:  Serve marinated cherry tomatoes alongside grilled chicken, fish or steak.  Toss with pasta, or spoon them over creamy polenta for a satisfying meal.  Serve with crusty break for soaking up the flavourful olive oil and juices for a delicious side or appetizer.  

DRINK PAIRINGS

I would normally recommend choosing a drink to complement the main flavours of the meal, rather than a side dish.  But if you're turning these marinated cherry tomatoes into a meal of their own, with creamy burrata and plenty of crusty bread for soaking up the juices, I fully support that decision.  In that case, I would suggest reaching for a crisp, refreshing Pinot Grigio.  Its bright acidity and light, clean character pair beautifully with the juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs and creamy burrata.  Another lovely choice is Vermentino, which delivers Mediterranean flavours with fresh citrus and a light salinity.