If you’re looking for a burst of bright, sun-ripened flavor that celebrates the very best of summer, these Easy Marinated Tomatoes are about to become your new go-to side dish. Juicy tomatoes are bathed in a zesty olive oil and vinegar dressing, infusing every slice with tang, sweetness, and herby goodness. Whether you need a stunning salad for guests or a simple way to liven up your weeknight dinners, this recipe delivers maximum taste with minimum fuss — and is so versatile you’ll want to make it on repeat all season long.

Easy Marinated Tomatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Marinated Tomatoes is how a handful of simple ingredients work together to create something magical. Each component brings its own flair, from rich olive oil to fragrant herbs, making every bite unforgettable.

Tomatoes: Four large ripe tomatoes, sliced or wedged, form the juicy, colorful foundation of the dish. Go for the ripest you can find!
Olive Oil: A quarter cup of extra-virgin olive oil adds depth, silkiness, and rounds out the bright flavors.
Red Wine Vinegar: Two tablespoons give just the right tanginess to make the tomatoes sing.
Garlic: One clove, minced, infuses the marinade with irresistible aroma and kick.
Sugar: A teaspoon helps balance the acidity and really brings out the tomatoes’ natural sweetness.
Salt: A half teaspoon enhances every other ingredient and brings the flavors together.
Black Pepper: A quarter teaspoon turns up the flavor with a gentle bite of heat.
Oregano: One teaspoon dried (or one tablespoon fresh) brings classic Mediterranean notes to the party.
Fresh Basil: Two tablespoons chopped for a finishing touch of freshness and fragrance.
Red Onion or Shallot (optional): Two tablespoons diced adds crunch and sharpness if you’d like an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Easy Marinated Tomatoes

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl. Into this, whisk your olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, sugar, salt, black pepper, and oregano until the mixture is emulsified and wonderfully aromatic. This will be the backbone of your Easy Marinated Tomatoes, so take a moment to inhale the herby, garlicky goodness—the anticipation is half the fun!

Step 2: Add and Coat the Tomatoes

Gently add your sliced or wedged tomatoes right into the bowl with the marinade. If you’re using red onion or shallot, now’s the perfect time to toss that in as well. Using a large spoon or your hands, gently fold the tomatoes until each piece is luxuriously coated, but don’t overmix—you want those slices to stay beautiful and intact.

Step 3: Let the Flavors Mingle

This is where the magic happens. Let the tomatoes marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes—trust me, patience pays off here. If you prefer a crisper texture, pop the bowl in the fridge for up to 2 hours. The tomatoes will soak up all the zesty, herby flavors, becoming irresistibly juicy and flavorful.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Basil

Just before you’re ready to wow your guests (or just yourself!), sprinkle over the chopped fresh basil. The freshness and fragrance are out of this world, adding a final layer of color and vibrancy that really makes these Easy Marinated Tomatoes shine.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Now comes the best part—serving! Scoop the marinated tomatoes into a serving platter or over toasted bread, and get ready to dig in. Don’t forget to spoon some of that delicious marinade over the top for maximum flavor in every bite.

How to Serve Easy Marinated Tomatoes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, extra basil leaves, or a few crumbles of feta or mozzarella can take Easy Marinated Tomatoes to the next level. For a pop of elegance, scatter a few edible flowers or a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil right before serving.

Side Dishes

These tomatoes are the definition of a perfect side dish. Pair them with grilled chicken, fish, steak, or alongside summery pastas for a bright, tangy contrast. They also steal the show in a picnic spread or next to a fresh green salad and some crusty bread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Easy Marinated Tomatoes crostini-style on toasted baguette slices for a fun appetizer, or layer them with mozzarella slices for a twist on Caprese. You can even pile them onto grain bowls or tuck them into sandwiches to add instant Mediterranean flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Marinated Tomatoes are a dream to have on hand. Simply spoon them and their vibrant marinade into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will keep mingling, making the tomatoes taste even richer the next day.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this dish, as tomatoes become watery and mushy when thawed. Easy Marinated Tomatoes truly shine when made fresh, so enjoy them within a few days for the best experience.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Easy Marinated Tomatoes—they’re most delicious served chilled or at room temperature. If you’ve kept them in the fridge, set them out for a bit before serving to let the flavors wake up and the olive oil return to its luscious liquid state.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tomatoes?

Absolutely! Heirloom, cherry, or grape tomatoes all work beautifully. Feel free to mix colors and varieties for extra visual appeal and flavor complexity.

What’s the best vinegar for marinating tomatoes?

Red wine vinegar is classic, but you can experiment with balsamic, white wine vinegar, or even sherry vinegar for unique twists. Each brings its own personality, so play around and see what you enjoy most.

Is there a way to make Easy Marinated Tomatoes ahead of time?

Definitely. You can prepare the entire dish up to a day in advance, just hold off on adding the fresh basil until right before serving to keep things bright and herbal.

How do I keep the tomatoes from getting mushy?

The key is using firm, ripe tomatoes and marinating them for just 30 minutes to 2 hours. If you let them sit longer, they’ll get softer, but not in a bad way—the marinade turns them extra juicy!

Are Easy Marinated Tomatoes vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a winner at any gathering or for anyone with dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something vibrant, fresh, and a little bit special, you just can’t go wrong with Easy Marinated Tomatoes. Give them a try the next time tomatoes are in season—you’ll be amazed at how much flavor comes from such simple ingredients. Happy eating!

Easy Marinated Tomatoes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes (including marinating)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

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Description

These easy marinated tomatoes are a fresh and flavorful side dish perfect for summer. Sliced tomatoes are tossed in a zesty dressing and herbs, creating a vibrant dish that pairs well with grilled meats or as a topping for toasted bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Tomato Marinade:

4 large ripe tomatoes (sliced or cut into wedges)
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Optional: 2 tablespoons diced red onion or shallot

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, sugar, salt, pepper, and oregano until well combined.
Add Tomatoes: Add the tomato slices and gently toss to coat. Optionally, add chopped red onion or shallot for extra flavor.
Marinate: Let the tomatoes sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Finish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh basil. Serve as a side dish, over toasted bread, or with grilled meats.