30 Fresh Tomato Recipes You Must Try This Summer
Updated: Apr. 20, 2021Pull them from the vine, grab them from the market—however you get your hands on fresh tomatoes, celebrate tomato season with these simple, fresh dishes.
Garden tomato salad
For as long as I can remember, Mom made a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers. Now I make it whenever beautiful tomatoes are in reach. —Shannon Arthur, Wheelersburg, Ohio
Mild tomato salsa
I got this salsa recipe from my sister, and my children and I have been making batches of it ever since. We pair pint jars with packages of tortilla chips for zesty Christmas gifts. When the kids give this present to their teachers, they can truly say they helped make it. —Pamela Lundstrum, Bird Island, Minnesota
Tomato-French bread lasagna
For a big hearty meal, I make this recipe as a side dish to go with veal cutlets or a roast. But you could also serve the beefy lasagna as a main dish. Just pair it with a tossed green salad and loaf of garlic bread. —Patricia Collins, Imbler, Oregon
Fresh tomato bruschetta
The topping for this simple fresh tomato bruschetta appetizer can be put together ahead of time and refrigerated. We also love it on top of grilled chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, and homemade pizza. —Samantha Cass, Swartz Creek, Michigan
Spinach-topped tomatoes
The perfect taste of summer, this colorful side dish is sure to please. The spinach and tomato, combined with the Parmesan cheese, give it a fabulous fresh flavor. My daughter especially loves this dish, which I make often. —Ila Mae Alderman, Galax, Virginia
Tomatoes with buttermilk vinaigrette
I like to make the most of tomatoes when plentiful, and I love an old-fashioned homemade dressing with a summery taste. — Judith Foreman, Alexandria, Virginia
Shrimp fettuccine with no-cook tomato sauce
Dressing pasta doesn’t get any easier than this. Chopped tomatoes and fresh basil come together in a light sauce that’s great with almost anything you decide to add to it—in this case, shrimp. —Sally Stiefvater, Pelham, New York
Tomato-onion phyllo pizza
With a delicate crust and lots of lovely tomatoes on top, this dish is a special one to serve to guests. I make it often when fresh garden tomatoes are in season. It freezes well unbaked, so I can keep one on hand to pop in the oven for a quick dinner.—Neta Cohen, Bedford, Virginia
Artichoke tomato salad
For a little zip, crumble feta over the top of this artichoke tomato salad. Add shredded rotisserie chicken for a beautiful main dish. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Cherry tomato salad
This recipe evolved from a need to use the bumper crops of delicious cherry tomatoes we grow. It’s become a summer favorite, especially at cookouts. —Sally Sibley, St. Augustine, Florida
Fire and ice tomatoes
You won’t miss the salt in this refreshing tomato salad! It’s well-seasoned with cayenne pepper, mustard seed, and vinegar but not the least bit spicy. This dish is always a hit at potlucks. —Nan Rickey, Yuma, Arizona
Bacon caprese salad
In summer, I am always looking for ways to use the fresh basil and tomatoes that grow in my herb garden. This recipe combines the two flavors in a wonderful salad that you can make any time of year! —Mary Ann Turk, Joplin, Missouri
Broiled parmesan and swiss tomatoes
Planning to serve steak or tenderloin? These cheesy tomatoes make the ideal accompaniment. Plus, the recipe is simple to double for guests. —Mary Price, Youngstown, Ohio
Tomato and avocado salad
Here’s a cool alternative to guacamole. The slightly tart dressing showcases the garden-fresh flavors of ruby-red tomatoes and ripe avocados. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
No-Cook fresh tomato sauce
Try this sauce at times when you have a box of pasta or a store-bought pizza shell and need a sure-fire topping. Dinner is served. —Julianne Schnuck, Taste of Home designer
Festive tomato wedges
Since I have a large vegetable and herb garden, many of the ingredients in this recipe are truly “homegrown.” I found this simple recipe in a magazine years ago and it quickly became a favorite at family picnics. —Wilma Purcell, Alma, Illinois
Triple tomato flatbread
Tomatoes are the reason I have a vegetable garden, and I developed this recipe as a way to show off my garden’s plum, sun-dried and cherry tomatoes. It’s so easy, and will absolutely impress. —Rachel Kimbrow, Portland, Oregon
Dill garden salad
I love to cut up whatever fresh vegetables I have on hand and toss them with this delicious dressing and fresh dill. This salad shows up on our table regularly during the summer. —Bethany Martin, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
Fresh tomato relish
My two grown sons (I have two granddaughters) actually eat this as a salad, but that’s a bit too hot for me! The recipe’s from my late husband’s mother, and I haven’t varied it over the years. I usually make a batch as soon as the first tomatoes of the season are ready. —Lela Baskins, Windsor, Missouri
Sliced tomato salad
I got this recipe from my grandmother. It’s a perfect platter to serve with burgers or hot sandwiches. —Kendal Tangedal, Plentywood, Montana
Grilled tomato with fresh corn
Grilling the tomatoes and corn makes this side dish feel special and it’s so simple to do. I like to serve it with French bread, but it’s “killer” dished up on its own. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
