Marinated Tomatoes

Fresh marinated tomatoes add extra flavor to salads, a pop of color to charcuterie boards, and deliciousness to any meal. Mix everything together in minutes and the fridge does the rest!

It’s that time of year—ALL the tomatoes are ripe ALL at once. I have lots of ideas for putting them to use, from Easy Tomato Jam to Homemade Tomato Soup and Tomato Confit, but if you’re looking for the most effortless way to use up tomatoes, it’s this recipe for marinated tomatoes.

Making marinated tomatoes is the kind of easy recipe we all appreciate during these last few weeks of summer. It’s a lot like making Easy Oven Roasted Tomatoes (or Roasted Cherry Tomatoes), but after tossing the tomatoes in the oil and seasonings, you pop them in the refrigerator instead of the oven.

This minimal effort yields maximum results! During the marinating time, the tomatoes absorb the flavors of the zippy lemon marinade, transforming them into a delicious addition to salads, sandwiches, and more. They still have that signature sweetness and acidity, but with so many more layers of flavor on top of it!

Ingredients for Marinated Tomatoes

Below is a quick summary of the ingredients you’ll need to make marinated tomatoes. For the quantities and measurements, scroll down to the recipe card.

• Fresh Lemon Juice – Bottled lemon juice has a flat flavor, so always use fresh, which is much more vibrant.
• Dijon Mustard – Mustard adds a sharp flavor that gives these marinated tomatoes some depth.
• Garlic – Always a good pairing with tomatoes! Mincing the cloves releases all of their garlickiness (not a word, but let’s make it one) into the marinade.
• Honey – This adds some balance to the tart lemon.
• Italian Seasoning – Why measure a bunch of different herbs when one jar has everything you need?!
• Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper is best. If you like big bursts of peppery flavor, use coarsely ground pepper; a finer grind will distribute the pepperiness (surprisingly, this IS a word) more evenly.
• Olive Oil – This is a recipe where it’s worth cracking open that bottle of fancy EVOO you picked up at Home Goods because it had a pretty label. But if you don’t have a fancy olive oil, whatever you have on hand is fine.
• Tomatoes – Sliced tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes; slices work best for a caprese salad or sandwiches.

How to Make Marinated Tomatoes

You’re three simple steps away from tomato bliss! Here’s what you’ll need to do.

1. Make the dressing. Whisk the ingredients in a bowl.
2. Combine. Add the tomatoes and toss to coat.
3. Marinate. Chill for 2-3 hours or overnight, then serve.

How Long Do Marinated Tomatoes Last? 

Marinated tomatoes will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days when stored in a jar or other airtight container, assuming you used tomatoes that were at their peak when you made them. (If the tomatoes were already getting soft when made the recipe, the marinated tomatoes won’t last as long.)

Ways to Use Marinated Tomatoes

There are so many ways to use these marinated tomatoes—including just popping them in your mouth as a snack! For more inspiration, try one of these ideas:

• Salads – Instead of regular raw tomatoes, swap in marinated tomatoes to add extra flavor to your salads. Try them with my Burrata Caprese, Tomato Mozzarella Salad, or simply serve them over a bed of arugula with fresh mozzarella.
• Sandwiches – BLTs and burgers never tasted so good! Marinated tomato slices are perfect for layering onto any sandwich—and especially a Tomato Sandwich.
• Pasta dishes – I love marinated cherry tomatoes in pasta salads like this Zesty Italian Pasta Salad, but they’d also be good in Tuscan Chicken Pasta.
• Appetizers – Serve sliced marinated tomatoes alongside fresh mozzarella and baguette slices for an easy summer appetizer. 
• Charcuterie boards – Add some variety to your charcuterie or cheese board by including marinated tomatoes. Acidity is a good palate cleanser! (Fun fact: That’s why pickles are served with sandwiches at delis.)
• As a simple side – Enjoy these tomatoes as a simple side with a main dish like Basil Pesto Grilled Chicken Thighs or Flaky Parmesan Tilapia.

More Tomato Recipes

• Easy Tomato Bruschetta
• Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
• Southern Fried Green Tomatoes
• Tomato Sandwich
• Roasted Tomato Soup
• How to Make Italian Style Stewed Tomatoes

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