Oh, I just *love* this time of year when tomatoes are at their peak, don’t you? They just taste like sunshine! And let me tell you, whipping up this Refreshing Marinated Tomatoes Memorial Day Delight has become my absolute go-to. It’s honestly one of the easiest things you can make, and it tastes SO incredibly fresh. Seriously, the way the simple marinade just transforms ripe tomatoes into something spectacular is pure magic. It’s the perfect side for any barbecue or gathering, like Memorial Day, and it always gets rave reviews. I can’t wait to share my little secret with you!
Why You’ll Love This Refreshing Marinated Tomatoes Memorial Day Delight
Honestly, there are so many reasons this tomato salad is a winner, especially when it’s time to celebrate outdoors! Here’s why it’s my favorite:
- So Easy! Seriously, a few minutes of slicing and whisking, and you’re done. No cooking required at all! It’s a much simpler take than something like a fancy Caprese salad.
- Bursting with Freshness: It tastes exactly like summer should – bright, zesty, and utterly delicious. Way better than a heavy dish, and similar to the freshness found in marinated cucumber and tomato salad.
- Super Versatile: It’s not just for Memorial Day! It’s perfect with grilled chicken, burgers, or even just some crusty bread. It’s like a little taste of sunshine on your plate.
- Makes Your Spread Look Fancy: Even though it’s so simple, it looks so elegant and so colorful when you put it out. Everyone always asks for the recipe!
Gather Your Ingredients for Refreshing Marinated Tomatoes
Okay, ready to make this magic happen? You really don’t need much, which is part of why it’s so great! Just grab a few things that are probably already in your kitchen. Trust me, the quality of your tomatoes makes a huge difference here, so try to get the ripest ones you can find. Here’s what you’ll need:
- About 2 pounds of gorgeous, ripe tomatoes, all sliced up nicely.
- A generous 1/2 cup of good quality extra virgin olive oil – don’t skimp here!
- 1/4 cup zippy red wine vinegar.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced super fine.
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano – the classic herb for this flavor!
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt, or a little more if you like.
- 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
- And a handful of fresh basil leaves for that pop of green and fresh, lovely flavor at the end.
It’s so simple, it practically tastes like a simplified version of something like marinated cucumber and tomatoes, but with that tomato star power!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Refreshing Marinated Tomatoes
Alright, let’s get this tomato party started! It’s seriously so straightforward, you’ll be wondering why you haven’t made it yourself every single summer. It’s one of those recipes that tastes way more complicated than it is, and it’s a fantastic starter or side that holds up beautifully, sort of like preparing for the perfect bruschetta. Just follow these super simple steps, and you’ll have a dish that tastes like pure summer sunshine.
Preparing the Tomatoes
First things first, you want to get your gorgeous tomatoes ready. Just slice them up into nice, even rounds. I usually aim for about a quarter-inch thick – not too thin that they fall apart, but not too thick either. We want them to soak up all that yummy marinade goodness, and nice slices look so pretty on the serving platter.
Crafting the Perfect Marinade
Now for the magic potion! Grab a small bowl and whisk together the olive oil, that lovely red wine vinegar, your minced garlic (use fresh, trust me, it’s so much better than jarred!), the dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all up until it looks beautifully combined and a little creamy. You want it to be this gorgeous, flavorful dressing that’s ready to coat those tomatoes. It’s similar to the dressing you’d make for marinated cucumber and tomato salad, but with tomato as the star!
Marinating and Chilling
Here comes the part where all the deliciousness happens! Lay those tomato slices out on your serving platter, or in a shallow dish if you prefer. Then, just pour that fantastic marinade evenly all over them. Make sure every slice gets a little bath! Now, cover the dish. You can use plastic wrap or a lid. Pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial, people! That little bit of chilling time is where the tomatoes really start to absorb all those flavors and get wonderfully tender.
Finishing Touches and Serving
Okay, the chilling time is up, and your tomatoes are ready to shine! Just before you serve them, give them a final little drizzle of any marinade left in the dish. Then, tear or chop up some fresh basil leaves and scatter them all over the top. That bright green against the red of the tomatoes looks so beautiful and gives it that extra pop of freshness. Serve these chilled – they are just divine when they’re cool and refreshing. It’s perfect for a warm day!
Tips for the Best Refreshing Marinated Tomatoes
Alright, let’s dive into making these marinated tomatoes absolutely *perfect* every single time. It’s all about a few little tricks that make a big difference. Think of it like getting ready for a lovely marinated cucumber and tomato salad or even a beautiful Caprese – the ingredients matter!
Choosing the Best Tomatoes
Seriously, the star of this whole show is the tomato. You want them ripe, juicy, and full of flavor! Forget those pale, hard tomatoes you find sometimes. Go for beautiful heirloom varieties if you can find them, or just the ripest vine-ripened ones. They should have a lovely give when you gently squeeze them and smell wonderfully tomato-y. That’s the secret to a truly delicious bite!
Flavor Variations and Additions
While this recipe is fantastic just as it is, you can totally play around with it to make it your own! I sometimes like to throw in some finely chopped fresh parsley or even some chives along with the basil for extra herby goodness. If you like a little bit of a kick, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes in the marinade works wonders! And for a touch of sweetness, a *tiny* drizzle of honey mixed into the dressing can be divine, especially if your tomatoes aren’t super sweet on their own.
Serving and Storing Your Marinated Tomatoes
Okay, you’ve made this amazing batch of Refreshing Marinated Tomatoes, and they’re ready to impress! The absolute best way to serve these is nice and chilled. That cool temperature really makes all those bright, zesty flavors pop. I usually pull them out of the fridge about 15 minutes before I plan to serve them, just so they’re not icy cold but still wonderfully refreshing. They are fantastic alongside pretty much anything – think grilled meats, burgers, or even just with some warm, crusty bread. If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just pop them back in the covered dish in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for about 2 to 3 days, though I find they’re tastiest the first day or two as the tomatoes get even more tender.
Frequently Asked Questions about Refreshing Marinated Tomatoes
Got some questions about making these yummy marinated tomatoes? I totally get it! It’s a simple recipe, but you might have a few things on your mind. Here are some of the most common ones I get:
Can I use cherry tomatoes?
Oh yes! Cherry tomatoes are a fabulous choice. You can either halve them or leave them whole if they’re super small. Just toss them gently with the marinade, and maybe let them sit a little longer since they’re smaller and can soak up flavor really fast. They make a super cute, bite-sized version!
How long can I marinate the tomatoes?
I usually go for at least 30 minutes to an hour in the fridge for the best flavor melding. But honestly, you can marinate them for up to 3-4 hours for an even deeper flavor. Just keep them chilled! Any longer than that, and they might get a bit too soft for my liking, but some people love that super tender texture.
What can I serve with this salad?
Seriously, the possibilities are endless! These are fantastic alongside grilled chicken, steak, or burgers for any barbecue. They’re also delicious spooned over some crusty bread (like little open-faced sandwiches!), paired with fish, or even tossed into a pasta salad for an extra burst of freshness. They’re like the perfect summer sidekick, similar to how marinated cucumber and tomato salad works with meals!
Nutritional Information (Estimate)
Just a heads-up, the nutrition info below is an estimate, since everyone’s tomatoes and oils can be a little different! But generally, one serving of these glorious marinated tomatoes will be around 150 calories, with about 14g of fat (mostly good stuff from the olive oil!), 7g of carbs, and 1g of protein. It’s a light and flavorful way to enjoy those summer veggies!
Print
Refreshing Marinated Tomatoes
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful marinated tomato salad perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Arrange tomato slices on a platter.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the marinade evenly over the tomatoes.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use a variety of ripe tomatoes.
- You can add other herbs like parsley or chives to the marinade.
- Serve chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Salad
- Method: Marinating
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: marinated tomatoes, tomato salad, refreshing, side dish, summer salad, Memorial Day, easy recipe