Ah, cherry tomatoes. They’re like nature’s little flavor bombs, bursting with sweet juiciness in every bite. I remember the first time I tried marinating them – it was a revelation, like discovering a hidden door to a magical garden of flavor. Trust me, this easy marinated cherry tomatoes recipe is one of those culinary delights you never knew you needed but won’t be able to live without once you’ve tried it.
Steps
- Start by quartering half a pound of ripe cherry tomatoes and slicing a quarter of a red onion into thin strips.
- Smash and mince 1/2 to 1 clove of garlic into a paste, season with a pinch of sea salt, and add it to a bowl with the cherry tomatoes and onion.
- Pour in a quarter cup of high-quality extra virgin olive oil, a tablespoon of red wine vinegar, and the juice of one lemon. Season with freshly ground black pepper and add fresh basil if available.
- Mix everything thoroughly to coat the tomatoes, then let the mixture sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve at room temperature and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking before enjoying.
Ingredients
- ½ pound ripe cherry tomatoes, quartered
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ to 1 clove garlic, smashed and minced into a paste
- Sea salt, to taste
- ¼ cup high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Fresh basil
Nutritional Values
Calories: 141kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 171mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 275IU | Vitamin C: 27.7mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.6mg
FAQ
- What are some suggested ways to use marinated cherry tomatoes?
- Marinated cherry tomatoes can be a versatile addition to many dishes. They work well as a topping for avocado toast, piled on crusty bread for bruschetta, mixed into salads as a dressing, served as a side dish with grilled foods, used as a topping for chicken, steak, or salmon, and even added to pizza or flatbread.
- How do you prepare marinated cherry tomatoes?
- To prepare marinated cherry tomatoes, start by quartering the tomatoes and slicing a red onion into thin strips. Smash and mince garlic into a paste with a pinch of salt and combine with the vegetables. Add extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, freshly ground black pepper, and optional fresh basil. Mix well and let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Can the marinated cherry tomatoes be adjusted to taste?
- Yes, the seasoning of the marinated cherry tomatoes can be adjusted to your liking. Feel free to modify the amounts of salt, pepper, or any other ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- What are the nutritional details of marinated cherry tomatoes?
- An estimated nutritional breakdown of the marinated cherry tomatoes includes approximately 141 calories per serving, 6g of carbohydrates, 1g of protein, 14g of fat, and notable amounts of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Iron.
- Can marinated cherry tomatoes be used in other recipes?
- Absolutely! Marinated cherry tomatoes can be incorporated into various dishes like Tomato Quinoa Salad, Cherry Tomato Salad with feta, or even a Cherry Tomato Pico de Gallo for taco night. They also pair well in a Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad, which is suitable for paleo, keto, and vegan diets.
Tips
- Allow the tomatoes to marinate at room temperature for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- For added freshness and flavor, include fresh basil in the marinade if available. It complements the tomatoes perfectly and adds a delightful aromatic touch.
- Use a quality extra virgin olive oil for the marinade. Its rich flavor is crucial for bringing out the best in the tomatoes and other ingredients.
- Experiment with serving suggestions: use the marinated tomatoes as a topping for avocado toast, mix them into salads for an instant dressing, or pair them with grilled meats as a flavorful side dish.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife – For quartering cherry tomatoes and smashing garlic.
- Cutting Board – A sturdy surface to cut the tomatoes and onion.
- Mixing Bowl – A bowl to combine all the ingredients and allow them to marinate.
- Garlic Press (optional) – For mincing garlic into a paste if you prefer not to use the flat side of a knife.
- Citrus Juicer (optional) – To extract juice from the lemon more efficiently.
- Pepper Mill – For freshly ground black pepper.
