Garlic Marinated Tomatoes Recipe

I love crafting marinated tomatoes with fresh, vibrant ingredients. Halved cherry tomatoes mingle with thinly sliced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and a hint of balsamic vinegar to create a burst of flavor. A scattering of fresh basil and optional oregano round out this lively appetizer, perfect for any season.

I’ve always been a fan of quick recipes that pack a punch, and this Garlic Marinated Tomatoes dish does just that. I start with about 1 lb of your favorite cherry or grape tomatoes, halved to let all the flavors seep in.

I thinly slice 4 garlic cloves and toss everything in 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil along with a drizzle of 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar. Add salt and pepper to taste, and don’t forget a good handful of roughly torn basil leaves.

Sometimes I’ll even throw in a teaspoon of dried oregano to mix it up a bit. This simple tomato salad kind of reminds me of other fresh tomato recipes where the tangy basil meets the robust aroma of garlic, reminiscent of marinated tomatoes in balsamic vinegar.

In just 10 minutes, you’ll have a zesty, eye-catching appetizer thats perfect for a light bite any time of the day. Enjoy!

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I really like how quick and easy this recipe is to make. It’s only ten minutes and even though it seems simple, the flavors all mix up really well.
2. I love the burst of flavor from the fresh tomatoes, garlic, and basil. The extra virgin olive oil and the tangy balsamic vinegar make every bite tasty and exciting.
3. I appreciate how versatile it is – I can have it as a light salad on its own or serve it as a tasty appetizer at parties.
4. The balance of spices and herbs really suits my taste, even if sometimes I add a little extra salt and pepper to spice things up just the way i like it.

Ingredients

• Juicy tomatoes: naturally sweet and rich in fiber and vitamin C, giving freshness and nourishment.
• Sliced garlic: adds strong, zesty flavor, delivers antioxidants, and supports overall immune health.
• Extra virgin olive oil: healthy fats give richness, smooth texture, and hint of fruity flavor.
• Balsamic vinegar: brings tangy, sweet-sour balance that elevates flavor with a lively kick.
• Torn basil leaves: add fresh, aromatic notes and peppery lift giving brightness to each bite.
• Dried oregano: optional herb adding warm, earthy and robust flavors that compliment the dish well.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhance flavor and balance all vibrant ingredients in this simple dish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb tomatoes (preferably cherry or grape), halved
• 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A good handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
• Optional: 1 teaspoon dried oregano or a few fresh sprigs

How to Make this

1. First, wash the tomatoes really well and then cut them in half.

2. Put the halved tomatoes in a large bowl.

3. Thinly slice the garlic cloves and add them to the bowl with your tomatoes.

4. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar all over the mix.

5. Season with salt and pepper to your taste – don’t be shy to add a little more if you like it a bit extra.

6. Tear up a good handful of fresh basil leaves and toss them into the bowl.

7. If you want a little more herb flavor, add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or toss in a few fresh sprigs.

8. Gently stir everything together so that the tomato halves are all nicely coated with the garlic, herbs, and dressing.

9. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes so all the flavors mix up well.

10. Serve it up as a simple salad on its own or as a tasty appetizer – enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. A large bowl to mix all the ingredients
2. A cutting board where you can wash and cut your tomatoes and garlic
3. A sharp chef’s knife for halving the tomatoes and slicing the garlic thin
4. Measuring spoons so you can get the right amount of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and even the oregano if you’re using it
5. A mixing spoon to gently stir the salad and coat everything evenly

FAQ

Garlic Marinated Tomatoes Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Tomatoes: If you cant find cherry or grape tomatoes, try using Roma tomatoes diced into bite size pieces
• Garlic: If you dont have fresh garlic, you can use a little garlic paste or even garlic powder in a pinch, but use less as its more potent
• Olive Oil: If extra virgin olive oil isn’t available, a light olive oil or avocado oil can work pretty well though it might slightly alter the flavor
• Balsamic Vinegar: You can swap balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a similar tangy kick
• Basil: If you dont have fresh basil, dried basil is a good substitute, but use about half the amount since it packs more flavor

Pro Tips

1. One good thing to do is let the salad sit for about 10 minutes or so. This gives all the flavors a chance to really mix together, and you might get a stronger taste from the garlic and basil once the rest is absorbed.

2. If you find raw garlic too sharp, try lightly roasting the sliced garlic in a little olive oil first. This not only softens the bite but also brings out a sweeter tone that works really well with the tomatoes.

3. Always taste and adjust the seasonings after the salad has had a minute to rest. Sometimes the salt and pepper need just a little extra once all the juices have been released, so don’t be afraid to add a pinch more if you think it needs it.