Dessert

Marinated Tomato Salad Recipe

Name: Marinated Tomato Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds ripe tomatoes; 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons red grape vinegar (or red wine vinegar); ⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped; 1 clove garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped; 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped; 1 teaspoon fresh dill, finely chopped; Salt, to taste; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

ByHugo Harnd April 18, 2026April 18, 2026

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Introduction

Marinated tomatoes are a simple, flavorful dish that brings out the juicy sweetness of ripe tomatoes with a zesty herb marinade. This easy recipe is perfect as a refreshing salad or a vibrant side for any meal.

The image shows a white plate filled with one layer of round red tomato slices arranged evenly in a slightly overlapping circle, each slice topped with small pieces of green herbs and finely chopped purple onion mixed with a light dressing, giving a glossy texture. Around the plate, there are two halves of a red tomato placed at the top left and fresh green herb leaves scattered nearby on a white marbled surface. A white cloth is casually placed at the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 pounds ripe tomatoes
6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red grape vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons basil, chopped
2 teaspoons parsley, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dill, finely chopped
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the tomatoes, pat them dry, and slice into ⅓ inch thick pieces. Arrange the slices in a large shallow dish.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, chopped onion, minced garlic, basil, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 3: Pour the marinade evenly over the tomato slices, spreading it to cover all the pieces.
Step 4: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the tomatoes absorb the flavors. Flip the tomatoes once during this time for even marination.
Step 5: Serve the marinated tomatoes chilled as a refreshing salad or a colorful side dish with your favorite meal.

Tips & Variations

For a sweeter touch, add a teaspoon of honey or a pinch of sugar to the marinade.
Use fresh herbs from your garden when possible for the best flavor.
Try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for a deeper, richer taste.
Include thinly sliced cucumber or bell peppers to add extra crunch and color.

Storage

Store marinated tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are best enjoyed within this time for freshness. When ready to serve again, you can eat them cold or let them sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to enhance the flavors.

How to Serve

A white bowl holds a salad made of seven round, bright red tomato slices arranged in an overlapping circle. The tomato slices are topped with finely chopped green herbs and small pieces of red onion, giving a fresh, colorful look. The salad appears dressed with a light, shiny vinaigrette that coats the tomatoes and herbs. Around the bowl on a white marbled surface are two tomato halves showing their juicy interiors, and scattered fresh green herb leaves. A white cloth is placed near the bottom edge of the image, enhancing the fresh and clean feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tomatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any ripe, firm tomatoes such as heirloom or grape tomatoes. Just adjust slicing sizes accordingly to ensure even marination.

How long can I marinate the tomatoes for?

At least 2 hours is recommended for good flavor absorption, but you can marinate them up to 24 hours in the refrigerator for a stronger taste. Avoid marinading longer than that to prevent the tomatoes from becoming too soft.