32 Best Fresh Tomato Recipes

These fresh tomato recipes celebrate the sweet tang of ripe, summertime tomatoes in everything from easy salads to warm flatbreads and flavorful sauces.

You know summer is finally in full swing with your first perfectly ripe tomato. Whether homegrown or collected from a farmers market, vibrant tomatoes, from red and orange to yellow and green, bring color and peak-season flavor to meals. These fresh tomato recipes celebrate all the ways to enjoy their juicy, tangy sweetness, regardless of whether tomatoes are a fruit or a vegetable.

There are plenty of easy tomato-based dishes for quick sides and summer lunch ideas, like tomato sandwiches and flatbreads, as well as heartier main courses with cooked, concentrated tomato flavor. Add variety by using different types of tomatoes and letting each shine in its own way. If you love the unique colors and shapes tomatoes can have, heirloom tomato recipes fit the bill.

This collection includes recipes that use up a ton of fresh tomatoes and creative uses for garden tomatoes when you only have one or two left. Try muddling the last few cherry tomatoes into a cocktail, like a classic Bloody Mary, for new heights of tomato bliss. Freeze sauces and casseroles for a taste of summer once temperatures plummet. No matter how you slice it, fresh tomato recipes should be on the menu tonight.

1/32

Spaghetti Squash Meatball Casserole

Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: One of our favorite comfort-food dinners is spaghetti and meatballs. We're crazy about this lighter, healthier version that features so many veggies. It has the same beloved flavors with more nutritious ingredients! —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 304 calories, 14g fat (6g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 590mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1-1/2 starch.
2/32

Garden Tomato Salad

Total Time:15 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: For as long as I can remember, Mom made a salad of tomatoes and cucumbers. Now I make it whenever beautiful tomatoes are in reach. —Shannon Arthur, Upper Arlington, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 92 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
3/32

Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Total Time:25 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Besides being tasty, these little tomato poppers are extra awesome because you can make them ahead of time. At parties, I often triple the recipe because they disappear fast. —Christi Martin, Elko, Nevada
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed tomato: 25 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 fat.
4/32

Triple Tomato Flatbread

Total Time:20 min
Servings:8 pieces
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Tomatoes are the reason I have a vegetable garden, and I developed this recipe as a way to show off my garden's plum, sun-dried and cherry tomatoes. The dish is easy and will impress. —Rachel Kimbrow, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 235 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
5/32

Mild Salsa Recipe for Canning

Total Time:1 hour
Servings:10 pints
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I got this salsa recipe from my sister, and my children and I have been making batches of it ever since. We pair pint jars with packages of tortilla chips for zesty Christmas gifts. When the kids give this present to their teachers, they can truthfully say they helped make it. —Pamela Lundstrum, Bird Island, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 14 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 182mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
6/32

Tomato, Avocado and Grilled Corn Salad

Contest Winner
Total Time:30 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: With ripe tomatoes, fresh basil and grilled corn, this bright salad tastes just like summertime! —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 164 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 237mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
7/32

Fresh Corn and Tomato Fettuccine

Contest Winner
Total Time:25 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe combines delicious whole wheat pasta with fresh garden produce. It's tossed with heart-healthy olive oil, and a sprinkling of feta cheese gives it bite. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 2 cups: 527 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 1051mg sodium, 75g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 21g protein.
8/32

Bruschetta

Total Time:30 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I drew inspiration from my grandma’s recipe for this garden-fresh bruschetta. The crisp bread and tomato goodness make a great party appetizer, but the dish also works alongside your favorite Italian entree. —Jean Franzoni, Rutland, Vermont
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 77 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 172mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
9/32

Spinach-Topped Tomatoes

Contest Winner
Total Time:35 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This colorful side dish is classic for a reason! It provides a perfect taste of summer when garden-fresh tomatoes are in season, but we enjoy it year-round. My daughter especially loves this dish. —Ila Mae Alderman, Galax, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 tomato: 236 calories, 19g fat (11g saturated fat), 78mg cholesterol, 649mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
10/32

Rustic Tomato Cheese Tart

Total Time:1 hour
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My fresh tomato tart is perfect when you want a taste of summer any time of year. The crust stays nice and crisp and the toppings are bursting with garden-fresh flavor! —Moji Dabney, Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 134 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
11/32

Tomatoes with Buttermilk Vinaigrette

Total Time:20 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: We make the most of tomatoes when they are in season and plentiful, and I love an old-fashioned homemade dressing with summery taste. —Judith Foreman, Alexandria, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 79 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 63mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
12/32

Tomato-Onion Phyllo Dough Pizza

Contest Winner
Total Time:40 min
Servings:28 slices
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: With a delicate crust and lots of lovely tomatoes on top, this dish is a special one to serve to guests. I make it often when fresh garden tomatoes are in season. It freezes well unbaked, so I also keep one on hand to pop in the oven for a quick dinner.—Neta Cohen, Bedford, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice: 54 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 87mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
13/32

Artichoke Tomato Salad

Total Time:20 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: For extra zip, crumble feta over the top of this artichoke salad. Add shredded rotisserie chicken for a beautiful main dish. —Deborah Williams, Peoria, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 74 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 241mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
14/32

Cherry Tomato Salad

Contest Winner
Total Time:15 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe evolved from a need to use the bumper crops of delicious cherry tomatoes we grow. It's one of my favorite cherry tomato recipes, especially at cookouts. —Sally Sibley, St. Augustine, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 103 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.
15/32

Fire and Ice Tomatoes

Total Time:15 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: You won't miss the salt in this refreshing tomato salad! It's well-seasoned with cayenne pepper, mustard seed and vinegar but not the least bit spicy. This dish is always a hit at potlucks. —Nan Rickey, Yuma, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 72 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
16/32

Bacon Caprese Salad

Total Time:15 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: In summer, I am always looking for ways to use the fresh basil and tomatoes that grow in my herb garden. This recipe combines the two flavors in a wonderful salad that you can make any time of year! —Mary Ann Turk, Joplin, MO
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 225 calories, 17g fat (9g saturated fat), 53mg cholesterol, 468mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
17/32

Heirloom Tomato & Zucchini Salad

Total Time:25 min
Servings:12 (1 cup each)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Tomato wedges give this salad a juicy bite. It's a great use of fresh herbs and veggies from your own garden or the farmers market. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 68 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
18/32

Broiled Parmesan and Swiss Tomatoes

Total Time:10 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Planning to serve steak or tenderloin? These cheesy tomatoes make the ideal accompaniment. Plus, the recipe is simple to double for guests. —Mary Price, Youngstown, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 tomato half: 220 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 275mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
19/32

Fresh Heirloom Tomato Salad

Total Time:20 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This tomato salad is a summertime must. A standout dressing takes the tasty ingredients to a brand-new level. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 74 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
20/32

No-Cook Fresh Tomato Sauce

Total Time:15 min
Servings:about 3-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator: Try this sauce at times when you have a box of pasta or a store-bought pizza shell and need a sure-fire topping. Dinner is served. —Julianne Schnuck, Taste of Home Designer
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup sauce: 64 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 9mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
21/32

Festive Tomato Wedges

Total Time:10 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Since I have a large vegetable and herb garden, many of the ingredients in this recipe are truly "homegrown". I found this simple recipe in a magazine years ago and it quickly became a favorite at family picnics. I have five married children and seven grandchildren, and they all love to come home for some of "Mom's cooking". —Wilma Purcell, Alma, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 143 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 217mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
22/32

Cucumber Tomato Salad

Total Time:15 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Cucumber salad recipes are my absolute favorite! This fast, fresh salad is a winner at every get together. It's an easygoing, healthy side dish for kabobs, chicken or anything hot off the grill. —Blair Lonergan, Rochelle, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 90 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 356mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
23/32

Dill Garden Salad

Contest Winner
Total Time:15 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I love to cut up whatever fresh vegetables I have on hand and toss them with this delicious dressing and fresh dill. This salad shows up on our table regularly during the summer. —Bethany Martin, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 75 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
24/32

Fresh Tomato Relish

Contest Winner
Total Time:30 min
Servings:about 6 pints
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My two grown sons actually eat this as a salad, but that's a bit too hot for me! The recipe is from my late husband's mother, and I haven't varied it over the years. I usually make a batch as soon as the first tomatoes of the season are ready. —Lela Baskins, Windsor, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 9 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 151mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
25/32

Sliced Tomato Salad

Total Time:25 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I got this recipe from my grandmother. It's a perfect platter to serve with burgers or hot sandwiches. —Kendal Tangedal, Plentywood, Montana
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 94 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 fat.
26/32

Grilled Tomato with Fresh Corn

Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Grilling the tomatoes and corn makes this side dish feel special and it's so simple to do. I like to serve it with French bread, but it's "killer" dished up on its own. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (calculated without baguette slices): 123 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 263mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.
27/32

Garden Chickpea Salad

Total Time:25 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Looking for a summer dish with a difference? Combine colorful crunchy veggies with soft feta cheese and good-for-you garbanzos. If you like, add sliced, cooked chicken or lamb. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 492 calories, 38g fat (6g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 619mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 9g fiber), 12g protein.
28/32

Grilled Pizza with Greens & Tomatoes

Total Time:25 min
Servings:2 pizzas (4 slices each)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This smoky grilled pizza scores big with me for two reasons. It encourages my husband and son to eat greens, and it showcases fresh produce. —Sarah Gray, Erie, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 slice: 398 calories, 21g fat (5g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 1007mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 12g protein.
29/32

Feta Bruschetta

Contest Winner
Total Time:30 min
Servings:10 appetizers
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: You won't believe the compliments you'll receive when you greet guests with these warm appetizers. Every crispy bite offers the savory tastes of feta cheese, tomatoes, basil and garlic. They're terrific for holiday parties or most any gathering. —Stacey Rinehart, Eugene, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 296 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
30/32

Rustic Tomato Pie

Total Time:45 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Perk up your plate with this humble tomato pie. We like to use fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes and herbs, but store-bought produce will work in a pinch. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 325 calories, 25g fat (11g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 409mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
31/32

Tomato & Avocado Sandwiches

Total Time:10 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I'm a vegetarian, and this is a tasty, quick and healthy lunch I could eat for every meal. At my house, we call these sandwiches HATS: hummus, avocado, tomato and shallots. These are ingredients I almost always have on hand. —Sarah Jaraha, Moorestown, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 278 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.
32/32

Caprese Skewers

Total Time:10 min
Servings:12 kabobs
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Trade in the usual veggie platter for these fun kabobs. In addition to preparing these for get-togethers, I often make these as snacks for my family. And because assembly is so easy, the kids often ask to help. —Christine Mitchell, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 kabob: 44 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 10mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat.

Fresh Tomato Recipes FAQ

What are the best recipes using garden tomatoes?

Fresh, ripe garden tomatoes are best in recipes that put tomatoes in the spotlight, from raw, marinated salads to grilled tomato sides and simmered sauces. These dishes highlight the natural sweetness and acidity of fresh tomatoes and use other ingredients to enhance the taste without masking it. Roasting garden tomatoes concentrates their flavor, making them ideal for pastas, soups and homemade sauces you can freeze for later.

Can I use cherry tomatoes in these recipes?

Cherry tomatoes are versatile enough to be used raw, roasted or lightly blistered in plenty of easy and delicious cherry tomato recipes. Toss them whole or halved into salads and pasta dishes, thread them onto skewers for easy appetizers or roast until they’re jammy and add to flatbreads and grain bowls. Since they’re naturally sweet, cherry tomatoes also make a great simple dish tossed with salt and a splash of vinegar.

What spices pair well with fresh tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes pair beautifully with classic Mediterranean herbs like basil, oregano and thyme, but they also complement warm spices like cumin, coriander and smoked paprika. The acidity of fresh tomatoes lifts earthy dry chiles while adding heat and their sweetness works with lemon or a splash of vinegar without becoming sour.