Nothing says summer quite like a fresh-picked tomato, still warm from the garden. Slice, dice and roast your way through these flavor-packed recipes starring your favorite homegrown veggie—err, fruit.
44 Ways to Cook Fresh, Juicy Tomatoes
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
1/44
Mediterranean Tomato Bites
Total Time
35 min
Servings
32 pastries
From the Recipe Creator:
My friend Mary served these lovely appetizers at a summer gathering several years ago, and I adapted it a bit to my taste. It's a great August recipe when tomatoes and herbs are at their freshest! —Susan Wilson, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 pastry: 106 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 136mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
2/44
Bruschetta Chicken
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We enjoy serving this tasty chicken bruschetta to both family and to company. It just might become your new favorite way to use up summer tomatoes and basil. —Carolin Cattoi-Demkiw, Lethbridge, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 316 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 563mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
3/44
Tomato Focaccia
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
With its medley of herbs and tomatoes, this rustic bread will liven up any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a game-day get-together. It never lasts long! —Janet Miller, Indianapolis, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 112 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 320mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 fat.
4/44
Heirloom Tomato Salad
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a simple yet elegant dish that always pleases my guests. Not only is it tasty, but it is healthy, too. The more varied the colors of the tomatoes you choose, the prettier the salad will be. —Jess Apfe, Berkeley, California
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 75 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 161mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
5/44
Antipasto Platter
Total Time
10 min
Servings
16 servings (3 qt.)
From the Recipe Creator:
We entertain often, and an antipasto platter is one of our favorite crowd-pleasers. Guests love having their choice of so many delicious nibbles, including pepperoni and cubes of provolone. —Teri Lindquist, Gurnee, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 157 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 16mg cholesterol, 727mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
6/44
Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Relax after work with a cold drink while this savory chicken marinates in an herby tomato blend for an hour, then toss it on the grill. It tastes just like summer. —Laura Lunardi, West Chester, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 177 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 171mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 24g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.
7/44
Pork and Orzo
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
On a really busy day, this meal in a bowl is one of my top picks. It's quick to put together, leaving a lot more time to relax at the table. —Mary Relyea, Canastota, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 372 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 306mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
8/44
Chicken Caprese
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love a Caprese salad of tomatoes, basil and cheese, so why not try a chicken caprese? You can grill this dish, but my family agrees it’s juicier straight from the oven. —Dana Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 525 calories, 34 g fat (11g saturated fat), 139 mg cholesterol, 761 mg sodium, 5 g carbohydrate (4 g sugars, 1 g fiber), 45 g protein.
9/44
Blue Cheese Potato Chips
Total Time
15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Game day calls for something bold. I top potato chips with tomatoes, bacon and tangy blue cheese. I make two big pans, and they always disappear. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 215 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 359mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
10/44
BLT Skillet
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This quick weeknight meal reminds me of a BLT, with its chunks of bacon and tomato. The whole wheat linguine gives the skillet dish extra flavor and texture. —Edrie O'Brien, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 314 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 682mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 7g fiber), 14g protein.
11/44
Tomato Pie
Total Time
1 hour 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Make sure your tomatoes are firm and not too ripe. Ripe tomatoes will add too much moisture to the pie. —Lois Morgan, Edisto Beach, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 396 calories, 32g fat (12g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 466mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
12/44
Grilled Steak Salad with Tomatoes & Avocado
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My family loves a good steak dinner, but with busy schedules, I'm often thinking about ways to put new and simple twists on things. This salad is flavored with the freshness of lemon and cilantro and is one of my husband's favorite weeknight dishes. —Lyndsay Wells, Ladysmith, British Columbia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 328 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 710mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 8g fiber), 31g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat.
13/44
Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce
Total Time
45 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my mom made this spaghetti sauce, the house would smell so good that I'd open the windows to torture the neighbors. It even tastes wonderful the next day, when the flavors have really melded. —Vera Schulze, Holbrook, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup spaghetti with 3/4 cup sauce (calculated without cheese): 327 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 607mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 10g protein.
14/44
Cherry Tomato Mozzarella Saute
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This side dish is full of flavor and so quick to put together. The cherry tomatoes and mozzarella are perfect alongside almost any main dish you can think of. —Summer Jones, Pleasant Grove, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 127 calories, 9g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 194mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
15/44
Italian Garden Frittata
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I like to serve this pretty frittata with melon wedges for a delicious breakfast or brunch. —Sally Maloney, Dallas, Georgia
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 183 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 228mg cholesterol, 655mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 18g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
16/44
Ratatouille
Total Time
1 hour 40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This rich and flavorful ratatouille is the perfect salute to the harvest. Hearty and full of veggies, it fills the kitchen with the comforting aroma of thyme, onions and garlic. —Diane Trester, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 193 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 293mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 7g fiber), 5g protein.
17/44
Grilled Lebanese Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
13 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Amazingly, even our kids eat their greens, herbs and garden veggies when they’re prepared this way. Fresh and healthy never tasted more delicious. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 113 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 239mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
18/44
Linguine with Fresh Tomatoes
Total Time
20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This garlic and basil linguine is a perfect way to use up your late-summer tomato harvest. It makes a great light supper when paired with a salad, or you can make it heartier with some chopped chicken. —Susan Jones, Downers Grove, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 233 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 567mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
19/44
Tomato Olive Quiche
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Salty, savory olives, two kinds of onions, juicy tomatoes and layers of cheese make this quiche a dish to remember. —Stephanie Proebsting, Barrington, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 411 calories, 33g fat (16g saturated fat), 123mg cholesterol, 600mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
20/44
Zucchini Tomato Casserole
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Even people who don’t like zucchini can’t seem to get enough of this full-flavored side dish. I always bring it to our family gatherings and potlucks because it goes well with any entree. —Cathy Johnston, Ranchester, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 224 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 527mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
21/44
Roasted Tomato Soup
Total Time
1 hour 5 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Just before the first frost of the season, we gather up all of the tomatoes from my mom’s garden to create this flavor-packed soup. Although it sounds like a lot of garlic, when it’s roasted, the garlic becomes mellow and almost sweet. We serve this soup with toasted bread spread with pesto. —Kaitlyn Lerdahl, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 276 calories, 22g fat (6g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 421mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 5g fiber), 4g protein.
22/44
Mushroom-Stuffed Tomatoes
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This side dish is inexpensive, quick to prepare and always a favorite. With plenty of mushrooms, the cheesy mixture stuffed into tomatoes is really decadent. —Florence Palmer, Marshall, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1 each: 165 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 145mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
23/44
Easy Gazpacho
Total Time
15 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My daughter got this gazpacho recipe from a college friend and shared it with me. Now I serve it often as an appetizer. It certainly is the talk of any party. —Lorna Sirtoli, Cortland, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 146 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 387mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 fat.
24/44
Cod with Bacon & Balsamic Tomatoes
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Let's face it, everything really is better with bacon. I fry it, add cod fillets to the pan and finish it all with a big, tomato-y pop. —Maureen McClanahan, St. Louis, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet with 1/4 cup tomato mixture and 1 tablespoon bacon: 178 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 485mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable.
25/44
Ricotta-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These mushrooms are rich and creamy and bright at the same time because of the fresh herbs and tomato. I especially like to serve them with grilled asparagus. —Tre Balchowsky, Sausalito, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed mushroom: 201 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 238mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
26/44
Mint-Cucumber Tomato Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 sandwiches
From the Recipe Creator:
I jazzed up the quintessential teatime cucumber sandwich to suit my family's tastes. This was my absolute go-to sandwich last summer when I was pregnant. It hit all the right spots! —Namrata Telugu, Terre Haute, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 286 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 631mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 9g protein.
27/44
Roasted Salsa
Total Time
25 min
Servings
32 servings (8 cups)
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family's all-time favorite salsa, this recipe is the reason we grow a huge garden every summer. We make gallons of it and share with our neighbors. You might find yourself eating it right out of the bowl with a spoon. —Donna Kelly, Orem, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 27 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 155mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable.
28/44
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Flatbreads
Total Time
35 min
Servings
2 flatbreads (12 servings each)
From the Recipe Creator:
This is a combination of grilled pizza and a cheesy flatbread recipe I discovered years ago. It's a great appetizer or main dish. —Tina Repak Mirilovich, Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 99 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 196mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
29/44
Herb-Roasted Olives & Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Eat these roasted veggies with a crunchy baguette or a couple of cheeses. You can also double, or triple, the amounts and have leftovers to toss with spaghetti the next day. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 71 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
30/44
Lemon Chicken Orzo
Total Time
40 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here's a dish that's light and summery but still filling. My kids love all the veggies...for real! If you like a lot of lemon, stir in an extra splash of lemon juice just before serving. —Shannon Humphrey, Hampton, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 399 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 807mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 9g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
31/44
Four-Cheese Pizza
Total Time
40 min
Servings
8 slices
From the Recipe Creator:
Although this pizza doesn't have sauce, it gets unforgettable flavor from a blend of cheeses, vegetables and garlic. Using frozen bread dough appeals to folks who don't care to bake. —Davis Johns, Hurst, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 slice: 307 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 559mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 16g protein.
32/44
Black Eyed Pea Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My black-eyed pea salad reminds me of a Southern cooking class my husband and I took while visiting Savannah, Georgia. People go nuts for it at picnics and potlucks. —Danielle Lee, Charleston, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 130 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 319mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
33/44
Crouton Tomato Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This old-fashioned side uses lots of delicious tomatoes and seasonings that give it an Italian twist. Every time I serve it, someone asks for the recipe. —Norma Nelson, Punta Gorda, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 197 calories, 14g fat (9g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 545mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
34/44
Tomato Baguette Pizza
Total Time
35 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When my tomatoes ripen all at once, I use them up in simple recipes like this one. Cheesy baguette pizzas, served with a salad, make an ideal lunch. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 260 calories, 7g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 medium-fat meat.
35/44
Olive Caprese Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When heirloom tomatoes arrive, feature them with red onions, green olives and a surprising twist-star anise. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 172 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 327mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
36/44
Lemon Orzo Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Heading to a potluck and need something to share? Tangy lemon dressing over cool orzo and vegetables is everything you want in a light side dish. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
2/3 cup: 259 calories, 19g fat (4g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 460mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 4g protein.
37/44
Lemony Shrimp & Tomatoes
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 kabobs (1/2 cup sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this recipe for my family because they love grilled shrimp. I love it because it's quick, delicious and good for us. —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob with 2 tablespoons sauce: 147 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 140mg cholesterol, 475mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 20g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.
38/44
Artichoke Caprese Platter
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I dressed up the classic Italian trio of mozzarella, tomatoes and basil with marinated artichokes. It looks so yummy on a pretty platter set out on a buffet. Using fresh mozzarella is the key to its great taste. —Margaret Wilson, San Bernardino, California
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 192 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 179mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
39/44
Shakshuka
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Shakshuka is a dish of poached eggs with tomatoes, onion and cumin. I learned about it while traveling through Southeast Asia, and it's been my favorite way to eat eggs since. —Ezra Weeks, Calgary, Alberta
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 159 calories, 12g fat (3g saturated fat), 186mg cholesterol, 381mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 medium-fat meat, 1 vegetable.
40/44
Strawberry Salsa
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
This deliciously different salsa is versatile, fresh-tasting and colorful. People are surprised to see a salsa made with strawberries, but it's excellent over grilled chicken and pork or as a dip with corn chips. —Jean Giroux, Belchertown, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 19 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
Diabetic Exchanges: 1 free food.
41/44
Cozumel Red Snapper Veracruz
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Cozumel, Mexico, is home to magnificent Veracruz-style red snapper. You can't bring it home, so create your own. Try parchment paper instead of the foil packet. —Barb Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet (calculated without couscous and cilantro): 285 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 741mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 35g protein.
42/44
Turkey Sausage Soup with Fresh Vegetables
Total Time
6 hours 30 min
Servings
10 servings (about 3-1/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Our family is big on soup. This favorite is quick to make and very tasty, and it gives me plenty of time to have fun with my kids and grandkids while it slow-cooks. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups: 167 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 604mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 2 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
43/44
Panzanella Pasta
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings (1 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
We take classic panzanella ingredients like ripe tomatoes, peppers and olives and toss them with hot noodles for a hearty pasta dish. My kids especially like the crunchy croutons. —Ashley Pierce, Brantford, Ontario
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 297 calories, 18g fat (5g saturated fat), 17mg cholesterol, 739mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
44/44
Layered Grilled Corn Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This has been a go-to dish for me throughout the years. It's great as a side or can be served for a light lunch in lettuce cups, with warm crusty bread. —Angela Smith, Bluffton, South Carolina
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 224 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 656mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
