We had a bumper crop of garden tomatoes, this year and it was time to dig out the Best Fresh Tomato Recipes to use up our windfall.

We’d eaten loads of BLTs, added them to our salads, and made delectable tomato tarts. But more tomato recipes were needed!

Tomato Recipes collage with 3 photos and a text box

Best Fresh Tomato Recipes

Finally, for the first time in a couple of decades, we were able to grow our own tomatoes. Our backyard has expanded and we have a sunny spot that’s perfect for an herb garden and a couple of tomato plants.

As is typical, they all ripened at once! It was time to dig out all my favorite tomato recipes and start chopping! Plus, I peeled and deseeded a bunch for the freezer. My pasta sauce will be kicked up a notch this winter!

Overhead view of Tomato Salad with Peach and Basil Vinaigrette on a white plate

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Store Fresh Tomatoes?

Tomatoes do best when they’re stored stem side down, in one layer, at room temperature. They will continue to ripen until refrigerated. If your tomatoes are super ripe, they can be stored for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Bring chilled tomatoes to room temperature before serving.

How Do You Freeze Tomatoes?

With a sharp knife, cut a superficial X through the skin on the end opposite the stem. Blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for about a minute then remove them to a bowl of ice water. The peel will slip right off.

Next, place the whole tomatoes into a freezer-safe Ziploc bag or cut the tomatoes in half and remove the seeds first. Remove any excess air from the bag, write the date on the exterior, and place it in the freezer. Properly stored, they’ll be good for 2-3 months

Best Tomato Salads, Entrees, and Side Dish Recipes

These juicy red gems add deliciousness to so many dishes. Here are a few of our favorites:

Tomato Salads

These juicy red gems add a deliciousness to so many salads. Here are a few of our favorites:

Entrees with Tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes are delicious in main dish recipes. Cherry tomatoes work well during the off season.

Tomato Side Dishes

Delicious side dishes that are best made with ripe summer tomatoes!

Bonus No-Recipe Needed Caprese Salad

I had my first Caprese Salad in Italy fresh out of college. The beautiful, flavorful tomatoes and fresh mozzarella with a bit of fresh basil became an instant favorite.

To make, arrange slices of both tomato and fresh mozzarella slices (try buffalo mozzarella!) on a plate or platter, sprinkle with a little kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper if desired. Then drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar (reduce the vinegar for a syrupy consistency). Easy as can be!

Slices of mozzarella and tomatoes on a platter with a few basil leaves

Childhood Favorite Stuffed Tomato Recipe

My mom would make these stuffed tomatoes in the summer with our ripe garden tomatoes. Dreaming about these from summer to summer, my mom had no clue what recipe she used. 

I tried making these with mayo. With sour cream. Then, with mayo AND sour cream. Nope; every single attempt was a failure. When I was in charge of our PTO cookbook (surprised?) at the kids’ parochial school, I tasted a cold rice salad that had a dressing that tasted very familiar. Yup, it was the perfect combination: mayo and yogurt. 

The rest of the recipe was a snap. I hollowed out tomatoes and chopped the reserved flesh along with some cucumber. Mixed in some diced celery, a bit of seasoning salt, and twice as much mayo as yogurt. That’s it; the result is a simple and refreshing dish.

A salad stuffed tomato on a white plate with a red handled fork

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Stuffed tomato on a white plate with a red handle fork

Salad Stuffed Tomatoes

Prep Time 15 minutes
Additional Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Yield 3

My mom's recipe for summer stuffed tomatoes.

Ingredients

  • 3 ripe, medium tomatoes (homegrown preferred)
  • ½ English cucumber, peeled and chopped
  • ½ stick celery, diced
  • ¼ cup plain yogurt
  • ½ cup mayonnaise, I prefer Hellmann's
  • Seasoning salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut the tops off the tomatoes, remove the flesh and seeds from inside, and reserve.
  2. Drain upside down on paper towels.
  3. Chop the reserved tomato insides. Add to a bowl with the cucumber and celery.
  4. Add the yogurt and mayonnaise and mix to combine. Taste and season as desired.
  5. Fill the tomato shells with the salad mixture. Chill 30 minutes before serving.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

3

Serving Size:

1 tomato

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 323Total Fat: 32gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 26gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 417mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 3g

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