Revel in this vibrant dish of marinated tomatoes that marries plump cherry tomatoes, delicate garlic slices, and fresh basil with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. The flavors meld together effortlessly, creating a lively medley that enlivens family get-togethers and casual dining with a dash of culinary brilliance for pure delight.

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I’m excited to share my latest find, Garlic Marinated Tomatoes. This dish is perfect for those nights when you crave a vibrant, zesty salad or a fresh tomato recipe that never fails to impress.

I start with one pint of cherry tomatoes (halved if needed) and mix them up with three thinly sliced garlic cloves, three tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, and two tablespoons balsamic vinegar. I then toss in a quarter cup of roughly torn fresh basil leaves, a half teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.

In just ten minutes, these ingredients come together into an appetizer that reminds me of marinated tomatoes in balsamic vinegar and offers a twist on traditional marinated tomato dishes. Its simplicity is its charm, making it a great option when you want a quick treat that still packs a real punch of flavor.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe cause it’s super quick to make. I don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen and I can get something tasty on the table fast. I also really appreciate how the flavors mix together. The garlic, basil, and balsamic vinegar just make the tomatoes even more awesome when they sit together for a little while. Plus, I love that it’s really simple and I don’t have to worry about too many complicated steps to make it.

Ingredients

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Cherry tomatoes bring sweet juiciness and fiber while offering essential vitamins for good health.
Garlic cloves add bold flavor and powerful antioxidants that support heart health naturally every day.
Extra virgin olive oil supplies healthy fats, smooth texture, and subtle fruity flavor.
Balsamic vinegar contributes tangy sweetness and a touch of acidity to balance flavors.
Fresh basil leaves bring aromatic freshness and slight sweetness, uplifting the overall taste.
Salt enhances overall flavors, balancing the marinade’s acidity and natural sweetness.
Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild spicy kick that sharpens the dish.

Ingredient Quantities

1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved if needed

3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

How to Make this

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1. Start by washing the cherry tomatoes and if they’re a bit large, go ahead and cut them in half

2. Put the tomatoes in a bowl and add the thinly sliced garlic cloves

3. Pour in the extra virgin olive oil and the balsamic vinegar over the tomatoes

4. Toss everything together gently so the tomatoes all get nicely coated

5. Add in the roughly torn basil leaves, giving it a light mix

6. Sprinkle the salt and finely ground black pepper evenly over the mix

7. Stir one more time, making sure every bit of tomato has a little dressing

8. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes so all the flavors can chill together

9. Taste it and if it needs a bit more salt or vinegar feel free to adjust

10. Serve it as a simple appetizer or side dish, it tastes great at room temperature or chilled

Equipment Needed

1. A colander to rinse the cherry tomatoes and get rid of any extra water
2. A cutting board to hold the tomatoes and garlic while you slice them
3. A chef’s knife for cutting the tomatoes (if they need cutting) and slicing the garlic thinly
4. A mixing bowl that’s big enough to toss all the ingredients together
5. Measuring spoons to get the correct amounts of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper
6. A measuring cup to accurately portion out the basil leaves

FAQ

Q: Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry ones?

A: Yep, you can use regular tomatoes, but you might want to cut them into smaller pieces so they marinate evenly.

Q: How long should I let the tomatoes marinate?

A: I usually let 'em sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours. If you can wait longer, even overnight is great for more flavor.

Q: Can I adjust the garlic amount if I'm not a big fan?

A: For sure, if garlic's not your thing, you can reduce it or even leave it out, though it really is the star of this recipe.

Q: Is it possible to add other herbs?

A: Yep, you can throw in a few sprigs of oregano or thyme if you prefer a different twist on the flavor profile.

Q: What’s the best way to serve these marinated tomatoes?

A: They’re perfect as a side dish over grilled meats or tossed into a salad. Some even enjoy them on warm crusty bread for a tasty bruschetta.

Garlic Marinated Tomatoes Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can swap out the extra virgin olive oil for grapeseed oil or even avocado oil if you can’t find it.
If you dont have garlic cloves an alternative is garlic powder, just use about 1/8 tsp per clove.
Balsamic vinegar can be replaced with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different tangy twist.
Fresh basil leaves can be swapped with dried basil, but use about one third of the amount called for since dried herbs are more potent.

Pro Tips

1. Try roasting the garlic before tossing it in if you dont like a super strong bite – it mellows out the flavor and adds a subtly sweeter taste.
2. Be careful when mixing your tomatoes and dressing, gently fold them over so they dont get mushy and lose all that fresh, juicy goodness.
3. Let the salad sit even a bit longer than the 10 minutes suggested if you can; sometimes giving it extra time brings out even more flavor.
4. Make sure to use really fresh basil and tear it by hand rather than chopping it up – this helps release its aroma better and makes the salad taste more vibrant.