As summer rolls around, our taste buds start to crave lighter, fresher flavors that evoke the warmth and sunshine of the season. And what better way to capture those feelings than with a burst of sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes? These tiny, flavorful gems are the perfect addition to any dish, from classic pasta recipes to creative salads and even savory brunch options.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering cherry tomato recipes that will keep your taste buds singing all summer long. From creamy pasta dishes to crispy bruschetta toppings, and even sweet treats like tarts and flatbreads, we’ve got you covered with a world of flavor combinations that showcase the best of what these little tomatoes have to offer.
Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta with Garlic and Basil
A flavorful summer pasta dish that combines the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, pungency of garlic, and brightness of basil.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta of your choice (e.g., penne, fusilli)
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
3. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes or until they burst and release their juices.
4. Stir in chopped basil and reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked pasta, tomato-basil sauce, and grated Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate the flavor of cherry tomatoes by roasting them to perfection and finishing them with a rich balsamic glaze. This simple yet impressive side dish is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1 tsp honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the tomatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
5. While the tomatoes are roasting, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
6. Once the tomatoes are done, remove them from the oven and brush with the balsamic glaze.
7. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cherry Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Salad
Celebrate the flavors of Italy with this classic Caprese salad, featuring sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil. Perfect for a light lunch or as a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Arrange the cherry tomatoes on a large plate or platter.
2. Top the tomatoes with sliced mozzarella cheese.
3. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad, followed by the balsamic vinegar.
4. Sprinkle the chopped basil leaves evenly over the top.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Enjoy your delicious Cherry Tomato and Mozzarella Caprese Salad!
Cherry Tomato Confit with Thyme and Olive Oil
Transform juicy cherry tomatoes into a luscious confit infused with the warmth of thyme and richness of olive oil. This easy-to-make condiment is perfect for topping bruschetta, crostini, or using as a sauce for grilled meats.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 sprigs fresh thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 275°F (135°C).
2. In a large bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes with the olive oil, thyme sprigs, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the tomato mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Roast for 45-50 minutes, or until the tomatoes are tender and the juices have thickened slightly.
5. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Grilled Cherry Tomato and Halloumi Skewers
Elevate your summer barbecue with this sweet and savory skewer recipe, perfect for a quick and easy snack or appetizer. Combining the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes with the creamy tanginess of halloumi cheese, these bite-sized morsels are sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 12-15 cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 block of halloumi cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 10-12 bamboo skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread a cherry tomato half, followed by a halloumi cube, onto each skewer. Leave a small space between each piece.
3. Brush the skewers with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until halloumi is golden brown and cherry tomatoes are tender.
5. Garnish with chopped basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Cherry Tomato and Avocado Salsa
This sweet and tangy salsa is perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or veggies. With the freshness of cherry tomatoes and avocados, you’ll be hooked from the first bite!
Ingredients:
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and jalapeño.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Stir in chopped cilantro.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time)
Cherry Tomato and Feta Stuffed Chicken
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed chicken, this recipe combines the sweetness of cherry tomatoes with the tanginess of feta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, garlic, and oregano.
3. Lay chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with the tomato-feta mixture.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cherry Tomato and Ricotta Tart
This sweet and savory tart combines the flavors of cherry tomatoes and creamy ricotta, perfect for a summer evening or brunch gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 9-inch pre-baked tart crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, mix together cherry tomatoes, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the ricotta cheese evenly in the tart crust.
4. Arrange the tomato mixture on top of the ricotta.
5. Drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set and the crust is golden brown.
7. Garnish with chopped basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cherry Tomato and Corn Salad with Lime Dressing
This vibrant salad combines the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, the crunch of corn, and the tanginess of lime dressing for a perfect summer side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, and salt. Toss gently.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the tomato-corn mixture and toss to coat.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Just before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes of prep time.
Cherry Tomato and Spinach Frittata
Start your day with a vibrant and flavorful twist on the classic Italian frittata, featuring sweet cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach.
Ingredients:
– 6 eggs
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and a pinch of salt.
3. Heat the olive oil in a 9-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat.
4. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until they start to release their juices, about 2 minutes.
5. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
6. Pour in whisked eggs and cook until edges start to set, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the frittata is fully cooked and golden brown.
8. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using). Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Cooking Time: 20-22 minutes
Cherry Tomato and Basil Bruschetta
A sweet and savory take on the classic bruschetta, this recipe combines juicy cherry tomatoes with fresh basil and a hint of garlic on toasted bread.
Ingredients:
– 1 baguette, sliced into 1-inch thick rounds
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and garlic.
3. Brush each baguette slice with olive oil and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until lightly browned.
4. Remove from the oven and top each slice with the tomato-basil mixture.
5. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cherry Tomato and Cucumber Gazpacho
Refreshing and light, this gazpacho is perfect for a summer evening. A twist on the classic Spanish soup, this recipe combines the sweetness of cherry tomatoes with the coolness of cucumber.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 1/4 cup bread crumbs
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, olive oil, and bread crumbs.
2. Blend until smooth, then transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
3. Add chicken broth and white wine vinegar. Stir well.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including chilling time)
Cherry Tomato and Goat Cheese Flatbread
Elevate your snack game with this sweet and savory flatbread, featuring cherry tomatoes and creamy goat cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet of puff pastry, thawed
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (chèvre)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Place the cherry tomatoes and goat cheese crumbles evenly spaced along the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around them.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the toppings and season with salt and pepper.
5. Fold the edges of the dough up over the filling to form a crust, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush the crust with a little water and sprinkle with chopped basil leaves if desired.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cherry Tomato and Shrimp Scampi
Savor the flavors of Italy with this quick and easy scampi dish, featuring succulent shrimp, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a hint of garlic.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons white wine (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove shrimp from the skillet; set aside.
5. Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their juices and start to soften.
6. If using white wine, add it to the skillet and stir to deglaze (remove excess butter).
7. Return shrimp to the skillet; season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cherry Tomato and Bacon Jam
A sweet and savory jam that combines the flavors of cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, and a hint of garlic.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon, diced
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
3. Remove the bacon from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside.
4. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the same skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they start to release their juices.
5. Add the sugar, garlic, and balsamic vinegar to the skillet. Stir to combine.
6. Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet and stir to combine.
7. Reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the jam has thickened slightly.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Cherry Tomato and Herb Focaccia
A flavorful and vibrant flatbread recipe perfect for a light lunch or as an appetizer for your next dinner party.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups warm water
– 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves, chopped
– 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let sit for 5 minutes.
2. Add olive oil, salt, and 1 cup of flour to the bowl; mix until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Gradually add remaining flour, kneading until smooth and elastic.
4. Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
5. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Punch down dough and transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Top with cherry tomatoes, basil, oregano, and balsamic glaze (if using).
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cherry Tomato and Zucchini Stir-Fry
This quick and flavorful stir-fry is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch. The sweet cherry tomatoes and crunchy zucchini pair beautifully with the savory soy sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium zucchini, sliced
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the zucchini and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes, soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to release their juices.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
Cherry Tomato and Black Olive Tapenade
Elevate your snack game with this sweet and savory tapenade, perfect for crackers, crostini, or as a dip.
Ingredients:
• 1 cup pitted green olives, chopped
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss cherry tomatoes with a pinch of salt and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they release their juices and start to caramelize.
3. In a blender or food processor, combine roasted cherry tomatoes, chopped green and Kalamata olives, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
5. Transfer tapenade to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (roasting cherry tomatoes)
Yield: About 1 cup of tapenade
Summary
Looking for some delicious and refreshing recipes to enjoy during the summer season? Look no further! This article features 18 flavorful cherry tomato recipes that are perfect for warm weather. From pasta dishes to salads, skewers, and more, these recipes showcase the sweet and tangy flavor of cherry tomatoes. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack or a show-stopping main course, this collection has something for everyone. So go ahead, get inspired, and start cooking up some summer fun!
Leave a Reply