Peak-season tomatoes are one of summer’s greatest gifts. They’re juicy, plump, fragrant, and sweet — a far cry from their sad winter counterparts. They’re also endlessly versatile, meaning you can eat one every day and never tire of their flavor. Slice ‘em up for salads and sandwiches, cook’ em down for pasta sauce, or stuff them like you would a pepper. Read on for more of our favorite ways to use them:
The Perfect Tomato Sandwich
A perfectly ripe tomato doesn’t need much to make it shine, and this four-ingredient sandwich proves it. Enjoy it as a snack or for a quick dinner al fresco, complete with potato chips or a scoop of creamy coleslaw. Just don’t skip the step of salting the tomatoes, which draws out moisture and keeps the bread from getting soggy.
Get the recipe: The Perfect Tomato Sandwich
Beef and Rice-Stuffed Tomatoes
Move over, zucchini boats. Scooped-out tomatoes are the superior edible vessel, creating a hearty summer dinner that tastes as good as it looks. Cooking the tomato pulp with the beef gives the dish extra tomato-y goodness and means nothing goes to waste.
Get the recipe: Beef and Rice-Stuffed Tomatoes
Tomato Cornbread Cobbler
Fans of tomato pie will love this savory cobbler, which consists of garlicky cherry tomatoes topped with a cheesy cornbread batter. Whether you feed it to the family or save it for guests, you can serve it straight from the skillet for a stress-free, mess-free meal.
Get the recipe: Tomato Cornbread Cobbler
Spicy Tomato and Watermelon Salad
A classic Caprese will never go out of style, but this vibrant summer salad is a fun way to switch things up. The acidity of the tomatoes counteracts the sweetness of the watermelon, creating a perfectly balanced pair packed with warmly spiced flavor.
Get the recipe: Spicy Tomato and Watermelon Salad
Grilled Shrimp with Tomatoes and Pesto
Tomatoes, basil and a drizzle of olive oil can be the perfect summer meal on its own but we couldn’t resist from giving you more reason to enjoy that juicy fruit. With the addition of herbaceous pesto and shrimp, you have a super-fast supper that will be on repeat all season long.
Get the recipe: Grilled Shrimp with Tomatoes and Pesto
Orzo Salad with Zucchini and Tomatoes
If you’re headed to a potluck, look no further than this pasta salad. It’s easy, it’s crowd pleasing, and it gets even better as it sits. Shaving the zucchini into ribbons gives it an extra-impressive appearance, and using multi-colored tomatoes will make the whole thing pop.
Get the recipe: Orzo Salad with Zucchini and Tomatoes
Tomato and Corn Salad
The only summer produce that can rival peak-season tomatoes? Sweet summer corn cut straight from the cob. Here, the two join forces in an impossibly simple salad, which would be right at home alongside grilled chicken or steak.
Get the recipe: Tomato and Corn Salad
Bowtie Pasta with No-Cook Tomato Sauce
Instead of simmering on the stovetop, this extra-easy sauce comes together in the food processor. Simply pulse ripe tomatoes with pecorino and basil, then drizzle in olive oil until it reaches your desired consistency. It will warm right up when tossed with hot pasta.
Get the recipe: Bowtie Pasta with No-Cook Tomato Sauce
Chicken Salad-Stuffed Tomatoes
Stuffed tomatoes don’t have to be baked! Here, the low-carb vessel is packed with arugula and chicken salad, then topped with crunchy crouton crumbs and a sprinkling of fresh chives. Tuna salad would be equally as divine.
Get the recipe: Chicken Salad-Stuffed Tomatoes
“Everything Bagel” Tomato Tart
Put a spin on your favorite breakfast with this picnic-ready tart, which features everything bagel seasoning in the crust and in the filling. For a slightly more indulgent version, opt for buttery puff pastry in place of the pie dough.
Get the recipe: “Everything Bagel” Tomato Tart
Linguine with Lobster and Tomatoes
For a plate of pasta that tastes like summer in every bite, look no further than this summer tomato linguine with lobster. The herbs, acid, and butter in this dish help brighten the tomatoes making it a powerhouse of flavor without taking away the delicate nature of the lobster.
Get the recipe: Linguine with Lobster and Tomatoes
Grilled Beef and Tomato Skewers
Is a summer skewer even scream summer without juicy tomatoes? Look no further than this tomato skewer with the addition of cubes of French bread and beef, for a clash of textures that are sure to delight any guest. It also makes them more filling, eliminating the need for extra sides.
Get the recipe: Grilled Beef and Tomato Skewers
Marinated Tomato Salad
If you’re torn between the heirlooms and the cherry tomatoes at the market, grab them both and assemble this stunning salad. Keep it vegan by preparing it as is, or crumble on some feta for a burst of tangy flavor.
Get the recipe: Marinated Tomato Salad
Spanish Tomato Toasts
Transport yourself to Spain with this five-ingredient recipe, which is best enjoyed in the sunshine as an appetizer or snack. The trick to pulling it off is grating the tomatoes, which gives them a uniform texture that makes it easy to spread on the bread.
Get the recipe: Spanish Tomato Toasts
