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When summer tomatoes are at their peak — bursting with juice, sun-ripened sweetness, and vibrant color — it’s time to make the most of them. From chilled soups and hearty mains to elegant appetizers and sauces for preserving, this collection celebrates the incredible versatility of fresh tomatoes. Whether you’re planning a breezy lunch, a casual cookout, or a flavorful way to stash your harvest, you’ll find a new favorite here.

Two glass cups filled with orange-colored soup garnished with greens on a wooden surface. Two spoons and a green cloth are placed near the cups. White tile background.
Tomato Gazpacho. Photo credit: Stetted.

Roasted Tomato Salsa

A white bowl filled with chunky red salsa sits on a table; fresh vegetables are blurred in the background.
Roasted Tomato Salsa. Photo credit: Happy Snackcidents.

This smoky, zesty salsa is a summer staple. Made with just a few fresh ingredients, it’s perfect for chips, tacos, or spooned over grilled meats.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato Salsa

Tomato Gazpacho Recipe

Two glass dishes of tomato gazpacho with a sprig of thyme on top.
Tomato Gazpacho Recipe. Photo credit: Stetted.

Cool off with this classic Spanish soup that turns fresh tomatoes into a silky, chilled dish. A refreshing way to beat the heat.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Gazpacho Recipe

Tomato and Burrata Pasta

A white bowl filled with pasta spirals, cherry tomatoes, grated cheese, and a dollop of ricotta cheese on top.
Tomato and Burrata Pasta. Photo credit: Pasta Recipes Daily.

Juicy tomatoes and creamy burrata team up in this indulgent yet easy pasta. It’s the perfect blend of rich and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Tomato and Burrata Pasta

Tomato Cake

Overhead view of an iced tomato bundt cake.
Tomato Cake. Photo credit: Stetted.

A sweet twist on tradition, this vintage-inspired cake uses garden tomatoes for moisture and a hint of tang. A true conversation starter!
Get the Recipe: Tomato Cake

Tomato Bruschetta

Three slices of baguette topped with diced tomatoes and basil sit on a white cutting board; a bowl of tomato mixture and basil leaves are in the background.
Tomato Bruschetta. Photo credit: Happy Snackcidents.

Crisp toast, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil—this Italian classic is the ultimate summer appetizer, patio snack, or wine night nibble.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta

Rustic Tomato Zucchini Tart

Rectangular pizza topped with sliced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, grated cheese, and herbs on a wire cooling rack over a checkered tablecloth.
Rustic Tomato Zucchini Tart. Photo credit: Walking on Sunshine Recipes.

This savory tart layers tomatoes, zucchini, caramelized onions, and cheese on flaky pastry. It’s peak garden season in one bite.
Get the Recipe: Rustic Tomato Zucchini Tart


Cucumber Tomato Salad with Pesto

A woman holding a serving dish filled with cucumber tomato salad.
Cucumber Tomato Salad with Pesto. Photo credit: Stetted.

All your summer garden favorites tossed together in pesto for a fresh, no-cook dish that’s perfect for potlucks or easy lunches.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad with Pesto

Tuna Stuffed Tomatoes

Four hollowed-out tomatoes filled with a mixture of tuna salad and chopped green vegetables, arranged on a rectangular white plate.
Tuna Stuffed Tomatoes. Photo credit: Vintage Recipes.

Fresh tomatoes become the perfect edible bowls for creamy tuna salad. A light, protein-packed meal for lunch or a picnic.
Get the Recipe: Tuna Stuffed Tomatoes

Tomato Confit

A glass jar filled with tomato confit, with crackers and cheese nearby.
Tomato Confit. Photo credit: Stetted.

Slow-roasted in olive oil and garlic, this luxurious tomato confit brings deep, jammy flavor to toast, pasta, and more.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Confit

Smashed Tomato Chicken

Chicken breasts simmering in a tomato sauce with cherry tomatoes and garnished with chopped green herbs in a saucepan on a wooden surface.
Smashed Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

A rustic, simple dish where juicy grape tomatoes are cooked in wine and olive oil, elevating weeknight chicken to something special.
Get the Recipe: Smashed Tomato Chicken

Tomates Farcies (Baked Stuffed Tomatoes)

Four baked stuffed tomatoes filled with a meat and herb mixture, garnished with chopped parsley, served over a bed of white rice on a patterned plate.
Tomates Farcies (Baked Stuffed Tomatoes). Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

A French country classic, these baked tomatoes are filled with a savory mix of beef, sausage, and herbs. Rustic, hearty, and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Tomates Farcies (Baked Stuffed Tomatoes)

How to Freeze Tomatoes

Frozen tomatoes spilling out of a freezer bag.
How to Freeze Tomatoes. Photo credit: Stetted.

Preserve summer’s bounty with this easy method for freezing tomatoes—perfect for sauces, soups, and stews all year long.
Get the Recipe: How to Freeze Tomatoes

Seared Salmon with Tomato Corn Salsa

Two plates with grilled salmon fillets topped with a colorful vegetable salsa, each with a fork; a fresh basil leaf and a dark napkin are nearby.
Seared Salmon with Tomato Corn Salsa. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Seared salmon gets a summery upgrade with a sweet-savory tomato and corn salsa. Fresh, fast, and full of color.
Get the Recipe: Seared Salmon with Tomato Corn Salsa

Homemade Pizza Sauce

A jar of pizza sauce with pizza toppings around it.
Homemade Pizza Sauce. Photo credit: Stetted.

Skip the canned stuff! This easy sauce bursts with fresh flavor and is perfect for pizza night, freezing, or canning.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Pizza Sauce

Fried Goat Cheese & Heirloom Tomato Toasts

Two slices of seeded bread topped with avocado, tomato, vegetables, and a piece of crispy cheese, drizzled with balsamic glaze on a white plate.
Fried Goat Cheese & Heirloom Tomato Toasts. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Crispy fried goat cheese paired with vibrant tomatoes makes for an elegant appetizer or upscale snack that screams summer.
Get the Recipe: Fried Goat Cheese & Heirloom Tomato Toasts

A woman in a black shirt smiling in a kitchen.

About Megan

I learned how to cook by exploring seasonal ingredients, and you can too! Meal time shouldn’t be stressful or complicated, and with fresh ingredients and easy methods, I’m here to help you enjoy the time spent in the kitchen. Read more…

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