Cherry tomatoes are a versatile and delicious fruit, offering that tomato taste with a hint of sweetness and a size that is much more manageable.
Due to just how varied and versatile this fruit is, it can be a little overwhelming when it comes to thinking of what exactly to do with them.
If you are struggling to think of the best ways to use your cherry tomatoes, then keep reading as we are going to be looking at some of the best ways to utilize these tasty fruits for a delicious dish!
Let’s get started.
The Best Ways To Use Cherry Tomatoes
With their bright color and sweet flavor, cherry tomatoes are a great addition to many dishes, so let’s have a look at some of the best ways to use them.
Salads
Cherry tomatoes add color and flavor to any salad.
You can toss them with leafy greens, cucumber, onion, and feta cheese for a refreshing summer salad.
Or, try mixing them with pasta and fresh herbs for a hearty pasta salad.
Roasting
Roasting cherry tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness and intensifies their flavor.
You can roast them with garlic and herbs and use them as a topping for crostini or toss them with pasta for a simple and flavorful dish.
Grilled Dishes
Cherry tomatoes can be grilled on skewers with other vegetables and meats.
Brush them with olive oil, sprinkle them with salt and pepper, and grill them until they are slightly charred and caramelized.
Sauces
Cherry tomatoes can be used to make a delicious tomato sauce.
Cook them down with garlic, onion, and olive oil until they burst, then blend them together for a simple and flavorful sauce.
Toppings
Cherry tomatoes can be used as a topping for pizzas, sandwiches, and more.
You can slice them in half and sprinkle them on top of your favorite dishes for a burst of color and flavor.
Snacks
Cherry tomatoes can be eaten as a healthy snack on their own or with a little bit of hummus or other dips.
Best Cherry Tomato Dishes
There you have some great ways to incorporate cherry tomatoes into your meals and snacks, but let’s now have a look at some specific dishes that best make use of cherry tomatoes.
Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish made with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil.
Simply slice the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella, layer them on a plate, and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
Cherry Tomato Pasta
This simple and flavorful pasta dish features cherry tomatoes cooked with garlic and olive oil, then tossed with pasta and fresh herbs.
You can add other ingredients like olives, feta cheese, or spinach for extra flavor.
Bruschetta
Toasted bread topped with a mixture of diced cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil is a delicious and easy appetizer.
You can also add mozzarella or prosciutto for a more substantial version.
Tomato Tart
This is a savory tart made with a buttery crust, ricotta cheese, and cherry tomatoes, making for a dish that is perfect for brunch or as a light dinner.
Greek Salad
This refreshing salad features cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and olives.
Drizzle the salad with olive oil and lemon juice for a fresh and tangy flavor.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Roasting cherry tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, and fresh herbs intensifies their flavor and creates a delicious side dish.
You can also use them as a topping for crostini or to toss with pasta.
How To Prepare Cherry Tomatoes
Preparing cherry tomatoes is a quick and easy process.
Here are the steps to prepare them for your chosen dish:
Wash The Cherry Tomatoes
Rinse the cherry tomatoes in cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
Cut The Cherry Tomatoes
You can either cut them in half or leave them whole, depending on how you plan to use them.
Remove The Stem
If the cherry tomatoes still have the stem attached, simply remove it by gently pulling it off.
Season The Cherry Tomatoes
You can season cherry tomatoes with a sprinkle of salt and pepper for added flavor.
Use As Desired
Cherry tomatoes can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, pasta dishes, and as toppings for pizzas and sandwiches.
When selecting cherry tomatoes, it is best to choose those that are plump, firm, and bright in color.
Ripe cherry tomatoes should feel slightly heavy and have a sweet aroma.
To store cherry tomatoes, keep them in a cool, dry place or put them in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Avoid storing them in direct sunlight as it can cause them to spoil more quickly.
Final Thoughts
Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and flavor to any recipe and can be used in both cooked and raw dishes.
Some of the best ways to use cherry tomatoes include adding them to salads, roasting them, using them in sauces, or simply enjoying them as a healthy snack.
When preparing cherry tomatoes, be sure to wash them thoroughly and remove the stem.
You can then cut them in half or leave them whole, depending on your recipe. Season them with salt and pepper for added flavor.
The possibilities for using cherry tomatoes are endless as they can be used in all sorts of dishes such as in pasta dishes, as toppings for pizza, as a base for tomato sauces, and in many other recipes.
Experiment with different flavor combinations and cooking techniques to discover new and exciting ways to use this versatile ingredient!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 6 garlic cloves
- 2 1/2 pounds cherry tomatoes
- 2 basil
- 1 cup basil leaves
- 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- Pinch sugar
- 12 ounces pasta
- 1 ounce Parmesan
Instructions
- In a large heavy pot, heat 1/2 cup of oil over low heat. Add the smashed garlic and cook while stirring often with a wooden spoon, until softened, but not browned, for about 2 minutes.
- Increase the heat to medium, and then add the cherry tomatoes, basil sprigs, red pepper flakes, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Stir to coat and cook until some of the tomatoes begin to burst and release their juices, which takes about 4 minutes. Use the spoon to smash some, but not all of the tomatoes to help release their liquid.
- Continue to cook while stirring occasionally until a chunky, thickened sauce forms. About half of the tomatoes should still be intact. This process takes about 10-12 minutes. Taste the sauce and add sugar if it is too tart and more salt if needed. Remove and discard the basil sprigs.
- While the sauce is cooking, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the pot with the sauce. Cook while stirring for about 1 minute until the pasta is coated. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 1 ounce of Parmesan.
- Divide the pasta among bowls, drizzle with oil, and top with more Parmesan and 1 cup of basil leaves.
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My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.