9 Fresh Tomato Recipes To Use Up Your Summer Produce

If you don’t eat a tomato during the months of July, August, and September, did summer even really happen? I think not. Tomatoes are just about the best ingredient on the planet and you don’t want to miss a single second of these seasonal jewels. To help you out, I’ve rounded up completely glorious, utterly delicious, must-make fresh tomato recipes for right now. From salads to sandwiches to tarts — it’s time to get cooking!

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1. Rustic Heirloom Tomato Tart

Courtesy of The Bojon Gourmet

This is the recipe you want to make when you have friends coming over and you need a wow factor for dinner. I mean: just look at the thing. In between the gluten-free crust and the heirloom tomatoes are a layer of grated Parmesan, mozzarella, and oregano. It’s savory and buttery and just bursting with flavor. What more could you ever want in a meal…or in life? 

Try the recipe from The Bojon Gourmet.

2. Cherry Tomato Confit With Garlic and Shallots

Courtesy of Well Seasoned Studio

I first learned about tomato confit from Samin Nosrat’s Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, and I’ve been making it ever since. Essentially, the cherry tomatoes are slowly roasted in the oven in a bunch of olive oil. The result is a deeply intense flavor that’s slightly nutty and sweet. Tomato confit is great on pasta, toast, or by itself as an appetizer or side dish. 

Try the recipe from Well Seasoned Studio.

3. Classic Caprese Salad

Courtesy of Love & Lemons

Of course, we had to include a Caprese salad in our list of fresh tomato recipes. Did you think I could not include this classic? The recipe is simple enough: add sliced mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on a plate. Top with olive oil and add salt and pepper. Where Love & Lemons goes rogue is with the optional toppings — like pesto and peaches. I want ‘em all! 

Try the recipe from Love & Lemons.

4. Easy Baked Ratatouille Recipe

Courtesy of Family Style Food

Ratatouille was the first recipe I made in my very first apartment when I graduated from college. I remember feeling like a wizard because it was incredibly delicious and easy. This take on the classic French dish includes all the basics: tomatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant. But Family Style Food makes it her own by topping it with goat cheese and pesto. 

Try the recipe from Family Style Food.

5. Summer Panzanella Salad

Courtesy of Dishing Out Health

If you really think about it, panzanella is basically just pizza in salad form. You’ve got your tomatoes, your bread, your cheese (sometimes), and then whatever other toppings and mix-ins you want. Pizza, amiright? This fresh tomato recipe from Dishing Out Healthy adds basil, red onion, and a fruit of your choice — like mango, watermelon, or peaches. 

Try the recipe from Dishing Out Health.

6. Creamy Tomato Yogurt Gazpacho

Courtesy of Local Haven

Not only is gazpacho a wonderful way to keep your kitchen cool this summer, it also lets tomatoes shine in all their glory. This take on the classic chilled soup includes plain whole fat yogurt, which means there’s an added creamy element to the dish. 

Try the recipe from Local Haven.

7. Quick Tomato Vinaigrette 

Courtesy of A Couple Cooks

Adding fresh tomatoes to your salad during the summer is a given. But tossing your salad with a homemade tomato vinaigrette? Now that’s next level. To make, you essentially add a small tomato, olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and salt to your blender and give it a whirl. That’s it! I can’t believe it took me this long to learn about this recipe — I’m planning on adding it to my next panzanella ASAP.   

Try the recipe from A Couple Cooks.

8. BLT

Courtesy of Well Plated

You might be thinking: why do you need a recipe for a BLT? Isn’t it right there in the name? Bacon, lettuce, tomato? And yes, that’s true — but there’s so much that goes into its construction. For example, Well Plated adds red wine vinegar to her tomatoes which heightens their flavor. She also adds avocado to her sandwich, and a thin schmear or Greek yogurt for creaminess. See? There’s more than meets the eye! 

Try the recipe from Well Plated.

9. Cucumber and Heirloom Tomato Salad with Red Onions

Courtesy of Vikalinka

This salad is basically an excuse to eat all the fresh tomatoes your heart desires. The tomatoes are combined with thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, dill, and a simple Dijon vinaigrette. The salad goes well with just about everything — steak, chicken, fish, or just by itself. 

Try the recipe from Vikalinka.

Related: 5 Easy & Delicious Recipes That Make the Most of Summer Corn