Food and Recipes Veggies Tomatoes 80 Fresh Tomato Recipes To Make All Summer Long By Josh Miller Josh Miller Josh Miller is a writer, editor, recipe developer, and food stylist who has been writing about Southern food and working in the publishing industry for the past 20 years. His work has appeared in Southern Living, Food & Wine, Cooking Light, Taste of the South, and Southern Cast Iron magazines. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on June 24, 2023 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Christine Keely Incorporating ripe, juicy tomatoes into everyday meals is a pleasure down South. That's especially true in the summertime when the markets are full of tomatoes so sweet you can smell them long before your first bite. Whether your tomatoes are red or green, plum, or heirloom, what matters the most is how you use them. To enjoy one of the easiest tomato recipes from our Test Kitchen, pull together the Classic Southern BLT (complete with garlic mayo!) or mix together our bright Best-Ever Succotash. Show off your Southern roots by serving Fried Green Tomatoes or an Heirloom Tomato Pie at your next supper club, or keep things sophisticated with Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise that are sure to delight. However you squeeze it, these fabulous tomato recipes are fresh takes on this wonderful taste of summer. 01 of 80 Best-Ever Succotash Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn Succotash is hearty enough to not only be a light entrée but also a blue-ribbon accompaniment to fish, fried chicken, or grilled pork chops. This recipe brings together some of our favorite Southern vegetables, including lima beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and sweet onion. 02 of 80 Heirloom Tomato-Cracker Salad Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Christine Keely Saltine crackers are the not-so-secret ingredient to this tomato salad. In this version, we set the tomatoes atop of the mayonnaise instead of tossing them in it, which creates a prettier finish. 03 of 80 Tomato Galette Photographer and props: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall Don't fuss with homemade pie crust and latticework—this simple galette is just as pretty but way easier. 04 of 80 Southern Tomato Sandwich Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox When garden tomatoes are at their prime, this is the meal everyone in the South makes—and then eats standing over their kitchen sink to catch every last drop. 05 of 80 Fried Green Tomatoes Jennifer Davick Fried green tomatoes are a Southern delicacy. Add this recipe to your repertoire for a no-fail crowd pleaser that will be a winner with friends and family no matter what the occasion. 06 of 80 Open-Faced Tomato Sandwiches With Creamy Cucumber Spread Alison Miksch Enhance fresh heirloom tomatoes by layering them with an herby cream cheese-cucumber mixture on top of thick slices of toasted bread. 07 of 80 Roasted Tomato Quiche Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christine Keely Roasting tomato slices concentrates their flavor and sweetness. It's the perfect way to amp up flavor in this quiche—and to prevent a watery mess. 08 of 80 Grilled Okra-And-Tomato Salad Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis This colorful salad is almost too pretty to eat. 09 of 80 Pasta With Marinated Tomatoes Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch You'll savor every bite of this dish, which combines beautifully marinated tomatoes with the al dente deliciousness of penne pasta. 10 of 80 Baked Linguine With Spicy Tomato-Cream Sauce Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall This baked linguine recipe cooks in one oven-proof skillet, making clean-up a breeze. 11 of 80 Marinated Watermelon Tomato Salad Recipe Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox Few fruits and vegetables say summer more than tomatoes and watermelon. After the tomatoes and melon soak up the tangy vinaigrette, gently toss them into a salad bowl to serve as a fresh side for grilled meats. 12 of 80 Yellow Tomatoes And Burrata With Watermelon-Beet Salsa Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis In addition to yellow tomatoes, this recipe also makes use of golden beets and yellow watermelon for a dish that will be the star of the table. 13 of 80 Green Tomato Gazpacho Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christine Keely If that bushel of tomatoes is growing and you're looking for a new tomato idea, serve up this gazpacho. Blend tomatoes with cucumbers, bell pepper, and onion for a no-cook tomato soup that's refreshing and filling. 14 of 80 Green Tomato Skillet Pie Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox This cast-iron skillet dessert showcases the sweet possibilities of your summer tomatoes. 15 of 80 Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes Alison Miksch Air frying green tomatoes slices instead of deep frying results in crispy crusts on juicy tomatoes—all without the mess of deep frying. 16 of 80 Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise Recipe Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely Beefsteak and yellow heirloom tomatoes are the basics for this simple sandwich. Add mayonnaise and bacon, and you've created delicious delights for any outdoor picnic, baby shower, or church brunch. 17 of 80 Tomato-Herb Panzanella Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Christine Keely We recommend letting this dish come to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving, so the bread has time to soak in the flavors. 18 of 80 Escabèche-Style Marinated Tomatoes Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Make sure to serve this recipe with plenty of bread to soak up all of the delicious tomato juices. 19 of 80 Heirloom Tomato Pie Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Christine Keely We upped the ante on your Grandma's tomato pie with an Heirloom studded stunner that makes the most of your favorite Duke's Mayonnaise. For best results, we suggest that you roast the tomatoes to drain excess water before baking. 20 of 80 Tomato-Corn Pie Alison Miksch The tomato and corn in this savory pie are hiding a delicious secret: A cheesy filling that's studded with bright pimentos. If one dish can truly capture the spirit of summer, this just might be it. 21 of 80 Shrimp And Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christine Keely Burst cherry tomatoes provide the base for a nearly effortless pasta sauce, and quick-cooking shrimp helps bring together this summer-perfect pasta dinner in less than 30 minutes. 22 of 80 Grilled Green Tomatoes With Jalapeño-Honey Vinaigrette Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis The only cooking required for this dish is tossing the tomatoes on the grill. 23 of 80 Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch This recipe is the easiest way to make use of an overabundance of cherry tomatoes. Roasting concentrates the sweetness and makes the fruit jammy and rich. You don't want the tomatoes to break down completely in the oven; they should still hold their shape. 24 of 80 Green Tomato Stacks With Herb Oil And Crispy Capers Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis We're giving you another way to enjoy green tomatoes that doesn't involve frying. 25 of 80 Fusilli Pasta With Spinach, Tomato, And Bacon Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos You won't have to encourage guests to get started as soon this colorful dish hits the table. This simple sheet pan pasta incorporates cherry tomatoes, spinach, bacon, shredded Italian cheese, and uses refrigerated Alfredo sauce to keep things simple. 26 of 80 Blistered Cherry Tomatoes With Red Pepper-Feta Spread Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Use cherry tomatoes that are still on the vine to create a beautiful finish for this appetizer. 27 of 80 Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Toni Brogan This fresh, seasonal salad is one of the easiest ways to show off peak season summer flavor. With just 7 ingredients, you'll be the host with the most when you add this combination of tomatoes, basil, and fresh mozzarella cheese to your party spread. 28 of 80 Roasted Tomato Macaroni And Cheese Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall The kids will love that we don't skimp on the cheese in this family-favorite recipe. Luxuriously cheesy but still quick and easy, this classic mac and cheese is made better with the addition of freshly sliced tomatoes scattered on top. 29 of 80 Summer Orzo Salad Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray This fresh salad can stand alone as a main dish, but it'd be delicious paired with grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or beans for added protein. 30 of 80 Sesame, Tomato, And Cucumber Salad Jennifer Causey This light and bright salad is oh-so-refreshing on a hot summer day. 31 of 80 Marinated Feta With Cherry Tomatoes Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis You need just 10 minutes of active time to pull this appetizer together, so you can throw it together even on busy days. Just make sure you allow at least 6 hours for it to refrigerate before serving. 32 of 80 Slow-Cooker Chipotle-Tomato Soup Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling; Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall This soup is practically begging to be paired with a melty grilled cheese sandwich, and we're ready to oblige. 33 of 80 Old-Fashioned Tomato Pie Iain Bagwell This plate of goodness is always a home run. Don't skip salting the tomatoes. This step rids them of excess juice, so you'll have a nice firm pie, not a soggy mess. 34 of 80 Tomato Tea Sandwiches Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele Just like Grandma's, but better, these Tomato Tea Sandwiches offer a slight twist to the Southern luncheon staple. Sliced tomatoes combine with a summer sauce that you'll want to use on everything from salads to sandwiches all season long. 35 of 80 Smoky Pole Beans And Tomatoes Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas Just a handful of spices are needed for this summer side dish, which lets the fresh veggies truly shine. 36 of 80 Pasta With Burst Tomatoes And Mascarpone Hector Sanchez Once you try these blistered grape tomatoes, you'll want to top every salad and fill every sandwich with them. 37 of 80 Fried Green Tomato Salad With Buttermilk Dressing Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Only Southerners know the secret ways of the fried green tomato, particularly the signature crispy golden exterior. Put that expertise to use in this hearty salad. 38 of 80 Golden Tomato-And-Corn Salad Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis We seized on the opportunity of corn and tomatoes being in-season at the same time by pulling them together in this monochromatic salad. 39 of 80 Cheesy Tomato-And-Sausage Strata Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis Tomatoes can be enjoyed at any time of the day, including breakfast. 40 of 80 Tomato, Peach, And Corn Salad Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele Tangy feta cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of beefsteak tomato wedges, , corn, and peaches for the ultimate summer side. What you'll love about this salad is the chunks of feta—they're bold, and they add creaminess to every tomato-filled bite. 41 of 80 Scallops With Pesto, Corn, And Tomatoes Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis You can get this restaurant-quality dinner on the table in just 35 minutes. 42 of 80 Grilled Baby Zucchini-And-Tomato Salad Greg Dupree; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch; Food Styling: Anna Hampton This salad brings together some of the great tastes of summer—tomatoes and zucchini, with some of our other favorite tastes. If you're lucky enough to find baby zucchini at the market, this is the perfect way to show it off. 43 of 80 Classic Southern BLT Monica Farber/Southern Living This hearty sandwich celebrates the flavorful simplicity of a beloved summer recipe. Easy to assemble anytime for a quick bite, but substantial enough to serve at any casual party, this grilled version of the lunchtime classic is best with thick-cut bacon to avoid crumbles. 44 of 80 Pickled Green Tomatoes Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Enjoy your tomato haul way beyond summertime by making pickled tomatoes and serving them with any meal. 45 of 80 Okra And Chickpeas In Fresh Tomato Sauce Photo: Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox The king and queen of Southern farmer's markets, okra and tomatoes are a timeless summer treat. Here we add chickpeas to the mix for a trio that's as flavorful as it is filling. Serve it on the side of grilled chicken or bbq ribs. Either way, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. 46 of 80 Smoked-Tomato Salsa Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch Turn Taco Tuesday up a notch with a freshly smoked salsa that beats anything you'll find in the pantry. This simple salsa has a depth of flavor that's achieved by smoking jalapeños and tomatoes. Fair warning: You're sure to go through a whole bag of tortilla chips with this dip on the table. 47 of 80 Heirloom Tomato Salad With Herbs Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall Make this simple, stunning tomato salad in the height of summer for a centerpiece-worthy side that just might steal the spotlight from any BBQ main. Heirloom tomatoes and cherry tomatoes tango in this recipe, though it doesn't matter what kind of tomatoes you use. 48 of 80 Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke A baked take on the classic open-faced sandwich, this casserole is dotted with diced tomatoes and filled with turkey and bacon. It's sure to top your list of comfort food favorites. 49 of 80 Muffin Pan Tomato Tarts Alison Miksch If your family loves tomato pie, surprise them with these adorable mini versions at your next gathering. 50 of 80 Tomato Carbonara Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox The trick to the best homemade pasta sauce? Save some of your pasta cooking water to help season your sauce. The salty, starchy liquid will help it cling to your noodles. 51 of 80 Tomato 'n' Beef Casserole With Polenta Crust Beth Dreiling Hontzas Ready in under an hour, this quick-fix supper is cheesy and hearty enough to please the whole family. The cornmeal crust sets this meaty main apart from other casseroles, and the bubbly, cheesy topping will delight even the pickiest of eaters. 52 of 80 Strawberry-Tomato Salad Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller You need just 5 fresh ingredients to toss this salad together for guests. Simple yet perfectly sweet. 53 of 80 Seared Scallops With Fresh Tomato-Basil Sauce And Orzo Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Anna Hampton A restaurant-worthy seafood dinner straight from your own kitchen, this dish is best made with dry-packed scallops, which are packed without extra water or preservatives. This helps them brown nicely. 54 of 80 Pasta With Shrimp And Tomato Cream Sauce Caitlin Bensel; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Anna Hampton A colorful selection of cherry or grape tomatoes makes for one bright pasta dish. These smaller, fruiter-tasting tomatoes require only a few minutes in a hot pan before they soften and release their naturally sweet juices. 55 of 80 Tomato Salad With Grilled Shrimp Hector Sanchez The tomatoes add a little sweetness to this salad, so be sure to choose those that are fresh and ripe. Look for beautiful and tasty heirloom tomatoes in a rainbow of colors at your local farmers' market, and keep them at room temperature until you're ready to slice and serve them. 56 of 80 BLT Panzanella With Quick-Pickled Shallots Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis A classic panzanella this salad is not. With bolder ingredients like sharp radicchio and crumbled bacons, this tomato-based salad is going to spin dinner on its head. 57 of 80 Fresh Tomato Gravy Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch If you haven't made this old-school classic, now's the time to try it out. It definitely belongs over a hot biscuit or pork chop. 58 of 80 Grilled Corn-And-Salmon Salad With Tomatoes Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners As far as we're concerned, fresh corn and tomatoes are a match made in heaven. Salmon makes it a hearty supper. 59 of 80 Penne With Green Beans And Tomatoes Hector Manuel Sanchez After making this easy pasta salad once, you'll never have a hard time thinking of a summer side dish. 60 of 80 Pasta With Heirloom Tomatoes, Goat Cheese, And Basil Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham Crispy cooked country ham rounds out this pasta dish with a touch of saltiness and all the flavor. 61 of 80 Chicken Salad-Stuffed Tomatoes Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner; Food Styling: Torie Cox Skip the bread and fill a hollowed-out tomato with chicken salad instead. This light supper hits the spot on any hot summer night. 62 of 80 Spaghetti With Marinated Tomatoes And Mozzarella Alison Miksch Just a handful of ingredients will turn out the prettiest side pasta salad of the summer. Add crisped prosciutto or rotisserie chicken for added protein. 63 of 80 Bacon-And-Tomato Breakfast Casserole Jennifer Davick Bet you didn't see this crowd-pleasing slow-cooker star coming. Bacon, eggs, and fresh tomatoes make the best brunch trio. 64 of 80 Three-Bean Salad With Tomatoes And Tangy Creole Dressing Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis This gorgeous summer salad is the most delicious example of "eating the rainbow." 65 of 80 Baked Sheet Pan Salmon With Potatoes And Tomatoes Greg DuPree; Food Styling: Rishon Hanners; Prop Styling: Kathleen Varner Sheet pan recipes allow you to pull off a whole meal all at the same time, without dirtying multiple pans. Plus, this colorful recipe comes together in just 40 minutes. 66 of 80 Heirloom Tomato And Chicken Toss Greg Dupree; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham Dress up your rotisserie chicken from the grocery store with this fresh salad that's perfect for picnic weather. 67 of 80 BLT Salad With Buttermilk-Parmesan Dressing And Buttery Croutons Photo: Alison Miksch Turn the ultimate summer sandwich into a beautiful salad to serve family-style around the picnic table. 68 of 80 Chicken Caprese Pasta Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox Dress up the rotisserie chicken from the fridge with summer tomatoes, homemade pesto, and mozzarella cheese. 69 of 80 Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos With Fresh Tomato Salsa Greg Dupree Let the slow cooker handle dinner with this kid-friendly recipe. 70 of 80 Garden Tomato Sauce Over Pasta Photo: Dhanraj Emanuel Instead of jarred pasta sauce, whip up this fresh sauce using tomatoes in just 15 minutes. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week and in the freezer for up to a month. 71 of 80 Pickled Tiny Tomatoes Iain Bagwell This dish uses three pints of tomatoes, but feel free to halve the recipe. If you want to add a little extra spice to your pickled tomatoes, you can peel and slice some fresh ginger, and add it in with the other ingredients while preparing your pickling spice. 72 of 80 Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches Southern Living Fans of this famous Kentucky dish will dig in to this homemade sandwich. This recipe layers thinly sliced turkey breast, a smooth Mornay sauce, crispy bacon, and of course, fresh tomatoes. 73 of 80 Classic Okra And Tomatoes Southern Living For Southerners, okra and tomatoes go together like peanuts and Coca Cola. 74 of 80 Tomato Jam Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham If you have an abundance of fresh tomatoes, whip up a batch of this savory jam to keep in the refrigerator. You can use it on biscuits, burgers, grilled cheeses, and more. 75 of 80 Rob McDaniel's Baked Tomatoes With Goat Cheese And Breadcrumbs Southern Living Make sure to reserve goat cheese to add after the tomatoes have baked for 10 to 15 minutes. 76 of 80 Field Pea Salad With Tomatoes And Feta Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas While this recipe makes a great side dish, you could also top it with grilled chicken for a complete meal. 77 of 80 Crusty Broiled Tomatoes Southern Living This simple recipe brings together the fresh taste of tomatoes with the savory-flavors of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Popped under the broiler for a few minutes, these treats will emerge well browned. 78 of 80 Corn-And-Tomato Salad Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely With sweet corn, salty cheese, and a zippy yet creamy dressing, this tomato salad has it all. 79 of 80 Heirloom-Tomato Salad Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely Heirloom tomatoes are beautiful on their own, and this salad respects that by keeping things simple so that their natural flavor shines. 80 of 80 Cherry Tomato Cobbler With Basil Ice Cream Tomatoes for dessert? Yes! Cherry tomatoes cooked down with cherries creates the perfect sticky, sweet cobbler filling that you wouldn't expect to work, but does. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit