Marinated Tomatoes
Marinated Tomatoes is a fresh, flavorful dish featuring ripe sliced tomatoes and optional mozzarella, accented with a vibrant herb-infused oil dressing. Perfect as a side or appetizer, it offers a balance of tangy, herbal, and savory notes that appeal to lovers of light, Mediterranean-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ripe tomatoes, sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 lb. part-skim milk Mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/3 cup corn oil ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons chopped parsley ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Arrange the sliced tomatoes and cheese in the bottom of a shallow dish.
- In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine corn oil, red wine vinegar, chopped parsley, chopped onion, chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
- Cover the jar and shake well to mix the dressing.
- Pour the herb dressing over the tomatoes and cheese.
- Cover and refrigerate for several hours, occasionally spooning the herb mixture over the tomatoes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, add minced garlic to the dressing or substitute olive oil for corn oil. If you prefer a creamier texture, try using fresh mozzarella instead of part-skim. Fresh herbs like dill or oregano can also enhance the dish. For a touch of sweetness, consider adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the marinated tomatoes as a side dish or appetizer, paired with crusty bread or alongside grilled meats. They also make a vibrant addition to salads, especially in Mediterranean recipes. For a complete meal, consider serving with a light pasta like Artichoke Spinach Pasta Salad or a refreshing Cold Tomato - Yogurt Soup.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover marinated tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. Avoid reheating, as the tomatoes may become mushy; instead, enjoy them cold. Use them as a topping for sandwiches or salads for a refreshing twist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Marinated Tomatoes contains roughly 199 calories, with 4g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (30% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of tomatoes?
Absolutely! While ripe tomatoes are ideal, you can experiment with heirloom or cherry tomatoes for different flavors and textures. Just ensure they are fresh and flavorful, as the marinating process will enhance their taste.
How long can I marinate the tomatoes?
For the best flavor, marinate the tomatoes for at least 2-4 hours, but they can be left in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just be cautious, as prolonged marination can make the tomatoes too soft.
What can I substitute for red wine vinegar?
If you don't have red wine vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as alternatives. Both will provide a nice acidity that complements the tomatoes, but keep in mind that the flavor profile may vary slightly.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).