Tomatoes Picante
A vibrant, tangy tomato marinade blending fresh herbs and green onions, perfect for salads and appetizers, appealing to lovers of bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put tomatoes in a deep bowl.
- In a jar, combine salad oil, tarragon vinegar, parsley, minced garlic, sliced green onions, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Shake the jar well to mix the marinade.
- Pour the marinade over the tomatoes.
- Chill for 3 hours or overnight, occasionally spooning the marinade over the tomatoes.
- To serve, drain the tomatoes and place them on lettuce, garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more vibrant flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or jalapeños to the marinade. You can substitute olive oil for salad oil for a richer taste. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can be used instead of parsley for a different twist. If you prefer a sweeter note, add a teaspoon of honey to the marinade to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve tomatoes picante on a bed of lettuce for a light appetizer or side dish. For a complete meal, pair them with grilled chicken or fish, or serve alongside Mediterranean recipes like Shredded Beet Salad With Orange-Cranberry Dressing. They also complement well with crusty bread for soaking up the flavorful marinade.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover tomatoes picante in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have excess marinade, keep it separately to prevent the tomatoes from becoming too soggy. To refresh the flavors, let the dish sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving again, allowing the tomatoes to absorb the marinade.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomatoes Picante contains roughly 175 calories, with 4g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (94% of the Daily Value) and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
While fresh tomatoes provide the best flavor and texture, you can use canned tomatoes in a pinch. Choose high-quality canned tomatoes and drain them well to avoid excess liquid. However, the marinating time may need to be reduced as canned tomatoes are already softened.
How can I make this recipe spicy?
To add heat, include diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also experiment with a splash of hot sauce before serving. Adjust the spice level to your taste, ensuring it complements the freshness of the tomatoes without overwhelming them.
What can I serve with tomatoes picante?
Tomatoes picante pair wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or fish. They also complement salads, such as Tabbuli, or can be served with a side of crusty artisan bread. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a quinoa salad or roasted vegetables to balance the flavors.
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).