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19 Tomato Dishes That Hit Like a Side, Eat Like a Main, and Smell Like the Backyard’s Doing the Heavy Lifting

Tomatoes have a way of showing up as the backup and stealing the whole plate. The 19 dishes in this mix hold their ground like mains but still play nice with whatever else is cooking. They bring bold flavor, backyard energy, and that unmistakable smell that makes people wander into the kitchen. Nobody asks what else is for dinner when one of these hits the table.

A white bowl filled with BLT pasta salad, featuring spiral pasta, creamy dressing, pieces of bacon, and other visible ingredients, is shown with a spoon. Red onions, lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and parsley are in the background.
Creamy BLT Pasta Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

A Southern Classic: Tomato Pie

A slice of tomato pie on a white plate with a serving utensil, and a whole tomato pie in a white fluted dish, are shown on a marble surface with a small bowl of spices and basil leaves.
A Southern Classic: Tomato Pie. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

You’ll be surprised by how tomatoes take center stage in something so rich and filling. A Southern Classic: Tomato Pie brings a combination of textures wrapped in a hearty base, making it feel like comfort food with every bite. It’s something even non-tomato fans might enjoy without hesitation. The way it’s balanced feels unexpected but very approachable.
Get the Recipe: A Southern Classic: Tomato Pie

Old Fashioned Tomato Soup

Two bowls of old fashioned tomato soup with chopped herbs on top, placed on a white wooden surface.
Old Fashioned Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

Old-school recipes can bring back flavors that remind you of home, and Old Fashioned Tomato Soup does exactly that. Its simplicity makes it timeless, while its depth stands out. This isn’t the kind of soup you settle for; it’s the one packed for memories like grandma’s kitchen. Always a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Tomato Soup

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Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

A rectangular plate of Chicken Tikka Masala with herbs on top.
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

Traditional dishes meet convenience with Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala. It’s layered and rich, giving you contrasting flavors in a way that feels casual yet exciting. The addition of tomatoes gives it a bold edge. It’s perfect for sharing with people who appreciate hearty, flavorful meals.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala

Oven Roasted Tomato Soup

Two bowls of oven-roasted tomato soup with cream swirls.
Oven Roasted Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

A roasting twist changes everything you think you know about soups. Oven Roasted Tomato Soup builds a depth that wouldn’t be reached with ordinary techniques. It’s warm, smooth, and hits like a main course despite being a so-called side. The roasting gives it an extra punch, making it unforgettable.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Tomato Soup

Authentic Panzanella Salad

A white bowl filled with panzanella salad, featuring bread cubes, cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and sliced red onions on a white surface.
Authentic Panzanella Salad. Photo credit: The Bite Stuff.

If fresh ingredients and simplicity could scream “perfect pairing,” you’d have Authentic Panzanella Salad. It’s all about putting tomatoes to work beyond traditional expectations. Crunch and juiciness become the stars. The marriage of textures makes this more than just a salad; it feels complete on its own.
Get the Recipe: Authentic Panzanella Salad

Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

A bowl of Red Pepper and Tomato Soup with a spoon and bread on a plate on the side.
Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

What happens when two bold flavors collide? Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup answers that with harmony. The balance is spot on, one doesn’t compete with the other, leading to a wholesome bowl that stands on its own. A meal you’ll want around when life feels rushed, but flavor needs to stay memorable.
Get the Recipe: Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup

Shipwreck Casserole

Shipwreck Casserole in a black dish with a spoon.
Shipwreck Casserole. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Casseroles rarely feel experimental, but Shipwreck Casserole breaks that mold. It brings nostalgic comfort while still standing out as uniquely bold. Tomatoes in this dish hold everything together beautifully. Its presence at a meal always guarantees hearty portions and satisfied guests.
Get the Recipe: Shipwreck Casserole

Recipe for Poor Man’s Meal

A plate of ground beef and diced potatoes cooked with tomatoes and herbs, garnished with parsley, with a fork on the side.
Recipe for Poor Man’s Meal. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Creative cooking shines brightest during tougher times, and Recipe for Poor Man’s Meal turns simple ingredients into something fulfilling. The tomatoes don’t just sit in the background; they lift the entire dish. It’s proof that delicious meals don’t have to rely on extravagance. Perfect for easy family weeknight dinners.
Get the Recipe: Recipe for Poor Man’s Meal

Smoked Tomato Soup w/ Mascarpone

Two bowls of Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone topped with a zigzag of cream.
Smoked Tomato Soup w/ Mascarpone. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

Smoking adds an unexpected twist to a traditional soup, and Smoked Tomato Soup w/ Mascarpone does it expertly. The creaminess pairs creatively with the smoky layers, giving it personality. This dish isn’t your everyday meal; it’s an upgraded version that lingers in memory long after the bowl is finished.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomato Soup w/ Mascarpone

Horiatiki Salad

A black bowl contains a Horiatiki salad with blocks of feta cheese, garnished with herbs.
Horiatiki Salad. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Salads can feel lackluster unless they’re bold enough to stand out. Horiatiki Salad does more than that; it’s a blend of flavors, textures, and freshness that refuses to be ignored. Tomatoes take center stage and deliver the juiciest contrast. Perfect to serve anytime you want both balance and punch in one bite.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad

Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

A white rectangular plate with slow cooker porcupine meatballs, garnished with fresh herbs.
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Meatballs may seem traditional until Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs arrive at the table. The addition of tomatoes takes the flavors somewhere entirely new. Slow cooking means every bite gets infused just right. It’s great for gatherings when you want familiar yet surprisingly different comfort food options.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs

Tomato Soup w/ Grilled Cheese

A hand dipping a piece of grilled cheese sandwich into a bowl of creamy tomato soup.
Tomato Soup w/ Grilled Cheese. Photo credit: Gimme Soup.

When you think of combinations that just work, Tomato Soup w/ Grilled Cheese immediately tops the list. It’s cozy, nostalgic, and surprisingly filling despite how simple it looks. The interplay between gooey warmth and tangy richness makes it something special every single time. Perfect pairing, like they were made together.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Soup w/ Grilled Cheese

Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo on a black cast iron bowl with a chips and jalapeno on the background.
Pico de Gallo. Photo credit: Retro Recipe Book.

Here’s a quick side that easily competes with the main dish on your table, Pico de Gallo. This raw and fresh combination transforms tomatoes into bold flavor carriers. It works well solo or alongside other dishes. You’ll love how it instantly feels brighter and fuller compared to standard condiments.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo

Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

A bowl of Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce, alongside cherry tomatoes and garlic.
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Freshness leads this dish to new heights. Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce brings out the juiciness of tomatoes while letting the sauce feel light yet profound. It strikes a great balance between homemade comfort and a restaurant-quality feel. The tomatoes make sure nothing feels overloaded, but everything feels intentional.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce

Quick Smoked Tomatoes

Smoked tomatoes served on a white rectangular plate.
Quick Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Taking a classic and giving it a smoky twist, Quick Smoked Tomatoes is all about boldness without requiring too many steps. It feels both refined yet super approachable, whether served as a side or part of larger dishes. Smokiness enhances depth, turning something seemingly simple into something memorable.
Get the Recipe: Quick Smoked Tomatoes

Spaghetti Bread

Toasted bread slices topped with spaghetti, meat sauce, melted cheese, and garnished with chopped parsley on a metal baking sheet.
Spaghetti Bread. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Ever thought spaghetti doesn’t belong wrapped as bread? Spaghetti Bread challenges that with surprising effectiveness. While it sounds unconventional, the tomatoes guarantee it works fantastically. Every piece feels like having multiple parts of a meal in one bite. It’s just fun, hearty, and made to share with everyone around you.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Bread

Mediterranean Salmon

Mediterranean Salmon on a white rectangular plate.
Mediterranean Salmon. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Salmon gets a flavorful boost when paired strategically with tomatoes in Mediterranean Salmon. The combination tastes balanced and complete rather than competing. It’s ideal when you’re craving something robust yet clean. Elegant without being complicated is exactly how this choice holds its appeal consistently.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salmon

Taco Stuffed Tomatoes

A sliced tomato stuffed with seasoned ground meat, shredded cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and jalapeño slices is served on a white plate with a fork.
Taco Stuffed Tomatoes. Photo credit: Dinner by Six.

Tomatoes aren’t just an add-on here; they’re the core of Taco Stuffed Tomatoes. Fusing bold Tex-Mex flavors with fresh ingredients, this dish feels full and fulfilling. Entree size without overwhelming on heaviness, it redefines grab-and-go convenience in thoughtful and flavor-forward ways. Perfect for casual meals.
Get the Recipe: Taco Stuffed Tomatoes

Tomato Bruschetta Board

Tomato bruschetta board on a table.
Tomato Bruschetta Board. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Plating becomes an event with Tomato Bruschetta Board. It’s a dish that lets tomatoes shine and encourages sharing and gathering. Perfect for guests or family meals, it’s approachable yet visually stunning. Options for pairing feel endless, and its mix invites everyone to grab their favorites repeatedly.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board

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