Tomatoes aren’t just a sidekick in these recipes—they’re the whole plot. These 31 tomato dishes that taste like a hug from summer show off what happens when ripe tomatoes get a little attention and a lot of purpose. There’s enough variety here to stretch from pasta night to picnic season without a single repeat. Just try not to eat them all straight from the bowl—no one needs to know what didn’t make it to the table.
Old-Fashioned Panzanella Salad
This recipe calls back to easy summer lunches with Old-Fashioned Panzanella Salad taking the lead. It’s a great way to turn tomatoes into a satisfying dish that doesn’t require a lot of fuss. The balance here makes it feel like a celebration of good timing and fresh ingredients. When summer tomatoes are at their best, this salad steps in to keep things simple but interesting. It’s one of those dishes that just feels right on a warm day.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Panzanella Salad
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
There’s something about the combination in Grilled Bruschetta Chicken that makes tomatoes feel like the perfect partner to a main dish. It’s a meal that doesn’t overthink things but still manages to be memorable. When you want something with personality but no extra fuss, this one fits the bill. It’s a reliable choice for when tomatoes are abundant and you want a meal that shows them off without any fluff.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
The Backyard Table
Get it NOW and level up your outdoor dining! The Backyard Table - Recipes for Summer Cookouts features 34 of Chef Jenn's BEST recipes for outdoor eating and entertaining.
You'll get ad-free recipes like:
- Grilled Corn Guacamole
- Grilled French Onion Burgers
- Deviled Egg Pasta Salad
- Blueberry Grunt
- and so many more!
Every recipe is created, tested and loved by Chef Jenn and her family - there's no AI here!
Get it now, at a special introductory price of $7.99. That's over 50 pages of foodie love at your fingertips!
Buy Now!A Southern Classic Tomato Pie
When you want a dish that feels like summer without pretending to be fancy, A Southern Classic Tomato Pie fits the bill. It balances simple flavors in a way that feels familiar but never boring. This recipe is a perfect answer for when tomatoes are ruling your kitchen. You’ll find comfort in every bite without the need for anything complicated or over the top. It’s exactly the kind of recipe that reminds you why some things never go out of style.
Get the Recipe: A Southern Classic Tomato Pie
Pico de Gallo
Fresh and straightforward, Pico de Gallo brings tomatoes to the center of the conversation without drama. This recipe is a reminder that fresh flavors can carry a meal or turn a snack into an event. It’s flexible enough to fit in anywhere you need a quick punch of something bright and clean. Not everything needs to be complicated to make an impact, and this dish proves that. Simple, fresh, and ready whenever tomatoes are ripe.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo
Ricotta Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
When it comes to pairing tomatoes with something hearty, Ricotta Meatballs with Tomato Sauce brings a solid option to the table. It’s a recipe that feels familiar without falling into the usual traps. Tomatoes are front and center here, but without any complicated extras stealing the show. This dish fits well for dinners when you want comfort without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: Ricotta Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Tomatoes play a key role in bringing together the flavors in Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala without complicating the process. This recipe works well for anyone who wants a hearty meal without standing over the stove. It balances warmth and freshness in a way that feels satisfying without being heavy. Tomatoes here help carry the dish, giving it a solid foundation without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Mediterranean Salmon
If you’re looking to pair tomatoes with a simple protein, Mediterranean Salmon makes it work without any complicated sides or sauces. It’s a recipe that feels both fresh and satisfying, making tomatoes feel like more than just a background player. This dish fits well for casual dinners or when you want something that feels like a break from the usual. It’s a reminder that fresh tomatoes can add real flavor without any fuss.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salmon
Easy Mexican Rice
When tomatoes need to show up and make an impact without stealing the whole show, Easy Mexican Rice hits the spot. It’s a crowd-pleaser that balances simple, bold flavors with ease. This recipe works anytime you want something comforting but not complicated. The tomatoes bring freshness that keeps this dish from feeling heavy or overdone. It’s proof that a few good components can come together and make a solid meal without stress.
Get the Recipe: Easy Mexican Rice
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes is the kind of recipe that mixes familiar and unexpected elements without any fuss. It offers a way to enjoy tomatoes that feels fresh and different at the same time. When you’re after a dish that’s light but not boring, this salad fits right in. It’s a straightforward recipe that shows off tomatoes without any complicated steps or extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
Mediterranean Chicken Bake
Tomatoes bring a fresh note to the main event in Mediterranean Chicken Bake without any extra complexity. This recipe works well for anyone who wants a straightforward meal with real flavor. It’s the kind of dish that fits into weeknight dinners without adding stress or unnecessary steps. The tomatoes here play a solid supporting role without taking over the plate.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
Slow cooker meals are all about ease, and Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs uses tomatoes to add balance without fuss. It’s a dish that feels satisfying and reliable even when you’re not in the mood to spend time in the kitchen. Tomatoes help keep the flavors fresh and approachable, making this one of those recipes you’ll return to when you want comfort without complication.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
Horiatiki Salad
Fresh and simple, Horiatiki Salad shows tomatoes off without any complicated steps. This recipe works well when you want something light but with enough substance to feel like a meal. Tomatoes help keep the dish bright and balanced, without needing anything extra. It’s the kind of salad that feels right for summer lunches or casual dinners without the fuss.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad
Fasolakia Lathera
Fasolakia Lathera keeps tomatoes in a supporting role that’s simple but effective. It’s a great recipe for those who want to enjoy tomatoes in a dish that’s approachable and light. The flavors come together naturally without requiring extra work or fancy ingredients. It’s a straightforward way to bring tomatoes into your weeknight routine without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera
Texas BLT
When you want that classic tomato moment with a bit of attitude, Texas BLT brings it without the extra noise. It’s a recipe that feels familiar but still manages to stand out. The tomatoes keep things fresh and straightforward, making this a go-to when you want something satisfying without any complexity. This dish is an easy way to celebrate tomatoes without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT
Summery Caponata
When you want a dish that shows tomatoes without any fuss, Summery Caponata delivers. It’s a recipe that feels fresh and relaxed but still satisfying. Tomatoes bring a solid base that helps everything come together naturally. This one works well for casual meals or as a side when you want summer flavors without any extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Summery Caponata
Old Fashioned Tomato Soup
Nothing complicated here—Old Fashioned Tomato Soup reminds you that tomatoes can carry a dish on their own. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug without any extra steps or fuss. This soup works anytime you want a simple, satisfying way to enjoy tomatoes. The balance of flavors makes it a reliable choice for casual meals or when you want something comforting but uncomplicated.
Get the Recipe: Old Fashioned Tomato Soup
Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish
When tomatoes come with a little extra kick, Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish fits the bill without making things complicated. This recipe is a straightforward way to brighten a protein with fresh flavors. Tomatoes bring balance and freshness without any fuss, making it a solid choice for dinners when you want flavor without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
The freshness in Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce proves that tomatoes can be the star without overcomplicating things. This recipe fits anytime you want something light but filling, with no extra fuss. Tomatoes here carry the flavor in a way that makes the whole dish come together naturally. It’s a simple, effective way to enjoy summer tomatoes without any unnecessary steps.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Southern Tomato Pie
Southern Tomato Pie feels like a meal that doesn’t try too hard but nails it anyway. It’s a great choice for anyone who loves tomatoes in a familiar, straightforward way. The tomatoes carry the flavor without any unnecessary additions or complications. This recipe is the kind of thing you’ll keep coming back to whenever summer rolls around and tomatoes are too good to ignore.
Get the Recipe: Southern Tomato Pie
BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!
Pasta salads can be tricky, but BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon! keeps things straightforward and satisfying. Tomatoes here aren’t just a background note—they help tie everything together. This recipe works for casual meals or when you want a dish that feels familiar but with a little extra personality. It’s a reliable way to enjoy summer tomatoes without any extra work or fuss.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!
Shipwreck Casserole
When you want a casserole that uses tomatoes without fuss, Shipwreck Casserole fits the bill perfectly. It’s a recipe that feels both hearty and fresh, without getting weighed down by extras. Tomatoes bring a solid base that keeps this dish approachable and satisfying. It’s a dependable choice for busy nights when you want something that feels like home without a lot of effort.
Get the Recipe: Shipwreck Casserole
Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
Soup that works without fuss is the name of the game in Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup. Tomatoes play a key role here, bringing balance and brightness to a warm, straightforward dish. It’s a recipe you’ll reach for when you want something comforting but quick. No complicated steps or ingredients, just a simple way to enjoy tomatoes in a familiar format.
Get the Recipe: Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
White Bean Salad
Tomatoes bring brightness to White Bean Salad without overshadowing the whole. This recipe works well when you want something fresh but with enough substance to satisfy. Tomatoes help keep the flavors balanced and light without needing anything extra. It’s a straightforward salad that fits well for casual meals or when you want to enjoy summer tomatoes with minimal fuss.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Salad
Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone
Soup can be simple and still interesting, as shown in Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone. Tomatoes here add warmth and balance without overshadowing the rest of the dish. It’s a recipe that works when you want comfort but without extra steps or complicated prep. This soup makes tomatoes feel at home, easy to enjoy without fuss or flowery extras.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone
Baked Spanish Rice
Simple and straightforward, Baked Spanish Rice puts tomatoes in a starring role without any complications. It’s the kind of dish that works well for weeknight meals or when you want a warm plate with fresh flavor. Tomatoes add brightness and balance without extra effort. This recipe shows that straightforward ingredients can come together for a satisfying meal without drama.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Pasta e Fagioli Soup relies on tomatoes to carry a straightforward, comforting flavor. It’s a solid recipe that works well when you want something warm and filling without fuss. Tomatoes add a fresh note that keeps the dish from feeling heavy or overdone. This soup fits well in any season but especially when tomatoes are at their best and you want something simple.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Tomato Bruschetta
Tomato Bruschetta keeps things simple and satisfying by letting tomatoes do the talking. This recipe is a go-to when you want a fresh, easy way to enjoy tomatoes without extra effort. It’s flexible enough for snacks or light meals and makes tomatoes feel like the main event without any fuss. A straightforward choice for when tomatoes are at their best.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta
Baked Feta Pasta
When tomatoes meet a simple, comforting pasta, Baked Feta Pasta comes through without overcomplicating things. This recipe balances flavors in a way that lets tomatoes shine without extra fuss. It’s an easy option for quick dinners or casual gatherings where you want something filling but simple. Tomatoes keep it fresh and approachable every time.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Pasta
Smoked Tomatoes
Smoked Tomatoes bring a different take on fresh tomatoes without any complicated steps. This recipe works for those who want to add a little extra flavor without fuss. The tomatoes stay front and center, making this a straightforward way to enjoy them with a bit of a twist. It’s a reliable choice for when you want something simple but not boring.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomatoes
Smoked Tomato Salsa
Smoked Tomato Salsa brings a fresh and bold tomato flavor without any complicated steps. It’s a recipe that works for anyone who wants a quick way to enjoy tomatoes with a little twist. The tomatoes provide a solid base that lets the rest of the flavors shine without extra fuss. It’s an easy way to put tomatoes front and center without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomato Salsa
Oven Roasted Tomato Soup
There’s comfort in simplicity, and Oven Roasted Tomato Soup shows tomatoes off without any fluff. This recipe is a reliable choice for anyone who wants a warm dish without fuss or complicated prep. Tomatoes bring a natural depth that makes this soup both satisfying and straightforward. It’s an easy way to enjoy tomatoes at their peak with no extra drama.
Get the Recipe: Oven Roasted Tomato Soup