Tomatoes are great until you’re Googling “can I freeze 20 pounds at once?” That’s where these 27 ripe and ready recipes come in, practical ideas that make a dent in the surplus without tasting like the same meal on repeat. They’re fast, flexible, and won’t make you dread the fruit bowl. Because composting five pounds of produce shouldn’t be your backup dinner plan.
A Southern Classic Tomato Pie
Just when you think you’ve run out of tomato ideas, this one reminds you why they’re worth the trouble. A Southern Classic Tomato Pie brings structure to the chaos in a way that actually feels comforting. It’s solid, familiar, and makes a pile of tomatoes feel like a plan instead of a panic. This isn’t just something to use them up; it’s something you’ll look forward to making again. Even the skeptics will be back for another slice.
Get the Recipe: A Southern Classic Tomato Pie
Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
There’s a point where chopping tomatoes stops being fun and starts feeling like a full-time job. Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes turns that chore into something that actually feels like lunch. It’s quick, it’s different, and it handles fridge cleanout like a pro. Nothing too fancy, but it doesn’t need to be when it all works together. You’ll wonder why this didn’t show up on your radar sooner.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes
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!Pico de Gallo
There’s only so much slicing and freezing one person can do before losing interest in tomatoes entirely. Pico de Gallo is the kind of fix that makes the overflow feel useful again, especially when snack time turns into a full meal. It’s sharp, fresh, and doesn’t try to be anything it’s not, which is exactly the kind of recipe that earns repeat status. If you’re trying to keep things easy without slipping into boring, this one lands right in the sweet spot.
Get the Recipe: Pico de Gallo
Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Too many tomatoes? That’s not a problem, it’s a starting point. Grilled Bruschetta Chicken turns the flood into something that feels like a meal instead of a puzzle. It’s fast, solid, and doesn’t require a second thought once it’s on your radar. The combo works for casual weeknights or last-minute backyard meals that need a bit more structure. Also, it gives your grill something better to do than just burgers again.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Bruschetta Chicken
Mediterranean Salmon
Dinner’s on the line, the tomatoes are stacking up, and you need something fast that doesn’t taste like a shortcut. This Mediterranean Salmon gets a boost from the tomato overload and handles itself like it belongs on the weekly lineup. Enough is going on to keep the flavor solid without asking for much effort. It walks the line between simple and impressive without tipping either way too far. Great for when you want something that feels different but still handles a kitchen full of produce.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Salmon
Old-Fashioned Panzanella Salad
When tomatoes are in charge, Old-Fashioned Panzanella Salad lets them shine without fuss. This recipe knows how to make use of leftovers and fresh tomatoes alike in a way that just works. It’s casual, it’s filling, and it’s a reminder that sometimes simple is best. The kind of salad you can make without looking up another recipe. It’s classic for a reason, especially when tomatoes run wild.
Get the Recipe: Old-Fashioned Panzanella Salad
Ricotta Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
Tomatoes have a habit of turning up in unexpected places, and Ricotta Meatballs with Tomato Sauce make the most of that. This dish mixes comfort and practicality with no guesswork needed. It feels like dinner without the stress of deciding what to do next. If tomatoes are threatening to take over, this is one way to turn that flood into something everyone can enjoy. It’s straightforward and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Ricotta Meatballs with Tomato Sauce
BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!
Not every tomato recipe needs to be delicate; some just need to show up and do the job. BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon! handles that with a no-nonsense attitude and a solid result. It feels like summer without requiring a grill or a lot of brainpower. Enough is going on here to make it feel intentional, even when it’s a clean-out-the-fridge kind of night. Also, the bacon does a lot of the heavy lifting, which no one’s mad about.
Get the Recipe: BLT Pasta Salad – With Bacon!
Texas BLT
Some sandwiches are just sandwiches, but this one makes a case for skipping the usual. Texas BLT turns tomato overload into something worth building a meal around. It’s bold without being fussy, and holds up whether you’re working through a backyard harvest or just got carried away at the market. Lunch doesn’t get much easier or more effective than this. If it’s good enough to make you forget you’ve had BLTs all week, that’s saying something.
Get the Recipe: Texas BLT
Horiatiki Salad
Tomatoes might be bossy, but they know what they’re doing in the right setup. Horiatiki Salad keeps things clean and classic, letting all the extras stay out of the way. It’s the kind of meal that fits right in whether you’re feeding one or a crowd. No fuss, no heat, and no regrets about skipping the stove. Also, it makes a fridge full of tomatoes look like you planned it.
Get the Recipe: Horiatiki Salad
Fasolakia Lathera
When tomatoes start to pile up, a recipe like Fasolakia Lathera knows how to handle them without drama. It offers a no-fuss way to turn all those tomatoes into a dish that feels like a proper meal. It’s hearty without being heavy and keeps things interesting without asking for much effort. Perfect for those times when you want a break from the usual tomato overload. It’s the quiet star that gets the job done well.
Get the Recipe: Fasolakia Lathera
Mediterranean Chicken Bake
Sometimes tomatoes want to be part of a bigger plan, and Mediterranean Chicken Bake makes sure they’re heard. This recipe balances the tomato surplus with other flavors that play well together without overcomplicating things. It’s a solid, straightforward meal that fills plates without stress. When tomatoes threaten to overwhelm, this bake steps up as a reliable option for dinner. No fuss, just results.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Chicken Bake
Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
Tomatoes love to sneak into meals, and Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs make the most of their starring role. This recipe uses that tomato flood to your advantage with minimal fuss and maximum payoff. It’s an easy fix for busy days when you don’t want to think too hard. A solid, familiar dish that puts tomatoes to good use without asking for fancy tricks. It’s a slow cooker win every time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs
Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
When fresh tomatoes pile up, Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce is a straightforward answer. This dish lets tomatoes be the main event without complicating things with a long list of extras. It’s simple, quick, and satisfying, perfect for when the fridge is bursting but your time isn’t. If you’re looking for a clean way to put all those ripe tomatoes to work, this one fits the bill. It’s honest and reliable every time.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Fresh Cherry Tomato Sauce
Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
You might not expect tomatoes to play a starring role in a slow cooker recipe, but Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala proves they do. This one turns a tomato surplus into a meal with big flavor and little hands-on time. It’s perfect when you want dinner ready without hovering over the stove. Tomatoes keep things rich without needing a lot of extra steps. It’s a reliable option when time is short but hunger is not.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Tikka Masala
Shipwreck Casserole
When tomatoes start to take over your kitchen, Shipwreck Casserole is here to rescue the mess. This dish is a one-pan solution that feels like a full meal without the usual headache. It works well for clearing out the fridge and filling everyone up. If you need something that can handle a tomato overflow without a second thought, this recipe has your back. Simple, reliable, and just the right amount of comfort.
Get the Recipe: Shipwreck Casserole
Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
If tomatoes are threatening to take over, Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup is the kind of simple fix that saves the day. This recipe blends flavors without fuss or frills and gets dinner on the table fast. It’s a soup that leans on tomatoes but doesn’t ask for complicated steps. Ideal for a quick, satisfying meal when tomatoes are making themselves known.
Get the Recipe: Easy Red Pepper and Tomato Soup
Summery Caponata
Tomatoes piling up can feel overwhelming, but Summery Caponata uses them in a way that’s surprisingly relaxed. It’s a casual dish that balances freshness and comfort without asking for much extra work. This recipe is a reminder that tomatoes don’t always have to be the star to make an impact. Perfect for when you want something light but satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Summery Caponata
Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone
When tomatoes are in surplus, this Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone offers a twist that’s still easy to pull off. It’s a soup that doesn’t shy away from flavor but keeps things manageable. A good option when you want something a little different without complicating dinner. It puts those tomatoes to work in a way that feels worth the effort.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomato Soup with Mascarpone
Tomato Bruschetta Board
Tomatoes screaming for attention? Tomato Bruschetta Board answers with variety and zero pressure. It’s an easy way to turn a bunch of tomatoes into a casual, shareable snack or light meal. No cooking marathons, just a good way to get tomatoes on the table without much effort. This recipe is perfect when you want something fresh without the usual fuss.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Bruschetta Board
Pasta e Fagioli Soup
When tomatoes pile up, turning them into Pasta e Fagioli Soup feels like a practical choice. This soup has enough going on to be interesting, but isn’t a production. It makes the most of tomatoes without turning them into something unrecognizable. A hearty, everyday option when you want to get dinner on the table without too much thinking. This one keeps things familiar and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Pasta e Fagioli Soup
Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish
Sometimes tomatoes just need to be part of a team, and Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish does that well. This dish adds a fresh tomato twist that lifts the whole plate without demanding too much effort. It’s practical and solid, perfect for a weeknight dinner rescue. When tomatoes are everywhere, this recipe offers a balanced and straightforward fix.
Get the Recipe: Pork Chops with Tomato & Green Onion Relish
Smoked Tomatoes
When tomatoes have piled up, Smoked Tomatoes offer a unique take that’s surprisingly simple. This recipe doesn’t ask for much, but changes the game on how tomatoes can be served. It’s a solid side or ingredient that keeps your tomato surplus interesting without much fuss. Perfect for when you want something a little different with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomatoes
Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
Too many tomatoes? Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes makes the most of that situation with a recipe that’s straightforward and satisfying. It’s a dish that feels like dinner without overcomplicating things. When tomatoes take over the fridge, this is a reliable way to make sure they don’t go to waste. Simple, effective, and good company for any meal.
Get the Recipe: Pasta with Ricotta & Tomatoes
White Bean Salad
When tomatoes threaten to overwhelm, White Bean Salad offers a fresh, no-fuss solution. It’s a recipe that lets tomatoes work alongside other ingredients without stealing the show. This salad is perfect for when you want something light and quick but don’t want to waste any tomatoes. A straightforward, reliable choice that fits well in any routine.
Get the Recipe: White Bean Salad
Smoked Tomato Salsa
Overloaded on tomatoes? Smoked Tomato Salsa steps in as a fresh, smoky option that doesn’t require a lot of fuss. It’s great for adding a punch to snacks or meals without needing much prep time. This salsa takes the usual tomato overload and turns it into something versatile. Perfect when you want to make good use of what you’ve got without overthinking it.
Get the Recipe: Smoked Tomato Salsa
Baked Spanish Rice
Tomatoes piling up in the kitchen find a home in Baked Spanish Rice, a straightforward dish that makes the most of what’s on hand. It’s easy to prepare and holds up well as a side or main. This recipe offers a no-frills way to handle tomatoes without turning dinner into a production. When tomatoes threaten to take over, this is one recipe that doesn’t let them win.
Get the Recipe: Baked Spanish Rice