Recipes Using Cherry Tomatoes: A Burst of Flavor in Every Bite
Cherry tomatoes, those vibrant little jewels, are more than just a pretty face. Their sweet, slightly acidic flavor adds a burst of freshness and color to countless dishes. Forget bland salads and boring pasta; cherry tomatoes are your secret weapon to elevate everyday meals into culinary masterpieces. This post will explore several delicious and easy recipes showcasing the versatility of these tiny powerhouses.
Simple & Delicious Cherry Tomato Recipes
These recipes are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a simple yet impressive appetizer. They require minimal ingredients and cooking time, highlighting the natural flavor of the cherry tomatoes.
1. Caprese Salad with a Twist
This classic Italian salad gets a fun update with the addition of balsamic glaze and fresh basil.
Ingredients:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, small size
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls on a plate.
- Tuck fresh basil leaves between the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Drizzle generously with balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Garlic & Herbs
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of cherry tomatoes, creating a flavorful side dish or topping for pasta.
Ingredients:
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tomatoes are softened and slightly blistered.
3. Quick Cherry Tomato Bruschetta
This appetizer is perfect for parties or a light lunch. The combination of sweet tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic is irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 baguette, sliced and toasted
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Combine halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Spoon the tomato mixture onto the toasted baguette slices.
More Adventurous Cherry Tomato Recipes
These recipes incorporate cherry tomatoes into more complex dishes, showcasing their ability to complement a wide range of flavors.
4. One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Cherry Tomatoes
This one-pan wonder is a complete meal in itself, perfect for a busy weeknight. The chicken and tomatoes roast together, creating a flavorful and juicy dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces or use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, oregano), roughly chopped
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the chicken pieces in a large roasting pan.
- Toss cherry tomatoes, lemon slices, and herbs with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange the tomato mixture around the chicken.
- Roast for 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the tomatoes are softened.
5. Pasta with Burst Cherry Tomatoes and Burrata
A simple pasta dish elevated by the creamy burrata cheese and the sweet burst of roasted cherry tomatoes.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (your favorite shape)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta cooks, roast cherry tomatoes with minced garlic and olive oil until softened and slightly blistered (refer to instructions in recipe #2).
- Drain pasta and add it to the pan with the roasted tomatoes.
- Stir in the burrata cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
These recipes are just a starting point. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and cheeses to create your own unique cherry tomato dishes. Enjoy the burst of flavor!
