"All my life, I’ve had a love/hate relationship with tomatoes. They’re an ingredient in some of my favorite dishes—pizza, BLTs, and pasta just to name a few—but I often try to use the smallest amount possible or end up picking the tomatoes off altogether. However, I recently ventured onto the tomato girl side of TikTok and watched Wishbone Kitchen’s videos on her heirloom tomato galette and BBLT (that’s a basil, bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich, FYI). The videos had me immediately salivating and left me wondering, “Do I like tomatoes now?” Couple this with the fact that “tomato girl summer” playlists are popping up all over Spotify, and I’m starting to feel like I’m missing out on this tasty trend. Whether you’re already a fan of the fruit/vegetable or are a recent convert like me, whip up one of these easy tomato recipes to start living your best tomato girl summer.
1. Tomato Bruschetta
Source: Cooking Classy
Perhaps the most iconic summer recipe, tomato bruschetta is an easy dish to make for any occasion. It only takes 15 minutes to throw together and just requires chopping and toasting, so it’s perfect for my fellow anti-cooking girls. Pair it with a glass of crisp white wine, and you have the perfect girl dinner or dinner party appetizer.
2. BLT Wedge Salad
Source: Lovely Little Kitchen
A new twist on the classic BLT sammy, this salad has all the ingredients we know and love but with added veggies. The romaine lettuce gives this dish plenty of crunch while the cherry tomatoes keep things feeling light and fresh, making this a perfect meal for hot weather.
3. Caramelized Corn and Tomato Tarte Tatin
Source: Half-Baked Harvest
Similar to the Wishbone Kitchen heirloom tomato galette, this tomato tatin will help you embrace your inner chef. Part tart, part pizza, this dish combines puff pastry, cherry tomatoes, fresh corn, and Havarti cheese. It’s baked in a skillet with balsamic vinegar and honey for that yummy caramelization and is finished with fresh thyme for a garnish.
4. Guacamole Stuffed Tomatoes
Source: Downshiftology
If you’re in the mood for a fresh, Mexican-inspired dish, look no further. Simply mix together the ingredients for guacamole (store-bought is also fine, I won’t tell) and stuff large cherry or grape tomatoes with the mixture for an easy appetizer or side dish.
5. Peach Caprese Salad
Source: Recipe Runner
Fresh mozzarella, tomato slices, and basil leaves make caprese another summer staple, but adding peach slices takes this to another level. The best part? This recipe doesn’t require any cooking or baking, so you don’t have to worry about turning on the oven and heating up the kitchen.
6. Sun Dried Tomato Pasta Salad
Source: Real Food Whole Life
Pasta salad summer is also taking over TikTok these days, and this recipe is a perfect combination of these food trends. It’s also easy to modify and create your own variations, such as caprese style, Mediterranean style, or with added goat cheese or nuts.
7. Charred Tomatoes with Yogurt
Source: Love and Lemons
Fresh ingredients abound with this easy tomato recipe. Consisting of blistered cherry tomatoes over a base of lemony yogurt, it would work perfectly as a meze-style dish served alongside other Greek-inspired small plates. It also works well as an appetizer before dinner or a light mid-day snack.
8. Spinach Tomato Quiche
Source: Plated Cravings
Hot take: Tomatoes are for breakfast too, and this delicious quiche recipe is proof. This dish does require technique and attention to detail to make sure the bottom of the quiche isn’t soggy, but the result is worth it. Since this recipe serves up to 10, it’s the perfect excuse to invite your friends over for brunch.
9. Tomato Sandwich
Source: Budget Bytes
Growing up in the South, I’ve heard my fair share about tomato sandwiches. The ingredients are quite simple: just bread (white, sourdough, or potato is recommended), tomato slices, and mayonnaise. Not gonna lie, I think this tomato recipe is a little too intense for me, but I know plenty of people who love it.
10. Tomato Soup
Source: The Movement Menu
This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning tomato soup. It seems odd to consider soup a summertime recipe, but there’s nothing cozier than curling up inside during a summer storm with a comforting bowl of tomato soup. Bonus points if you add Goldfish crackers or a grilled cheese on the side.
11. Tomato, Avocado, and Burrata Flatbread
Source: Two Peas and Their Pod
When it’s got bread, cheese, and delicious toppings, I don’t know how you couldn’t love this flatbread. It’s super easy to make, easy to share with friends, and full of healthy veggies.
12. Fried Green Tomatoes
Source: Foodie Crush
Fried green tomatoes are another southern dish that I’ve grown up hearing about but just recently started eating. And boy, was I missing out all those years. If you haven’t tried a fried green tomato before, I highly recommend trying this recipe.
13. Whipped Feta Dip With Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
Source: Jo Cooks
If the vibrant colors aren’t enough to convince you to make this dish at home, perhaps the simplicity of the recipe will. Simply blend up the feta and other dip ingredients while you roast some cherry tomatoes in the oven. Then top the dip with your roasted tomatoes and serve it with toasted bread for the perfect appetizer for a dinner party.
14. Balsamic Glazed Roasted Tomato and Asparagus
Source: Oh Sweet Basil
If you’re looking for an easy way to elevate your veggies, try roasting them. While roasted vegetables are good on their own, this recipe kicks it up a notch by adding parmesan and a balsamic glaze to create an easy yet sophisticated version of your go-to side dish.
15. Tomato and Blood Orange Salad
Source: Hein Stirred
For how stunning this dish is, it’s surprisingly simple to make and only takes about 15 minutes to assemble. It’s also bursting with flavor thanks to the fresh ginger, tahini, and Aleppo pepper.
