There’s something about a ripe juicy tomato that instantly signals “carefree summer.” Whether I’m slicing into a sun-warmed heirloom straight from the market or slow-roasting cherry tomatoes until they’re sweet and soft, this time of year always inspires me to get creative in the kitchen with new tomato recipes.
Tomatoes are one of those ingredients that don’t need much fuss—they shine in everything from simple pastas to hearty mains. Tomatoes hit their peak in late summer, and there’s truly no comparison to the flavor of an in-season tomato—sweet, juicy, and bursting with rich flavor. As a young cook, I’m always astonished by the many ways to bring out their best: roast them low and slow until they’re caramelized and sweet, sauté them quickly for a fresh pasta sauce, or serve them raw with just a drizzle of olive oil and flaky salt. However you choose to incorporate them, tomato recipes are one of the season’s simplest (and most delicious) pleasures.
Featured image by Michelle Nash.
13 Tomato Recipes for Every Occasion
We’ve rounded up our all-time favorite tomato recipes to inspire your warm-weather cooking and celebrate this versatile fruit at its peak. Trust us: You’ll want to make every single one.
Appetizers
Bruschetta with Slow-Roasted Tomatoes & Ricotta
This bruschetta with soft pillowy ricotta is a top-tier way to enjoy a savory flavor combination we know and love in a bite-sized form. Pro tip: Use a high-quality sourdough or a ciabatta for a base that’s both a touch of soft and crunchy.
Classic Easy Bruschetta
It doesn’t get much easier to enjoy cherry tomatoes than this classic bruschetta. Paired with a fresh, crusty bread and homemade (or store-bought) pesto, this bruschetta makes it easy to wow your guests (and their taste buds).
Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Galette
A few summers ago, I fell down a rabbit hole of galette recipes. The result? A new love for the edible centerpiece that’s guaranteed to pair perfectly with your al fresco dining experience.
Hummus Toast with Tomatoes, Feta, and Za’atar
Just as yogurt on toast had its moment in 2022, hummus toast is the new toast trend of 2025. Simply slice up a variety of your favorite tomatoes to top your hummus of choice, and you have an appetizer that’s shockingly flavorful and nutritious.
Salads and Sides
Watermelon Tomato Caprese Salad
When it comes to tomatoes, I typically turn to a caprese salad for getting the most out of this summer fruit. In this salad, the watermelon-tomato combination is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it hard to put down the fork.
Avocado Caprese Salad
While avocado doesn’t typically make the cut for caprese, Camille made a groundbreaking discovery with this salad as the perfect blend of summer flavors and textures.
Tomato, Avocado, & Cucumber Salad
Looking to kick up the heat with your tomato-based salad? This recipe pairs freshly sliced jalapeños with other crunchy additions, such as cucumber and pickled onion, to bring the heat while keeping each bite well-balanced.
Tomato Salad
Enjoying a tomato recipe has never been easier than with this tomato salad. Brought to us by Margarita Kallas-Lee and her husband, Phillip Frankland Lee, these heirloom tomatoes require little to no accompaniment to reveal their vibrant and sweet flavor.
Main Courses
Summer Spaghetti with Tomatoes, Burrata, & Basil
While tomato-based appetizers are spectacular, I think that some of the most special uses for this fruit belong in the main course. Exhibit A: this summer spaghetti with creamy burrata and a touch of basil.
Tomato and White Bean Soup
During my trip to Washington state at the beginning of the summer, I was surprised to see snow still on the mountainside in early June. In light of the abrupt difference in weather compared to Austin, I was inspired to whip up this warm and creamy tomato soup recipe. Let’s just say, it tastes even better than it looks.
Burst Tomato Pasta
A simple spaghetti recipe can be elevated to the next level with the addition of tomatoes. This burst tomato pasta might seem simple, but by incorporating three kinds of tomatoes into the sauce, it’s sure to surprise your taste buds.
Miso Tomato Pasta
This miso pasta may not be your typical tomato recipe, but the jammy burst cherry tomatoes add a sweet, savory depth that makes this umami-packed dish a standout. Tossed with miso butter and finished with fresh basil, it’s a flavor bomb that proves tomatoes can do way more than just play a supporting role.
Lamb Meatballs in Tomato Sauce with Fresh Ricotta
These lamb meatballs by Seamus Mullen are nestled in a rich, savory tomato sauce and topped with creamy dollops of ricotta that cool and balance every bite. Simply put: it’s a refined yet cozy tomato-forward standout.
