We’ve reached that high summer peak when gardens are overflowing and full of juicy produce ripened by the sweltering afternoon sun. It’s a time that brings us some of the best flavors of the season, namely tomatoes.
When tomatoes are at their peak, they don't need much to shine. Toss them in a simple salad, layer them in a pie crust to make a rustic and savory pie or galette, blend them into a puree with some cream for a classic tomato soup, or just stack them between two slices of bread for the ultimate summer sandwich. They’re not fussy, and they lend themselves to a variety of dishes. Here, we have six new recipes for your summer entertaining and weeknight meals.
Grilled Tomato and Shrimp Toasts
If you’re looking for an easy lunch or perhaps a light dinner, these grilled toasts are the perfect choice. They’re easy, they’re fresh, and a quick marinade brings out the sweetness in the tomatoes. When paired with quickly grilled shrimp and crisp bread, these toasts are a flavorful appetizer for a backyard gathering or a wonderful accompaniment to a green salad. If you happen to have an overflow of tomatoes in your garden, this recipe is a great way to use them up!
Get the recipe for Grilled Tomato and Shrimp Toasts.
Spaghetti with Grated Tomato Sauce
Spaghetti is often in our weeknight dinner rotation because it’s fairly easy and won’t break your grocery budget. Consider this the fresh, summery version! It’s a great option when you have juicy, ripe tomatoes to take advantage of, but you don’t have to go through the whole process of making a homemade sauce. Grating fresh tomatoes creates a silky, vibrant sauce that comes together in minutes with pantry and fridge staples like garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan. The result is a fresh, flavorful dinner that's light enough for warm summer evenings, and easy enough that you’ll end up with something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the recipe for Spaghetti with Grated Tomato Sauce.
Cheddar-Tomato Hand Pies
Few pairings are as quintessentially summer as ripe tomatoes and sharp Cheddar, and these flaky hand pies make the most of both. Wrapped in buttery pastry and baked until golden, they're packed with melty cheese and juicy tomatoes for a savory bite that's just as welcome at a picnic as it is alongside a simple green salad. Make them while tomatoes are at their peak for the very best flavor.
Get the recipe for Cheddar-Tomato Hand Pies.
Tomato Cornbread
That’s right, you should be putting your ripe summer tomatoes directly into cornbread batter and baking it in a cast-iron skillet! Roasting the tomatoes first before they go into the batter concentrates their flavor, bringing out the natural sweetness and creating irresistibly jammy edges. Arrange them on top of the batter before it goes into the oven, and they become a beautiful garnish on top that tastes just as good as it looks. This savory twist on classic cornbread goes with all kinds of dishes and meals like grilled meats, barbecue, soups, or a spread of summer vegetables.
Get the recipe for Tomato Cornbread.
Tomato Martini
Toast tomato season with this delightful and slightly unexpected martini! When tomatoes are at their summer peak, they're too good to save just for salads and sandwiches. This savory tomato martini transforms your garden’s best produce into an elegant cocktail with bright flavor and just the right amount of briny complexity. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, serving appetizers on the patio, or simply looking for a cocktail that feels a little out of the ordinary, this tomato-forward drink is a delicious way to go.
Get the recipe for Tomato Martini.
Peach and Tomato Salad
When peaches and tomatoes are both at their best, making this vibrant salad is an absolute must. Ripe peaches bring balance to the bright acidity of juicy tomatoes while fresh herbs and a light vinaigrette tie everything together. Whether you're serving it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fresh fish, this colorful salad is an effortless way to celebrate summer's best produce. If you have an abundance in your garden or need something to make with your farmers’ market haul, this recipe needs to be on your to-make list.
Get the recipe for Peach and Tomato Salad.
