5 Ways + A Bonus for Using Cherry Tomatoes
5 WAYS TO USE CHERRY TOMATOES
They're abundant right now, and they keep well in the fridge — here's how to use them up
Cherry tomatoes are at their peak this time of year, and unlike many summer vegetables, they hold up well in the refrigerator — so stocking up doesn't mean racing to use them before they spoil. Here are five easy ways to work through a full basket.
1. SLICE FRESH INTO SALADS
Halve or quarter them and toss into any green salad for a burst of juicy sweetness and color. No cooking required, and they hold their shape and flavor far better than slicing a large tomato ahead of time.
2. ADD TO A SNACK TRAY
Keep them whole and add them to a snack tray alongside cheese, crackers, and cucumber slices. They're an easy, no-prep way to add a serving of vegetables to snack time.
3. SIMMER WITH BROTH AND HERBS OVER PASTA
Heat whole cherry tomatoes in a little broth with garlic and fresh herbs until they soften and burst, then spoon over pasta. It's a quick, light sauce that comes together faster than a traditional marinara.
4. ROAST INTO CANDIED CHERRY TOMATOES
Roast in the oven until they shrivel and caramelize, concentrating their natural sweetness. Candied cherry tomatoes are excellent on their own, tossed with pasta, or piled onto crostini.
5. TOSS INTO A NO-COOK SALSA OR BRUSCHETTA TOPPING
Halve and mix with diced onion, garlic, olive oil, and fresh basil for a quick bruschetta topping or salsa. It's ready in minutes and makes use of a large handful at once.
BONUS: CAPRESE SKEWERS
Thread whole cherry tomatoes onto small skewers with a cube of fresh mozzarella and a basil leaf, then finish with a drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze. It's a five-minute, no-cook appetizer or snack-tray upgrade that turns the same basket of tomatoes into something party-ready.
STORAGE TIP: Cherry tomatoes keep well in the refrigerator for a week or more. For the best flavor, let them come to room temperature before eating — cold temperatures dull their natural sweetness.
