47 Fresh Tomato Recipes To Make All Summer Long

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Updated on May 20, 2024

Southern Living Tomato-Sandwich Toasts — Photo:
Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

Incorporating ripe, juicy tomatoes into everyday meals is a pleasure down South. To enjoy one of the easiest tomato recipes from our Test Kitchen, pull together the Classic Southern BLT (complete with garlic mayo!) or mix together our bright Best-Ever Succotash. Show off your Southern roots by serving Fried Green Tomatoes at your next supper club, or keep things sophisticated with Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise that are sure to delight.

However you squeeze it, these fabulous tomato recipes are fresh takes on this wonderful taste of summer.

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Tomato Pudding

Southern Living Tomato Pudding after baking — Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Ana Kelly, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless

While many tomato puddings don't include any of the fresh fruit, ours is stuffed with multicolored cherry tomatoes for pops of fresh flavor.

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Cracker-Crust Tomato Pie

Cracker-Crust Tomato Pie — VICTOR PROTASIO, FOOD STYLIST: RUTH BLACKBURN, PROP STYLIST: SHELL ROYSTER

As one 5-star review of this pie says, "[It's] even better than the traditional version. You don't miss the pastry crust at all!"

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Roasted Pepper-Tomato Salad With Crispy Black-Eyed Peas

Southern Living Roasted Pepper-Tomato Salad With Crispy Black-Eyed Peas — Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

Instead of croutons, this tomato salad uses crispy black-eyed peas for crunch.

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Cucumber-Tomato-Avocado Salad

Southern Living Cucumber Avocado Tomato Salad in a bowl to serve topped with feta — Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Three of our favorite summertime produce come together in this simple salad. Avocado adds richness, cucumbers add crunch, and sweet, in-season tomatoes add a pop of bright acidity.

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Tomato-Mozzarella Salad

Southern Living Tomato Mozzarella Salad on a platter to serve — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Tomato and mozzarella are a classic pairing and for good reason. Here, they are combined with a bacon-garlic dressing for a Southern twist on a traditional salad.

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Easy Tomato Soup

Southern Living Tomato Soup in bowls topped with basil and olive oil — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Although this recipe calls for canned tomatoes, this soup is truly next-level delicious when made with fresh summer tomatoes instead.

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Tomato-Sandwich Toasts

Southern Living Tomato-Sandwich Toasts — Greg Dupree; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

Turn the South's favorite sandwich into an adorable appetizer for all your summer gatherings. The best part? They only take 15 minutes to make.

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Best-Ever Succotash

a pan of best-ever succotash — Photographer: Jen Causey, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle, Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn

Succotash is hearty enough to not only be a light entrée but also a blue-ribbon accompaniment to fish, fried chicken, or grilled pork chops. This recipe brings together some of our favorite Southern vegetables, including lima beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, and sweet onion.

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Heirloom Tomato-Cracker Salad

Heirloom Tomato-Cracker Salad — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Ali Ramee; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Saltine crackers are the not-so-secret ingredient to this tomato salad. In this version, we set the tomatoes atop of the mayonnaise instead of tossing them in it, which creates a prettier finish.

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Tomato Galette

Tomato Galette — Photographer and props: Jennifer Causey Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Don't fuss with homemade pie crust and latticework—this simple galette is just as pretty but way easier.

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Southern Tomato Sandwich

tomato sandwich halves stacked on top of one another — Photo: Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

When garden tomatoes are at their prime, this is the meal everyone in the South makes—and then eats standing over their kitchen sink to catch every last drop.

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Fried Green Tomatoes

fried green tomatoes stacked — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Rebecca Cummins

Fried green tomatoes are a Southern delicacy. Add this recipe to your repertoire for a no-fail crowd pleaser that will be a winner with friends and family no matter what the occasion.

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Open-Faced Tomato Sandwiches With Creamy Cucumber Spread

Open-Faced Tomato Sandwiches with Creamy Cucumber Spread — Alison Miksch

Enhance fresh heirloom tomatoes by layering them with an herby cream cheese-cucumber mixture on top of thick slices of toasted bread.

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Roasted Tomato Quiche

Roasted Tomato Quiche — Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christine Keely

Roasting tomato slices concentrates their flavor and sweetness. It's the perfect way to amp up flavor in this quiche—and to prevent a watery mess.

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Green Tomato Gazpacho

Green Tomato Gazpacho in a white bowl — Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christine Keely

If that bushel of tomatoes is growing and you're looking for a new tomato idea, serve up this gazpacho. Blend tomatoes with cucumbers, bell pepper, and onion for a no-cook tomato soup that's refreshing and filling.

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Green Tomato Skillet Pie

Green Tomato Skillet Pie — Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

This cast-iron skillet dessert showcases the sweet possibilities of your summer tomatoes.

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Air Fryer Fried Green Tomatoes

air fryer green tomatoes on a platter — Alison Miksch

Air frying green tomatoes slices instead of deep frying results in crispy crusts on juicy tomatoes—all without the mess of deep frying.

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Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise Recipe

Mini Tomato Sandwiches With Bacon Mayonnaise — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely

Beefsteak and yellow heirloom tomatoes are the basics for this simple sandwich. Add mayonnaise and bacon, and you've created delicious delights for any outdoor picnic, baby shower, or church brunch.

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Heirloom Tomato Pie

Heirloom Tomato Pie Recipe in a pie pan with serving pieces nearby — Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Christine Keely

We upped the ante on your Grandma's tomato pie with an Heirloom studded stunner that makes the most of your favorite Duke's Mayonnaise. For best results, we suggest that you roast the tomatoes to drain excess water before baking.

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Tomato-Corn Pie

a pan of tomato corn pie — Alison Miksch

The tomato and corn in this savory pie are hiding a delicious secret: A cheesy filling that's studded with bright pimentos. If one dish can truly capture the spirit of summer, this just might be it.

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Shrimp And Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta

Shrimp and Burst Cherry Tomato Pasta — Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Ruth Blackburn, Prop Stylist Christine Keely

Burst cherry tomatoes provide the base for a nearly effortless pasta sauce, and quick-cooking shrimp helps bring together this summer-perfect pasta dinner in less than 30 minutes.

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Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta

Slow-Roasted Cherry Tomato Bruschetta — Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

This recipe is the easiest way to make use of an overabundance of cherry tomatoes. Roasting concentrates the sweetness and makes the fruit jammy and rich. You don't want the tomatoes to break down completely in the oven; they should still hold their shape.

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Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad — Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Toni Brogan

This fresh, seasonal salad is one of the easiest ways to show off peak season summer flavor. With just 7 ingredients, you'll be the host with the most when you add this combination of tomatoes, basil, and fresh mozzarella cheese to your party spread.

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Roasted Tomato Macaroni And Cheese

Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese — Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

The kids will love that we don't skimp on the cheese in this family-favorite recipe. Luxuriously cheesy but still quick and easy, this classic mac and cheese is made better with the addition of freshly sliced tomatoes scattered on top.

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Summer Orzo Salad

Summer Orzo Salad — Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Melissa Gray

This fresh salad can stand alone as a main dish, but it'd be delicious paired with grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or beans for added protein.

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Old-Fashioned Tomato Pie

Just Ripe for Summer: Old Fashioned Tomato Pie — Iain Bagwell

This plate of goodness is always a home run. Don't skip salting the tomatoes. This step rids them of excess juice, so you'll have a nice firm pie, not a soggy mess.

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Tomato Tea Sandwiches

Tomato Tea Sandwiches — Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Just like Grandma's, but better, these Tomato Tea Sandwiches offer a slight twist to the Southern luncheon staple. Sliced tomatoes combine with a summer sauce that you'll want to use on everything from salads to sandwiches all season long.

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Smoky Pole Beans And Tomatoes

Smoky Pole Beans and Tomatoes — Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas

Just a handful of spices are needed for this summer side dish, which lets the fresh veggies truly shine.

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Cheesy Tomato-And-Sausage Strata

Cheesy Tomato-and-Sausage Strata — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Styling: Audrey Davis

Tomatoes can be enjoyed at any time of the day, including breakfast.

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Tomato, Peach, And Corn Salad

Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad — Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Tangy feta cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of beefsteak tomato wedges, corn, and peaches for the ultimate summer side. What you'll love about this salad is the chunks of feta—they're bold, and they add creaminess to every tomato-filled bite.

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Classic Southern BLT

Southern BLT — Monica Farber/Southern Living

This hearty sandwich celebrates the flavorful simplicity of a beloved summer recipe. Easy to assemble anytime for a quick bite, but substantial enough to serve at any casual party, this toasted version of the lunchtime classic is best with thick-cut bacon to avoid crumbles.

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Pickled Green Tomatoes

pickled green tomatoes in jars — Jennifer Causey; Food Stylist: Rishon Hanners; Prop Stylist: Shell Royster

Enjoy your tomato haul way beyond summertime by making pickled tomatoes and serving them with any meal.

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Smoked-Tomato Salsa

Smoked-Tomato Salsa — Greg Dupree; Food Styling: Anna Hampton; Prop Styling: Ginny Branch

Turn Taco Tuesday up a notch with a freshly smoked salsa that beats anything you'll find in the pantry. This simple salsa has a depth of flavor that's achieved by smoking jalapeños and tomatoes. Fair warning: You're sure to go through a whole bag of tortilla chips with this dip on the table.

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Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole

Kentucky Hot Brown Casserole — Victor Protasio; Food Styling: Torie Cox; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke

A baked take on the classic open-faced sandwich, this casserole is dotted with diced tomatoes and filled with turkey and bacon. It's sure to top your list of comfort food favorites.

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Muffin Pan Tomato Tarts

Muffin Pan Tomato Tarts — Alison Miksch

If your family loves tomato pie, surprise them with these adorable mini versions at your next gathering.

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Tomato 'n' Beef Casserole With Polenta Crust

Tomato ‘n’ Beef Casserole with Polenta Crust — Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Ready in under an hour, this quick-fix supper is cheesy and hearty enough to please the whole family. The cornmeal crust sets this meaty main apart from other casseroles, and the bubbly, cheesy topping will delight even the pickiest of eaters.

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Pasta With Shrimp And Tomato Cream Sauce

Pasta with Shrimp and Tomato Cream Sauce — Caitlin Bensel; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Anna Hampton

A colorful selection of cherry or grape tomatoes makes for one bright pasta dish. These smaller, fruiter-tasting tomatoes require only a few minutes in a hot pan before they soften and release their naturally sweet juices.

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Tomato Gravy

tomato gravy on biscuits — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

If you haven't made this old-school classic, now's the time to try it out. It definitely belongs over a hot biscuit or pork chop.

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BLT Salad With Buttermilk-Parmesan Dressing And Buttery Croutons

BLT Salad with Buttermilk-Parmesan Dressing and Buttery Croutons — Photo: Alison Miksch

Turn the ultimate summer sandwich into a beautiful salad to serve family-style around the picnic table.

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Chicken Caprese Pasta

Chicken Caprese Pasta — Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Dress up the rotisserie chicken from the fridge with summer tomatoes, homemade pesto, and mozzarella cheese.

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Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos With Fresh Tomato Salsa

Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos with Fresh Tomato Salsa — Greg Dupree

Let the slow cooker handle dinner with this kid-friendly recipe.

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Kentucky Hot Brown Sandwiches

Kentucky Hot Brown on a white plate - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Fans of this famous Kentucky dish will dig in to this homemade sandwich. This recipe layers thinly sliced turkey breast, a smooth Mornay sauce, crispy bacon, and of course, fresh tomatoes.

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Classic Okra And Tomatoes

Classic Okra and Tomatoes in bowls overhead — Monica Farber/Southern Living

For Southerners, okra and tomatoes go together like peanuts and Coca Cola.

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Tomato Jam

Tomato Jam — Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

If you have an abundance of fresh tomatoes, whip up a batch of this savory jam to keep in the refrigerator. You can use it on biscuits, burgers, grilled cheeses, and more.

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Crusty Broiled Tomatoes

Crusty Broiled Tomatoes — Southern Living

This simple recipe brings together the fresh taste of tomatoes with the savory-flavors of Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs. Popped under the broiler for a few minutes, these treats will emerge well browned.

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Corn-And-Tomato Salad

Southern Living Corn-and-Tomato Salad in a serving bowl with salad servers — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

With sweet corn, salty cheese, and a zippy yet creamy dressing, this tomato salad has it all.

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Heirloom-Tomato Salad

Southern Living Heirloom-Tomato Salad on a platter to serve — Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Ruth Blackburn; Prop Stylist: Christine Keely

Heirloom tomatoes are beautiful on their own, and this salad respects that by keeping things simple so that their natural flavor shines.

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