Sweet and Tangy Summer Delight: Cherry Tomato Basil Marinade
Sweet and Tangy Summer Delight: Cherry Tomato Basil Marinade
Boost Your Summer Appetite! The Ultimate Cherry Tomato Basil Marinade Recipe – Perfect for Cold Pasta Salads, Bruschetta, and Marinated Tomato Dishes with Balsamic Dressing!
Experience the vibrant taste of summer with this exquisite Cherry Tomato Marinade! This tangy and sweet marinated tomato dish is a true appetizer enhancer. Once prepared, it acts like a versatile ingredient, perfectly complementing a wide array of dishes. Best of all, it requires no cooking, making it an incredibly simple yet delightful summer specialty. Don’t let this summer pass by without trying this refreshing recipe!
Tomato Marinade Ingredients- Cherry tomatoes or Grape tomatoes 500g
- Ripe regular tomatoes 6-7
- Fresh basil leaves 1 handful
- Onion 1/2
- Extra virgin olive oil 8 Tbsp
- Balsamic vinegar 6 Tbsp
- Lemon juice 2 Tbsp
- Salt 0.7 Tbsp (approx. 2/3 Tbsp)
- Black pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, remove the stems from the cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes and wash them thoroughly under running water.
Step 2
Make a shallow cross-shaped incision on the side opposite the stem. This will make peeling the tomatoes much easier later on.
Step 3
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the incised cherry tomatoes and blanch them for about 20 seconds. Be careful not to over-boil, as they can become mushy.
Step 4
Immediately transfer the blanched tomatoes to a bowl of cold water. For best results, use ice water to cool them down quickly, which helps the skin separate more easily.
Step 5
Once cooled, gently peel the skin starting from the incised part. Try to peel them carefully to avoid breaking the tomato flesh.
Step 6
The peeled cherry tomatoes look beautifully translucent and plump – truly appetizing!
Step 7
Now, let’s prepare the regular tomatoes (about the size of an adult’s fist). Remove the stem, wash them clean, and make a shallow cross-shaped incision on the bottom part, just like with the cherry tomatoes.
Step 8
Place the incised regular tomatoes in boiling water and blanch them for at least 30 seconds, or until the skin starts to peel away slightly at the incision. Avoid cooking them too long to prevent them from becoming overly soft.
Step 9
After blanching, rinse the regular tomatoes under cold water, then briefly immerse them in ice water to cool down completely.
Step 10
Once chilled, the skin should peel off effortlessly, much like peeling a lemon peel. They should come off smoothly.
Step 11
Now, let’s make the balsamic dressing, the heart of this marinade. Finely dice half an onion.
Step 12
Chop about a handful of fresh basil leaves after washing them. The aromatic basil will significantly enhance the flavor of the marinade.
Step 13
If you have leftover basil pesto, you can add about 2 teaspoons for an even more intense basil flavor. (Optional)
Step 14
In a bowl, combine the diced onion, basil, salt, and pepper. Then, add all the remaining dressing ingredients.
Step 15
Generously add 8 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. High-quality olive oil adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Step 16
Pour in 6 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar. This is crucial for achieving the perfect sweet and tangy balance.
Step 17
Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for an extra zing of freshness. Whisk everything together vigorously with a whisk or spoon until well combined.
Step 18
Your flavorful balsamic dressing is ready! Look at that beautiful color and imagine the delicious taste!
Step 19
Pour a generous amount of the prepared balsamic dressing over the peeled regular tomatoes,
Step 20
and then coat the peeled cherry tomatoes with the dressing as well. Gently toss to ensure the tomatoes are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one day to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 21
After a day in the refrigerator, the cherry tomato marinade will have a stunning color and a deeply infused flavor that is absolutely delicious!
Step 22
The regular tomatoes will also be wonderfully succulent and flavorful, having absorbed the dressing. They are so good that it’s hard for anyone to stop at just one!
Step 23
To make a cold pasta salad, cook your pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 24
Twirl the pasta onto a plate and top generously with the prepared tomato marinade. Voila! You have a simple yet elegant cold pasta dish.
Step 25
You can also make delicious sandwiches by layering the marinated tomatoes on toasted ciabatta bread. It makes for a satisfying meal.
Step 26
Simply slicing fresh tomatoes, topping them with the balsamic marinade dressing, and adding a pinch of salt and pepper also makes for a wonderful appetizer or side dish.
Step 27
This batch of tomato marinade disappeared in just two days! Even family members who weren’t fond of tomatoes are constantly asking for more thanks to this marinade. It’s the perfect way to encourage healthy eating without nagging. Enjoy your delicious creation!
