Marinated Cherry Tomatoes

These Marinated Cherry Tomatoes are a simple yet flavorful dish that's perfect for showing off those sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes. With a delicious combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and a tangy marinade, this tomato salad goes with practically anything!

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Plus, it's a great way to use up any excess cherry tomatoes you might have from your garden or farmers' market haul.

These Marinated Cherry Tomatoes are bursting with fresh flavors and made with simple ingredients for a easy side dish or appetizer.

They are perfect as a light side dish for grilled meats or fish, and you can also serve it over grilled bread for a delicious bruschetta-style appetizer. I have even tossed the leftovers with some fresh mozzarella and pasta for a quick and easy lunch!

We also love this Tomato Focaccia Bread cherry tomatoes and a medley of herbs.

Ingredient Notes

See printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Look for bright, firm cherry tomatoes that are free from blemishes or cracks.
• Shallots: These small, mild onions add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the salad. If you can't find shallots, you can substitute with finely diced red onion.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for this recipe, as it adds a pungent flavor that goes perfectly with the tomatoes and herbs.
• Salt & Pepper: Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper are the perfect seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of the other ingredients.
• Oregano: Dried oregano adds a bit of Italian flair to the cherry tomato salad, and you can also use fresh oregano if you have it on hand.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor. It's the key ingredient in the marinade, so don't go for a quality brand!
• White Balsamic Vinegar: This milder, sweeter vinegar adds a lovely tang to the salad without overpowering the other flavors. You can substitute with regular balsamic vinegar if needed.
• Basil: Fresh basil leaves add a bright, fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with the cherry tomatoes. If you don't have fresh basil, you can use dried, but the flavor won't be quite as vibrant.

How To Make Marinated Cherry Tomatoes

Start by rinsing the cherry tomatoes under cold water and patting them dry with a clean kitchen towel. 

Using a sharp knife, carefully cut each cherry tomato in half lengthwise. Place the halved tomatoes in a medium-sized mixing bowl, making sure they're in a single layer so that the marinade can coat them evenly.

Next, peel and finely mince the shallots and garlic. Add them to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes, distributing them evenly over the top.

Sprinkle the salt, dried oregano, and freshly ground black pepper over the cherry tomatoes, shallots, and garlic. These seasonings will help to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients and add depth to the marinade.

Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and white balsamic vinegar over the cherry tomato mixture in the bowl. Roughly chop the fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the top of the other ingredients in the bowl.

Using a large spoon or salad tongs, gently toss all of the ingredients together until the cherry tomatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings, olive oil, and vinegar. Be careful not to crush or break the tomatoes as you mix everything together.

If you have the time, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop, creating an even more delicious taste.

When you're ready to serve, transfer the marinated cherry tomato salad to a serving dish or individual plates. If desired, garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fish, or bread, and can also be enjoyed on its own as a light, appetizer or side dish.

Variations

• Add mozzarella. Add some fresh mozzarella balls and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a delicious twist on the classic Caprese salad.
• Make it Greek style. Add some pitted Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and sliced cucumbers for a Greek-inspired version of this cherry tomato salad.
• Add a kick. Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Add pesto. Toss the marinated cherry tomatoes with some homemade or store-bought pesto for an extra burst of flavor.

Make-Ahead and Storing

Make Ahead: This cherry tomato salad tastes even better when it's had some time to marinate in the fridge. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance, then let it come to room temperature before serving.

Store: If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this Marinated Cherry Tomato Salad will keep for up to 4 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the marinade.

Freeze: I do not recommend freezing this recipe as the tomatoes will not have the same texture when thawed. 

Recipe Tips

• For the best flavor, use ripe, in-season cherry tomatoes that are sweet and juicy.
• If you have the time, let the salad marinate in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight to allow the flavors to develop and intensify.
• To make this salad even more substantial, try adding some fresh mozzarella balls or cubed feta cheese to the mix.
• If you're not a fan of raw garlic, you can roast the garlic cloves first for a milder, sweeter flavor.

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

While you can certainly use regular tomatoes in this recipe, cherry tomatoes work best because their firm texture holds up well to marinating. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, I would look for grape tomatoes instead. 

What are the texture and taste of the marinated cherry tomatoes?

The texture of the marinated cherry tomatoes is soft and the taste is fresh, juicy and flavorful.

Can I use a different type of vinegar?

White balsamic vinegar works best in this recipe because of its mild, sweet flavor. However, you can also use regular balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even apple cider vinegar if that's what you have on hand.

What can I do with leftover marinade?

If you have any leftover marinade in the bottom of the bowl after all the cherry tomatoes have been eaten, don't throw it away! You can use it as a flavorful dressing for other salads, drizzle it over grilled vegetables or meat, or even use it as a dip for crusty bread.

Summer just won’t be complete without this Marinated Cherry Tomatoes recipe! It goes so perfectly with practically any main course and makes a delicious and easy appetizer or addition to your charcuterie board. I can’t wait for you to try it!