Grilled Tomatoes are an absolute summer delight, transforming humble roma tomatoes into juicy, smoky-sweet treats that burst with flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and minutes on the grill, you end up with a side or starter that tastes like sunshine on a plate. Whether you’re looking to elevate your next cookout or simply want a fast, feel-good recipe, these Grilled Tomatoes bring a beautiful pop of color and tangy, savory depth to any meal. Trust me, friends—once you give these a try, they just might become your sunny-day staple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s beauty in simplicity—especially when every ingredient works together to highlight the natural freshness and sweetness of your tomatoes. Each element in this recipe is chosen to enhance the taste, texture, and color of your finished Grilled Tomatoes.
- Roma tomatoes: Firm, ripe roma tomatoes hold their shape on the grill and concentrate their flavor, making them the star of the show.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps the tomatoes caramelize beautifully while preventing them from sticking to the grill.
- Italian dressing: A zesty finishing touch that soaks into the warm tomatoes and adds an herby tang without any fuss.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Vegan Parmesan: Optional, but the nutty, savory note is irresistible if you like a little something extra on top.
- Fresh basil leaves: For garnish, a touch of basil brings color and a fragrant, summery punch.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those natural tomato flavors.
How to Make Grilled Tomatoes
Step 1: Prep Your Tomatoes
Start by gathering your roma tomatoes and giving them a quick rinse. Slice each tomato in half lengthwise—this not only looks beautiful on the plate, but also gives plenty of surface area for glorious grill marks and caramelization. Lay the halves cut side up, drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil, and season generously with sea salt and black pepper on the exposed side.
Step 2: Heat the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Give the grates or pan a light brushing with olive oil; this helps keep the tomatoes from sticking and encourages those gorgeous, charred marks that make Grilled Tomatoes so appealing. You want it hot so the tomatoes sear quickly without getting mushy.
Step 3: Grill the Tomatoes
Place the tomatoes cut side down on the grill. Let them sizzle and develop those signature grill marks for about 4 to 6 minutes. Then, flip each half carefully (tongs work best) and grill for another 3 to 4 minutes. Your goal: tomatoes that are tender and juicy, but still hold their shape and don’t collapse.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once the tomatoes are nice and soft with a touch of char, transfer them to a serving platter. Immediately season again with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, then drizzle with a little Italian dressing. For the finishing flourish, scatter over freshly grated Parmesan or vegan cheese if you like, then crown with torn fresh basil leaves. Serve warm, and try not to eat them all straight off the platter.
How to Serve Grilled Tomatoes
Garnishes
A scattering of fresh basil is classic for Grilled Tomatoes, but you can get playful with chopped chives, a sprinkle of chili flakes for gentle heat, or even a splash of balsamic glaze. The cheese option adds a creamy, salty kick—just be sure to garnish while the tomatoes are still warm so it melts tantalizingly into the surface.
Side Dishes
Grilled Tomatoes are light enough to accompany just about anything. Pair them with crusty slices of toasted bread for a rustic starter, or serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or your favorite veggie main. They also add a burst of color and acidity to pasta salads or grain bowls.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, layer your Grilled Tomatoes atop creamy ricotta or whipped feta on a platter, drizzle with extra dressing, and sprinkle with seeds or nuts for crunch. You can also chop leftovers and spoon onto crostini for an easy appetizer, or toss them into a leafy green salad for smoky depth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have extra Grilled Tomatoes, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to three days, though they’re best enjoyed fresh. The flavors meld and soften over time, making them perfect for adding to sandwiches or salads the next day.
Freezing
While you can technically freeze Grilled Tomatoes, they will soften noticeably upon thawing. If you don’t mind a softer texture, freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’re great for blending into soups or sauces, but won’t be as visually appealing for serving whole.
Reheating
To reheat, lay the Grilled Tomatoes on a baking sheet and warm them in a 325°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, just until hot. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them watery. A quick stint back on a grill pan also revives that smoky flavor and perks up the texture.
FAQs
Can I use cherry or grape tomatoes for Grilled Tomatoes?
Absolutely! Smaller tomatoes can be threaded onto skewers or placed in a grill basket. Just watch closely, as they cook even faster and can fall through the grates if not secured.
Should I remove the seeds before grilling?
There’s no need. Keeping the seeds ensures the Grilled Tomatoes stay juicy, and the interior pulp actually caramelizes slightly, enhancing the overall flavor.
What kind of grill works best?
Both outdoor grills and stovetop grill pans work beautifully. Use what you have—just make sure it’s preheated well for distinct grill marks and caramelized flavor.
Can Grilled Tomatoes be made ahead?
You can prep and grill them a few hours in advance, then reheat gently when ready to serve. They’re also tasty at room temperature, making them ideal for picnics or potlucks.
Is there a dairy-free or vegan garnish option?
You can skip the cheese or use vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free finish. A quick sprinkle of nutritional yeast also adds a nice savory kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about Grilled Tomatoes—the way their sweetness deepens and their savory notes pop on the grill is pure kitchen joy. I hope you’ll make these a regular part of your warm-weather cooking. Give them a try, share them with loved ones, and let their sunshine-bright flavor bring a little extra happiness to your table!
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Grilled Tomatoes Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the taste of summer with these delicious grilled tomatoes, a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a light meal or a side dish. The tomatoes are grilled to perfection, bringing out their natural sweetness and enhancing their juicy texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 6 firm roma tomatoes
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling and brushing
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
For Serving:
- Italian Dressing
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Vegan Parmesan, optional
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes in half lengthwise. Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Grill the Tomatoes: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush with olive oil and place the tomatoes on the grill, cut side down. Grill for 4 to 6 minutes, or until grill marks form. Flip and grill for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until tender but not collapsing.
- Serve: Transfer the tomatoes to a serving platter. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with Italian dressing. If desired, top with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can sprinkle some dried herbs like oregano or basil on the tomatoes before grilling.
- Make sure the grill is well-heated before placing the tomatoes to ensure proper grilling and caramelization.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tomato half
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
