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Home » Recipe Collections

21 summer tomato recipes that deserve more attention than salad

Published: Jun 11, 2026 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Fresh summer tomatoes are too good to limit to salads alone. These recipes showcase their sweet, juicy flavor in creative ways that go well beyond the usual side dish. From simple weeknight meals to standout seasonal favorites, each one lets tomatoes shine. When produce tastes this good, it deserves center-stage treatment.

One Pan Tomato Basil Pasta

An overview of a bowl of tomato basil pasta.
One Pan Tomato Basil Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This one-skillet pasta with cream, spinach, and Parmesan cooks quickly and works well for weeknight dinners. Tomatoes bring the sauce together with bright flavor and a touch of acidity.
Get the Recipe: One Pan Tomato Basil Pasta

Instant Pot Tomato Soup

Close up of Instant Pot Tomato soup in a white bowl, with grilled cheese next to it.
Instant Pot Tomato Soup. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Fresh or canned tomatoes make this Instant Pot soup ready in about 30 minutes. Tomatoes turn into a warm, straightforward bowl that’s perfect for any evening.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Tomato Soup

Heirloom Caprese Salad

An overhead photo of caprese salad served in a white bowl.
Heirloom Caprese Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

With just six ingredients, this Caprese salad focuses on simplicity and freshness. Tomatoes are the main feature, especially when they’re at their peak.
Get the Recipe: Heirloom Caprese Salad

Stewed Tomatoes

An image of stewed tomatoes in a serving bowl.
Stewed Tomatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Stewed tomatoes cook in only 20 minutes and pair nicely with pasta, toast, or eggs. The dish highlights tomato flavor while keeping prep time minimal.
Get the Recipe: Stewed Tomatoes

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

An overhead image of sun dried tomato pasta in a rectangular dish.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This one-pot pasta with ricotta, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes is ready in 30 minutes. Tomatoes add richness and depth to a quick, simple meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta

Tomato Puff Pastry Tart

An overhead image of tomato puff pastry tarts on a serving plate.
Tomato Puff Pastry Tart. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A flaky pastry filled with ricotta and slow-cooked tomatoes makes an easy tart. Tomatoes shine here, adding flavor to a lighter meal or starter.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Puff Pastry Tart

Tomato Burrata Salad

An overview of a bowl of Tomato Burrata Salad.
Tomato Burrata Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Fresh tomatoes combine with burrata and herbs in this simple salad. The recipe draws attention to the sweetness and acidity of the tomatoes with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Burrata Salad

Saucy Tomato & Artichoke Chicken

A white plate with chicken, stewed tomatoes, artichokes, sauteed spinach, and wild rice.
Saucy Tomato & Artichoke Chicken. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Chicken cooks quickly in one pan with a handful of ingredients. Tomatoes naturally form part of the sauce and help tie the dish together.
Get the Recipe: Saucy Tomato & Artichoke Chicken

Scrumptious Blistered Tomatoes

An image of Blistered Tomatoes.
Scrumptious Blistered Tomatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Blistered cherry tomatoes with garlic and herbs become juicy in just a few minutes. Tomatoes stand out with very little effort in this simple side.
Get the Recipe: Scrumptious Blistered Tomatoes

Homemade Ketchup

An image of homemade ketchup with fresh tomatoes.
Homemade Ketchup. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

This homemade tomato ketchup uses fresh tomatoes for a stronger flavor. It’s practical when you have a surplus of ripe tomatoes ready to use.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Ketchup

Italian Penne Rosa Pasta

Someone scooping Italian Penne Rosa Pasta with a wooden spoon.
Italian Penne Rosa Pasta. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Penne in a tomato cream sauce comes together quickly without extra steps. Tomatoes add brightness and balance to the creamy base.
Get the Recipe: Italian Penne Rosa Pasta

Stuffed Tomatoes

Stuffed Tomatoes inside white casserole.
Stuffed Tomatoes. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Baked stuffed tomatoes with bolognese work well for casual dinners or cookouts. The tomatoes act as both the container and the flavor anchor of the dish.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Tomatoes

Hogao

An image of Hogao - Colombian Tomato and Onion Sauce - next to fresh tomatoes.
Hogao. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Hogao, a tomato and onion sauce from Colombia, is simple to prepare. Tomatoes bring depth to this straightforward, flavorful addition to many meals.
Get the Recipe: Hogao

Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit

Two glass jars of cherry tomatoes and garlic confit on a white surface.
Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cherry tomato confit requires little active work and preserves tomato flavor for later use. It’s helpful when you have a large batch of fresh tomatoes.
Get the Recipe: Quick Cherry Tomato and Garlic Confit

Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

A skillet of creamy sun dried tomato chicken with a wooden spoon.
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Chicken thighs simmer in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce for a fast dinner. Tomatoes shape the sauce into something bold but easy to make.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Chicken

Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Brown plate with gnocci, tomatoes and basil leaves.
Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Baked gnocchi with tomato and basil makes a simple Italian-inspired dinner. Tomatoes add depth to the sauce and pair naturally with the soft pasta.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Gnocchi Tomato Basil

Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes

A plate with six slices of Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes.
Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Air fryer tomatoes come together quickly with herbs and basic seasoning. This method transforms tomatoes into a caramelized, simple side dish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Tomatoes

Baked Feta Soup

A bowl of Baked Feta Soup.
Baked Feta Soup. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Baked feta soup with cherry tomatoes and garlic works as a starter or light lunch. Tomatoes add sharpness and body to the broth with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Baked Feta Soup

Tomato Miso Jam

A close up image of  a glass jar filled with tomato miso jam sits on a wooden board.
Tomato Miso Jam. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A thick tomato and miso spread adds umami to toast or bowls. Tomatoes remain the main flavor even in small servings.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Miso Jam

Cucumber Tomato Salad

A photo of Cucumber Tomato Salad on a plate with a fork.
Cucumber Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Cucumber tomato salad assembles quickly with chopped vegetables and vinaigrette. Tomatoes give freshness and ease to this simple side.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad

Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken inside cast iron.
Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken. Photo credit: Low Carb - No Carb.

Chicken breasts baked with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil make a solid dinner for any time of year. Tomatoes soften in the oven and enhance the dish’s flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Mozzarella Baked Chicken

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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