10+ Large Tomato Recipes for Delicious Summer Dishes

Tomatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be used in many delicious ways. Whether you have a bumper crop from your garden or just want to make the most out of what you have, there are countless recipes to explore.

From salads to sauces, these recipes highlight the fresh flavors and unique textures that large tomatoes bring to the dish. You’ll find ideas that cater to all tastes and occasions, making it easy to incorporate this wonderful fruit into your cooking.

Bruschetta with Heirloom Tomatoes

Bruschetta is a tasty way to enjoy heirloom tomatoes. Their unique flavors and colors make this dish special. You can easily prepare it as an appetizer or a snack.

Start by gathering ripe heirloom tomatoes. Chop them into small pieces and place them in a bowl. Add minced garlic, fresh basil, and a pinch of salt for flavor. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil to enhance the taste.

Next, toast slices of your favorite bread. You can rub them with a garlic clove for extra zest. Once the bread is golden and crispy, top it with your tomato mixture.

Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh burst of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 3-4 heirloom tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic
• Fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 baguette or loaf of bread

Cooking Instructions:

1. Chop the heirloom tomatoes and add them to a bowl.
2. Mince the garlic and add it to the tomatoes.
3. Chop the basil and mix it in with the tomatoes and garlic.
4. Add salt and olive oil, then stir gently.
5. Toast the bread slices until golden brown.
6. Top the toasted bread with the tomato mixture.

2) Tomato and Basil Salad

Tomato and basil salad is easy to make and refreshing. It highlights the natural flavors of ripe tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. You can enjoy it as a light lunch or a side dish.

To make a simple salad, start with large, juicy tomatoes. Cut them into wedges. Then, chop some fresh basil. Together, they create a delightful taste.

You can add ingredients like red onions for extra flavor. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a tasty dressing. This salad is gluten-free and pairs well with many main dishes.

It’s best to serve the salad right after making it. This way, the ingredients stay fresh and vibrant.

Ingredients

• 1 large tomato, cut into wedges
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Wash the tomato and basil leaves.
2. Cut the tomato into wedges.
3. Chop the basil leaves.
4. Thinly slice the red onion.
5. In a bowl, combine the tomato, basil, and onion.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
7. Add salt and pepper to taste.
8. Toss gently and serve immediately.

3) Creamy Tomato Soup

Creamy tomato soup is a delicious way to enjoy large tomatoes. You can make it quickly and easily on the stovetop. Start by sautéing chopped onions and minced garlic in olive oil and butter.

Next, add your choice of diced tomatoes, either fresh or canned. Combine these with vegetable or chicken broth. Let the mixture cook for about 30 minutes to blend the flavors. For creaminess, stir in heavy cream just before serving.

This soup works great as a comforting lunch or dinner option. Pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for a classic combo!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 pounds tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
2. Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
3. Add tomatoes and broth, stirring to combine.
4. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in heavy cream, then season with salt and pepper.
6. Serve warm and enjoy!

4) Stuffed Tomatoes with Quinoa

Stuffed tomatoes with quinoa are a healthy and tasty option. They are perfect for a light meal or a fun side dish.

Start by cooking your quinoa. Rinse ⅓ cup of quinoa and combine it with ⅔ cup water in a pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the water absorbs.

Next, prepare your tomatoes. Cut the tops off and scoop out the insides. You can mix the pulp with the cooked quinoa for extra flavor.

Fill each tomato with the quinoa mixture. You can add spices, herbs, or even cheese if you like.

Place the stuffed tomatoes in a baking dish. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes until they are tender.

Enjoy your delicious stuffed tomatoes!

Ingredients:

• ⅓ cup quinoa
• ⅔ cup water
• 4 large tomatoes
• Spices and herbs (like salt, pepper, parsley)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse quinoa and combine with water.
2. Boil, then simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Prepare and hollow out tomatoes.
4. Mix tomato pulp with quinoa.
5. Stuff mixture into tomatoes.
6. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes.

5) Roasted Tomato Pasta

Roasted Tomato Pasta is a simple and tasty dish you can whip up any night. It highlights the sweet flavors of fresh tomatoes and garlic. You can use any type of ripe tomatoes you have on hand.

To start, preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Slice your tomatoes and toss them in olive oil. Spread them out on a baking sheet with garlic cloves for added flavor.

Roast for about 20-25 minutes until the tomatoes are soft and bursting. While they’re roasting, you can cook your pasta of choice in salted water.

Once your pasta is ready, mix it with the roasted tomatoes and garlic. You can add a sprinkle of fresh herbs and some grated cheese for extra taste. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs ripe tomatoes
• 5 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt to taste
• 12 oz pasta of your choice
• Fresh herbs (like basil or parsley)
• Grated cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C).
2. Slice tomatoes and toss with olive oil and salt.
3. Spread on a baking sheet with whole garlic cloves.
4. Roast for 20-25 minutes.
5. Cook pasta according to package instructions.
6. Combine roasted tomatoes and garlic with the pasta.
7. Add herbs and cheese if desired.

6) Tomato Tart with Goat Cheese

A tomato tart with goat cheese is a delicious way to showcase the flavors of fresh tomatoes. You can create a crispy crust using puff pastry or a homemade crust that you prefer.

Start by slicing your tomatoes and seasoning them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can use heirloom tomatoes for extra color and flavor.

Arrange the tomato slices over your crust. Crumble fresh goat cheese on top for that creamy touch. You might also consider adding herbs like thyme or basil for added flavor.

Bake your tart at 350°F (about 175°C) until the cheese is golden and the crust is nicely browned. Serve it warm or at room temperature for a delightful dish.

Ingredients

• Puff pastry or tart crust
• Fresh tomatoes (heirloom recommended)
• Goat cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll out your pastry and place it in a tart pan.
3. Slice the tomatoes and season with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Arrange the tomatoes over the crust.
5. Crumble goat cheese on top.
6. Sprinkle with herbs if desired.
7. Bake until golden, about 25-30 minutes.

7) Grilled Cheese and Tomato Sandwich

A grilled cheese and tomato sandwich is a comforting delight. It’s perfect for lunch or a quick snack.

Start with two slices of your favorite bread. You can use whole grain, sourdough, or any type you love. Next, add several slices of fresh tomato. Beefsteak tomatoes work great for their juicy flavor.

Layer on your choice of cheese. Cheddar or mozzarella melts beautifully. Spread a little butter on the outside of each slice for that golden finish.

Cook in a skillet over medium heat, about 350°F (175°C). Cook until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted, usually around 3-4 minutes per side.

Serve warm, maybe with a side of tomato soup for dipping. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Ingredients

• 2 slices of bread
• 2-3 slices of fresh tomato
• 2 slices of cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• Butter

Cooking Instructions

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place one slice, butter side down, in a skillet.
3. Add tomato slices and cheese on top.
4. Place the second slice of bread on top, butter side up.
5. Cook on medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
6. Flip and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
7. Remove, slice, and serve.

Tomato Mozzarella Salad

Tomato Mozzarella Salad is a fresh and simple dish. It highlights the bright flavors of ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella. You can easily prepare it as a side or a light meal.

Start with fresh, large tomatoes. Slice them into even pieces. Pair these with slices of mozzarella cheese for a perfect balance.

Add some fresh basil leaves for color and flavor. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and a bit of balsamic vinegar to enhance the taste. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

This salad looks inviting on a serving platter. It’s great for gatherings or a quick lunch. You’ll love how easy it is to make!

Ingredients

• 4 large tomatoes
• 250g fresh mozzarella cheese
• 1 bunch fresh basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the tomatoes into even pieces.
2. Slice the mozzarella cheese.
3. On a platter, alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella.
4. Tuck in fresh basil leaves.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

9) Heirloom Tomato Pizza

Heirloom tomato pizza is a delicious way to enjoy fresh tomatoes. The unique flavors of heirloom tomatoes really shine when baked on a pizza. You can use cherry tomatoes or larger varieties, depending on what you have.

Start with your favorite pizza dough, either store-bought or homemade.

Slice the tomatoes and layer them on the dough. Add some mozzarella cheese and fresh basil for extra flavor.

Drizzling olive oil can enhance the taste even more. Bake your pizza in an oven preheated to 450°F (232°C) until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.

Ingredients

• 1 round pizza dough
• 1 cup heirloom tomatoes (halved or sliced)
• 8 oz mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil leaves
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough on a baking sheet.
3. Arrange heirloom tomatoes on top.
4. Add sliced mozzarella cheese.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the crust is golden.
7. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

10) Tomato Basil Risotto

Tomato Basil Risotto is a creamy and delicious dish that’s perfect for using large, ripe tomatoes. This recipe brings together the flavors of fresh tomatoes and aromatic basil.

To start, heat some olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook them until soft.

Then, stir in arborio rice and toast it for a minute.

Gradually add vegetable broth, one ladle at a time. Stir frequently and let the rice absorb the liquid.

Once the rice is creamy and tender, mix in chopped tomatoes and fresh basil.

For a final touch, stir in some salted butter for extra richness. Serve your risotto hot, garnished with whole basil leaves.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups arborio rice
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup chopped tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft.
3. Stir in the arborio rice and toast for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add the vegetable broth, stirring often.
5. Once the rice is creamy, mix in chopped tomatoes and basil.
6. Stir in salted butter and serve hot.