5 Delicious Veggie Recipes That Celebrate Summer Tomatoes

Summer is peak tomato season, and for good reason: tomatoes are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. Whether you picked them fresh from your garden or grabbed a basket at your local farmers market, there are endless ways to use this summer staple. Here are five delicious and creative veggie-packed recipes where tomatoes shine.

1. Classic Caprese Salad

Why it works: Few dishes highlight ripe summer tomatoes better than this Italian favorite. Juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil come together in a dish that’s as simple as it is stunning.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe tomatoes, sliced

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced

• Fresh basil leaves

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze or reduction

• Sea salt and cracked black pepper

Directions:

1. Alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella on a serving plate.

2. Tuck basil leaves in between the slices.

3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze.

4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.

Pro Tip: Use a variety of colorful tomatoes for a vibrant twist!

2. Tomato & Zucchini Gratin

Why it works: This baked dish layers summer’s best—tomatoes and zucchini—into a golden, crispy casserole.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchini, thinly sliced

• 3 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan or vegan alternative

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Salt, pepper, and thyme

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Layer zucchini and tomato slices in a baking dish.

3. Sprinkle with garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.

4. Mix breadcrumbs and cheese, then sprinkle on top.

5. Drizzle with olive oil.

6. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbling.

3. Tomato & Chickpea Curry

Why it works: Tomatoes give a natural tang and body to a warming curry.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp oil

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp grated ginger

• 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (or 1 can)

• 1 tsp turmeric, cumin, coriander

• 1 can chickpeas, drained

• Salt to taste

• Fresh cilantro to garnish

Directions:

1. Heat oil and sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until soft.

2. Add spices and cook for 1–2 minutes.

3. Stir in tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.

4. Add chickpeas and cook until heated through.

5. Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or naan.

4. Stuffed Tomatoes with Quinoa & Veggies

Why it works: Hollowed-out tomatoes become edible bowls full of color and nutrition.

Ingredients:

• 4 large tomatoes

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• ½ cup diced bell peppers

• ¼ cup chopped spinach

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt and pepper

• Optional: feta or plant-based cheese

Directions:

1. Slice the tops off tomatoes and scoop out the insides.

2. Mix quinoa with veggies, olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings.

3. Spoon the mixture into tomato shells.

4. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or serve chilled for a refreshing option.

5. Roasted Tomato & Corn Salsa

Why it works: Roasting enhances the tomato's natural sweetness and pairs perfectly with fresh summer corn.

Ingredients:

• 4–5 medium tomatoes, halved

• 1 ear fresh corn (or 1 cup kernels)

• ½ red onion, diced

• 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Juice of 1 lime

• Salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro

Directions:

1. Roast tomatoes and corn in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.

2. Let cool, then chop tomatoes and cut kernels off the cob.

3. Mix with onion, jalapeño, lime juice, oil, salt, and cilantro.

4. Serve with tortilla chips or as a topping for tacos or grilled veggies.

Final Thoughts

Tomatoes are the unsung heroes of summer: versatile, nutrient-rich, and bursting with sun-ripened flavor. Whether you’re tossing them raw in a Caprese salad or roasting them to deepen their sweetness, these veggie-packed recipes are the perfect way to celebrate the season’s most beloved produce.

Got a favorite tomato recipe of your own? Share it in the comments!