You know, when Memorial Day weekend rolls around, I’m all about those easy, breezy recipes that let me actually enjoy the sunshine and the company. And this, my friends, is the star you didn’t know you needed: the Refreshing Marinated Tomatoes Memorial Day Delight! Seriously, it’s just the freshest, most vibrant little tomato salad that takes about five minutes to throw together. I discovered this gem years ago when I was trying to find something to balance out all the heavy BBQ food, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. It’s become a non-negotiable at every single gathering since!

Why This Refreshing Marinated Tomatoes Recipe is a Memorial Day Delight

Okay, so why is this simple tomato salad such a hit, especially when the grill is fired up for Memorial Day? It’s honestly all about that *zing*! It cuts through all the richness of burgers, ribs, and creamy potato salads like a dream. Plus, it’s just so darn *refreshing* – feels like sunshine in a bowl!

Think about it:

Super Refreshing: It’s light, bright, and totally wakes up your taste buds.
Perfect Pairing: Seriously, tomatoes marinated like this are the best friend to anything smoky or grilled.
Effortless Elegance: It looks so fancy, but takes barely any effort. Your guests will be so impressed!
It’s a Holiday MVP: This Refreshing Marinated Tomatoes Memorial Day Delight is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you can whip up right before everyone arrives. What’s not to love?

Gather Your Ingredients for Refreshing Marinated Tomatoes

Alright, let’s get down to business! The best part about this recipe is how simple it is. You probably have most of this stuff waiting for you right now. For these amazing Refreshing Marinated Tomatoes, you’ll need:

About 2 pounds of ripe tomatoes. Make sure they’re nice and juicy! I like to slice them about half an inch thick.
A good 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Go for a nice quality one if you can; it really makes a difference here.
1/4 cup of red wine vinegar. This gives it that lovely tang.
2 little cloves of garlic. I like to mince mine up super fine.
1 teaspoon of dried oregano. It adds that classic Mediterranean vibe.
1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. You can always add more later, but this is a good starting point!
And finally, for that beautiful finishing touch, some fresh basil leaves for garnish. Just a handful will do!

See? Nothing too crazy! Just good, honest ingredients.

How to Prepare Your Refreshing Marinated Tomatoes Memorial Day Delight

Okay, so you’ve got all your goodies gathered, right? Now comes the fun part – putting this magic together! It’s seriously one of the easiest things you’ll make, but wow, does it deliver. Trust me, even if you’re not usually one for cooking, you can totally nail this. Remember, the secret is letting those flavors get to know each other in the marinade. And hey, if you’re whipping up other dishes that need a good side, don’t forget to check out these perfect boiled eggs – they’re a lifesaver!

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

First things first, let’s get those beautiful tomatoes ready. Just take your sliced tomatoes – I like mine about half an inch thick for a good bite – and gently place them in a nice big bowl. No need to overthink this part, just get them in there!

Step 2: Whisk the Dressing

Now for the dressing! Grab a smaller bowl and whisk together your olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything is nicely combined and looks like a lovely, emulsified dressing. This is where all the flavor starts to build!

Step 3: Marinate the Tomatoes

Gently pour that zesty dressing right over your tomatoes. Then, using your hands or a big spoon, carefully toss everything together. You want to make sure every single tomato slice gets coated in that deliciousness. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial, guys! It lets all those amazing flavors meld and really soak into the tomatoes. You could even do this a couple of hours ahead, which is perfect for busy days like Memorial Day!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once your tomatoes have had their little flavor bath in the fridge, it’s time to serve! Just before you present them, tear off some fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them all over the top. It adds such a fresh, beautiful pop of color and flavor. Serve it up cold and watch everyone’s faces light up!

Tips for the Best Refreshing Marinated Tomatoes

So, you want to make these marinated tomatoes really sing? I’ve got you covered! A few little tricks can take this super simple dish from good to absolutely unforgettable.

Choose Your Tomatoes Wisely: Seriously, the tomato is the star here, so pick the ripest, most flavorful ones you can find. Heirloom tomatoes are amazing if you can get them, but a really good-quality ripe Roma or beefsteak works wonders too. Avoid anything that looks pale or tough!
Don’t Skimp on the Marinating Time: I know, I know, you want to eat it *now*. But trust me, letting it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes makes a world of difference. The longer it marinates (up to a few hours), the more the flavors meld beautifully. If you’re making homemade marinara sauce, think of it like that – the flavors just get better with time!
Taste and Adjust: Everyone’s palate is different! Once the dressing is whisked, give it a little taste. Need more salt? A little more tang from the vinegar? Don’t be afraid to tweak it to your liking. It’s your kitchen, your rules! It makes me think of all the amazing pasta dishes that use fresh basil too!
Fresh Basil is Key: While dried oregano is great in the marinade, fresh basil at the end is non-negotiable for me. It just adds this incredible burst of freshness that ties everything together. It’s like the cherry on top, but way more delicious.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Let’s chat about these simple ingredients for a sec, because even though it’s easy, a few little choices can make a big difference! For the olive oil, I really do recommend a good extra virgin olive oil – it brings a lovely fruity depth that you just don’t get from regular olive oil. But hey, if that’s all you have, it’ll still be tasty!

When it comes to the vinegar, red wine vinegar is my go-to because it’s got a nice balanced flavor. But if you’re out, a good quality balsamic vinegar would be amazing, or even apple cider vinegar in a pinch! Just remember, balsamic has a bit more sweetness, so you might want to adjust the other seasonings slightly. And for the garlic, if you’re not a fan of raw garlic, you can totally skip it, or even just use like, half a clove. It’s your kitchen, make it perfect for you!

Serving Suggestions for Your Memorial Day Delight

Okay, so you’ve got this fantastic Refreshing Marinated Tomatoes Memorial Day Delight ready to go. Now, what do you serve it with? Honestly, it’s a chameleon! It’s absolutely divine alongside some smoky BBQ chicken or juicy burgers hot off the grill. It’s also a perfect counterpoint to rich dishes like ground beef casseroles or any kind of grilled fish.

Think of it as your secret weapon for brightening up any summer spread, picnic, or potluck. It just adds that perfect pop of fresh flavor!

Frequently Asked Questions about Refreshing Marinated Tomatoes

Got some lingering questions? Totally get it! Here are a few things folks often ask about these little flavor bombs:

Can I make this ahead of time?

Oh absolutely! That’s one of the best things about this recipe. I actually find that the flavors get even better if you make them a few hours ahead of time. Just pop them in the fridge in their dressing, and they’ll be even more delicious by the time you’re ready to serve. Just garnish with the fresh basil right before you put them on the table!

What kind of tomatoes are best for this?

My absolute favorite is to use a variety of ripe tomatoes. Think beautiful heirlooms if you can find them, or really good, RIPE Roma or beefsteak tomatoes. The key is that they should be flavorful and juicy. Avoid anything that feels hard or looks pale; you want those sweet, tender flesh tomatoes for the best flavor!

How long do these marinated tomatoes last in the refrigerator?

They’re usually gobbled up pretty quickly, but they’ll keep in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days. Just a heads-up, the tomatoes will get softer the longer they sit, so they’re best enjoyed within the first couple of days. But honestly, they’re so good, I doubt you’ll have any leftovers!

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

Just so you know, these numbers are just an estimate for one serving (about 1 cup of the marinated tomatoes), as the exact values can change based on your ingredients. It looks pretty good, right?

Calories: 150
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 5g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 300mg

Refreshing Marinated Tomatoes

Author: faironplay.com
Total Time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and flavorful tomato salad perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds ripe tomatoes, sliced
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the sliced tomatoes.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and gently toss to coat.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

For best results, use a variety of ripe tomatoes.
Adjust the amount of vinegar and seasonings to your preference.
This dish can be made a few hours ahead of time.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 0 min
Category: Salad
Method: Marinating
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 150
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: marinated tomatoes, tomato salad, summer salad, side dish, refreshing, easy recipe, vegetarian