Cherry Tomato Marinade

Vibrant and flavor-packed, this cherry tomato marinade is everything you could want in a fresh side dish. Featuring juicy tomatoes, a whisper of garlic, plenty of herbs, and bright tangy balsamic vinegar—all soaking in a rich, glossy olive oil bath, it's basically like tasting a fresh burst of sunshine. Whether you’re spooning them over crusty bread, tossing them into salads, or serving them alongside your grilled favorites, this 10-minute, no-cook recipe is simple and wildly delicious.

📝 Ingredients

• 1-2 clove Garlic (– grated or smashed and minced into a paste)
• 5 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil ((use a good quality!))
• 1 TBS EACH: Red Wine Vinegar + Balsamic Vinegar
• 2 TBS Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1/2 tsp Italian Seasoning
• to taste Kosher Salt + Ground Black Pepper
• 1 pound Cherry or Grape Tomatoes (– halved or quartered, depending upon size (SEE NOTES))
• 2 large Shallot (– finely chopped (about 1/3 cup))
• 1-2 TBS Finely Chopped Fresh Herbs (- basil, flat-leaf parsley, or combination!)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Mix Balsamic Marinade: In a glass measure or small mixing bowl, combine the garlic, oil, both vinegars, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and a generous pinch of freshly-ground black pepper. Grab a whisk and vigorously stir to thoroughly combine and emulsify. Then, set the marinade aside.
2. 2Combine Tomatoes, Shallots, Herbs: Place the tomatoes, shallots, and fresh herbs in a large, shallow mixing bowl. Grab a spoon and gently toss to combine.
3. 3Pour Marinade Over Tomatoes: Pour the marinade over the tomato mixture. Grab a spoon and toss gently to thoroughly coat all the tomatoes in the Italian marinade. Arrange the tomatoes so they are fully submerged in the liquid / marinade.
4. 4Let Cherry Tomatoes Marinate: Marinate Cherry Tomatoes (optional but recommended): Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let the tomatoes marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, preferably at least 1 to 2 hours, giving the tomatoes a stir once or twice. (Note: To marinate the tomatoes for longer than 2 hours, you'll need to move them into the refrigerator for food safety.)
5. 5Adjust to Taste: If the tomatoes taste like they are missing something, adjust to taste:Taste Dull? Add a pinch of flaky salt, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and more herbs. Taste too Acidic? Add a bit more sweet balsamic vinegar or a generous pinch of sugar, agave, or honey. (Tip: Whether you need to add an acid, salt, sweetner, or more herbs will depend upon the variety and freshness of your tomatoes. It's very important you adjust the recipe to make the most out of YOUR tomatoes.)
6. 6Serve Marinated Tomatoes: Serve Marinated Cherry Tomatoes: Enjoy marinated tomatoes as a light summer salad, salad topper, or side dish.