I always end up with more tomatoes than I know what to do with at the end of summer, and I hate seeing them go to waste. That's why I've pulled together recipes that make it easy to turn them into dinners, sides, and snacks without much effort. If you've got a basket of garden tomatoes staring at you, these ideas will help you use them up while they're still at their best.
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Sheet Pan Eggs with Bacon
This recipe makes breakfast or dinner simple since everything cooks together on one pan. Fresh tomatoes bring brightness and balance the richness of the bacon and eggs. It's quick to put together and doesn't require much cleanup, which is helpful on busy nights. Using tomatoes here is a smart way to finish what's left from late summer gardens.
Get the Recipe: Sheet Pan Eggs with Bacon
Mango Avocado Salad
The sweetness of mango pairs well with creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes, making this salad feel fresh and filling. It's ready in minutes, so it works well for a quick side dish or light lunch. The mix of textures keeps it interesting without needing extra effort. Including tomatoes makes this a practical choice for anyone with a basket of end-of-season produce.
Get the Recipe: Mango Avocado Salad
Santa Fe Salad
This salad is full of hearty ingredients like beans, corn, and crisp veggies, with tomatoes adding a juicy bite. It works well as a full meal or a side dish that can be prepped ahead. The flavors come together without needing complicated steps. It's an easy way to work through the last of your garden tomatoes before they go soft.
Get the Recipe: Santa Fe Salad
Chopped Greek Salad
Crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and creamy feta make a great base for fresh tomatoes in this salad. It's simple to prepare and keeps well in the fridge for lunches during the week. The ingredients are easy to find and require very little prep. It's a smart way to use tomatoes when they're still at their peak flavor late in the season.
Get the Recipe: Chopped Greek Salad
BLT Dip
This dip turns the flavors of a classic BLT sandwich into something shareable for a party or casual night in. Tomatoes cut through the richness of the creamy base, making each bite balanced. It can be made ahead of time, so it's stress-free for gatherings. Using up fresh tomatoes in this dip is a good way to handle extras from the garden.
Get the Recipe: BLT Dip
Bacon Avocado Burger Bowl
This bowl brings together burger flavors without the bun, mixing bacon, avocado, and tomatoes. It's simple to assemble and works well for a weeknight dinner. The combination feels hearty without being heavy. Fresh tomatoes are an easy addition here, perfect for using what's left from summer gardens.
Get the Recipe: Bacon Avocado Burger Bowl
Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
This pasta dish is quick enough for weeknights but feels special with shrimp and fresh tomatoes. The tomatoes cook down just enough to create a light sauce that coats the pasta. It's easy to prepare without a long list of ingredients. Fresh tomatoes make this a perfect option when you want to use them up before they fade out of season.
Get the Recipe: Shrimp and Tomato Pasta
Ensaladang Mangga
This Filipino salad pairs green mango with tomatoes, onions, and a simple dressing. It's refreshing and takes only a few minutes to prepare. The flavors work well alongside grilled meats or seafood. Adding fresh tomatoes here is a great way to enjoy the last ones from the garden.
Get the Recipe: Ensaladang Mangga
Fish Stew with Chorizo
Tomatoes form the base of this hearty stew, giving it body and depth. The addition of chorizo and fish makes it filling without being complicated. It's a one-pot meal that works well for dinner when you want something comforting. Fresh tomatoes give the dish a seasonal touch and make use of end-of-summer extras.
Get the Recipe: Fish Stew with Chorizo
Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes
Roasting tomatoes in the air fryer concentrates their flavor without much effort. They can be served as a side dish, mixed into pasta, or added to sandwiches. This method is fast and doesn't heat up the kitchen. It's one of the easiest ways to put garden tomatoes to good use before they spoil.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Roasted Roma Tomatoes
No-Cook Pizza Sauce From Fresh Tomatoes
This sauce comes together quickly with raw tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. It's perfect for busy nights when you don't want to turn on the stove. The fresh flavor makes homemade pizza feel lighter and fresher. It's a practical way to use garden tomatoes without any cooking required.
Get the Recipe: No-Cook Pizza Sauce From Fresh Tomatoes
Green Bean Tomato Salad
Crisp green beans and juicy tomatoes make a colorful, easy side dish. The salad takes little time to prepare and can be made ahead for convenience. It pairs well with grilled meats or a simple weeknight dinner. Fresh tomatoes shine here, making it a great option for using what's left from summer gardens.
Get the Recipe: Green Bean Tomato Salad
Aloo Gobi Masala
This Indian-inspired dish uses potatoes and cauliflower simmered in a tomato base. It's filling and works well with rice or flatbread for a full meal. The recipe doesn't require advanced skills and can be made in under an hour. Fresh tomatoes keep the sauce flavorful while helping to use up the late summer harvest.
Get the Recipe: Aloo Gobi Masala
Italian Chopped Salad
A mix of crisp lettuce, cured meats, cheese, and tomatoes makes this salad a full meal on its own. It's quick to throw together and can easily feed the whole family. The flavors are bold but come together with minimal prep. Fresh tomatoes round it out and give you a way to use what's still coming from the garden.
Get the Recipe: Italian Chopped Salad
Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
This pasta recipe uses tomatoes to create a quick, light sauce that pairs perfectly with creamy ricotta. It's an easy dinner option that doesn't take much time. The ingredients are basic but feel comforting when combined. Using fresh tomatoes here is a smart choice for winding down the summer harvest.
Get the Recipe: Simple Pasta with Tomatoes and Ricotta
Tomato Basil Bisque
Smooth and warming, this bisque comes together quickly with ripe tomatoes and fresh basil. It's a simple option for lunch or dinner alongside bread or a salad. The recipe doesn't take long, making it a weeknight-friendly choice. Late summer tomatoes are ideal here, giving the soup its fresh flavor.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Caprese Skewers
These skewers combine tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil into a quick appetizer or snack. They're easy to assemble and work well for gatherings or light meals. No cooking is required, keeping prep minimal. It's a simple way to use up extra tomatoes before they're gone for the season.
Get the Recipe: Caprese Skewers
Roasted Stuffed Tomatoes
Tomatoes are hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture, then baked until tender. It's a dish that feels special without requiring complicated steps. This recipe can be prepped ahead, making it practical for busy days. It's a smart way to make the most of garden tomatoes before summer fully ends.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Stuffed Tomatoes
Incredibly Easy Tomato Soup
This soup comes together quickly with fresh tomatoes and a few pantry staples. It's perfect for nights when you need something warm and simple. The recipe doesn't require long cooking, making it weeknight-friendly. Using late-season tomatoes gives it the best flavor without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Incredibly Easy Tomato Soup
Tomato and Smashed Cucumber Salad
Crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes combine for a refreshing side dish. The recipe takes very little time to prepare and pairs well with grilled proteins. The flavors are clean and straightforward, making it versatile. This is an easy way to work through extra garden tomatoes while they're still fresh.
Get the Recipe: Tomato and Smashed Cucumber Salad
Stir-Fried Tomatoes and Eggs
This classic dish uses simple ingredients to create a quick and filling meal. Tomatoes add a bright flavor that balances the richness of the eggs. It's ready in minutes and works well for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Fresh tomatoes make this a reliable option when you have extras to use up.
Get the Recipe: Stir-Fried Tomatoes and Eggs
Avocado Tomato Salad
Creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes come together in a quick salad that works for any meal. It's easy to assemble and doesn't require cooking. The simple ingredients keep it fresh and approachable. It's a practical way to finish what's left of your summer tomatoes.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Tomato Salad
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
This salad mixes crisp cucumbers with tomatoes, herbs, and olive oil for a refreshing side dish. It's quick to put together and holds up well in the fridge. The flavors work with a variety of proteins, making it versatile. Fresh tomatoes are the star, making it a good use for end-of-summer produce.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Healthy Chicken Salad
Adding fresh tomatoes to chicken salad gives it extra moisture and flavor. This version is easy to prepare and works for lunches or light dinners. The ingredients are simple and flexible, so it's easy to adapt. It's a smart way to fold in garden tomatoes before they fade out of season.
Get the Recipe: Healthy Chicken Salad
Avocado Salad
This salad combines avocado with tomatoes, onions, and herbs for a refreshing mix. It's quick to make and can be served as a side dish or light lunch. The recipe is uncomplicated and uses ingredients that are easy to find. Tomatoes make it a practical choice for late summer produce.
Get the Recipe: Avocado Salad
Tomato Quinoa Salad
Nutty quinoa pairs well with tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs for a balanced salad. It's easy to prepare ahead and works well for meal prep. The dish is light but filling enough to stand on its own. Using up extra tomatoes here is both practical and flavorful.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Quinoa Salad
Parmesan Tomato Gratin
Fresh tomatoes are topped with breadcrumbs and cheese, then baked until golden. This dish feels comforting while staying simple to prepare. It works well as a side dish for chicken, fish, or beef. It's an ideal way to finish garden tomatoes before they go bad.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Tomato Gratin
Pesto, Tomato, Brie Croissant Sandwich
This sandwich layers pesto, brie, and fresh tomatoes inside a buttery croissant. It feels like a café-style meal but is quick to make at home. The ingredients are simple yet come together in a satisfying way. Fresh tomatoes are key here, making it a perfect end-of-summer recipe.
Get the Recipe: Pesto, Tomato, Brie Croissant Sandwich
Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
This vegetable dish uses tomatoes, zucchini, and eggplant simmered together for a comforting meal. It can be served with pasta, rice, or bread for flexibility. The recipe is straightforward and works well for family dinners. Tomatoes are a main component, making it a good use for the last of the summer crop.
Get the Recipe: Ratatouille with an Italian Flair
Kachumber Salad
This Indian-style salad combines tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and lemon juice. It's fast to prepare and pairs well with grilled meats or curries. The flavors are bright and refreshing without requiring extra effort. It's an easy way to use up tomatoes while they're still fresh and firm.
Get the Recipe: Kachumber Salad
Mediterranean Omelet
This omelet is filled with tomatoes, spinach, and feta for a quick breakfast or dinner option. It's ready in minutes and doesn't need many ingredients. The mix of vegetables keeps it flavorful without being heavy. Adding fresh tomatoes makes this a great way to finish what's left from the garden.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Omelet
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