In season

10 things to do with cherry tomatoes

Story and photos by Sarah Harper

While waiting on the larger tomato varietals to ripen, I love to indulge in the edible treasure known as cherry tomatoes. Named for their resemblance to cherries, cherry tomatoes are bite-sized and slightly sweet. Don’t let their small size fool you - they are bursting with flavor. 
Cherry tomatoes are a delightful culinary gem cherished for their versatility in the kitchen. With their thin, snappy skin, juicy interior, and vibrant array of colors, cherry tomatoes bring both textural and visual appeal to your dishes. While cherry tomatoes are delicious as a standalone snack, their culinary potential extends far beyond that.
Now, here are 10 popular and delicious ways to savor cherry tomatoes:

• ​​Salads - One of my favorite ways to enjoy fresh, local, farmer's market tomatoes is sliced and mixed into a salad. From a Greek salad with a romaine lettuce base to a Southwest Quinoa Salad popping with fresh cherry tomatoes, these little culinary marvels pair well in a variety of salads.

• Roasted & Grilled - Concentrate the flavors of cherry tomatoes by roasting or grilling. For example, this Grilled Asparagus and Cherry Tomato recipe is a marvelous accompaniment to grilled meat, seafood, and plant-based proteins.
• Sandwiches & Wraps - Elevate your sandwiches and wraps by incorporating sliced cherry tomatoes providing bursts of tomatoes in every bite. Think grilled cheese, deli sandwiches, or BLTs.
• Salsa - Use cherry tomatoes to make a refreshing pico de gallo or sweet and juicy Peach Salsa. Serve them with tortilla chips and quesadillas, or spoon them over a burrito bowl.

• Bruschetta - Chopped tomatoes are a popular ingredient in many Bruschetta recipes. When combined with basil and other flavors and then spread over toasted bread, cherry tomatoes become the star of this classic recipe. Indulge in the simple yet exquisite pleasure of Cherry Tomato Bruschetta and savor the essence of summer in every bite. 
• Pizza & Flatbreads - Pizza and flatbreads are sensational year-round, but they become even more alluring during tomato season. Whether the cherry tomatoes are sizzling alongside melty cheese or baked into a Focaccia or flatbread, these dough-based dishes showcase fresh cherry tomatoes. The results? A culinary experience that is both satisfying and bursting with seasonal goodness. 
• Pasta Dishes - Have you heard of the famous TikTok Baked Feta Pasta? Explore the world of baked pasta dishes with cherry tomatoes. In my Baked Goat Cheese Pasta recipe, I combine cherry tomatoes alongside goat cheese and harissa for a tantalizing taste of summer.

• Tarts & Galettes - Highlight the vibrant flavors of cherry tomatoes by presenting them in savory tarts or galettes. These are a splendid choice for brunch, potlucks, or BBQs. Simply pile the cherry tomatoes in a pastry shell or dough, then bake until the crust is golden and the tomatoes burst. 
• Gratin - Combine possibly the two most loved ingredients, tomatoes and bread. To make a Gratin, bake the cherry tomatoes with torn bread, herbs, and other flavors until the tomatoes are tender and the bread is crispy and golden brown. 
• Compound Butter - Experience a unique twist on cherry tomato dishes with homemade Tomato Butter. Broil or grill your cherry tomatoes for 5-8min, then blend them with butter and other flavors in a food processor. The outcome is truly fabulous - a rich and luxurious Tomato Butter that melts over veggies, spreads over toast, or serves as a delectable topping for hot baked fish.

Overall, the delightful flavor and versatile nature of cherry tomatoes make them an excellent choice for enhancing your summer dishes. Be sure to keep an eye out for them at your local farmer’s market this season. ​

Sarah Harper is a Registered Dietitian, creator, and one of many eaters behind The Addy Bean. She is also an avid hiker, a registered yoga instructor, and a former nursing home dietitian.
Based in Hood River, Oregon, Sarah lives with her husband Jacob, her dog Huey and her blog’s namesake – her cat Adeline.