15 Summer-Loving Ways to Enjoy Tomatoes

 

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Along with longer days and warmer nights, late spring and early summer ushers in an abundance of ultra-fresh produce. From tart rhubarb and sweet strawberries to colorful squash and bell peppers, there’s no shortage of fruits and vegetables during these warm months, and one of the best, most-versatile items to enjoy is a bright, ripe tomato. 

Simple pastas and salads are classic picks for putting the tomato to work, but these juicy bites can go beyond the basics as well. Read on below to get 15 ideas and recipes for taking tomatoes to the next level, and learn how to celebrate these beauties all summer long.

Whether you need a last-minute potluck addition or an elegant appetizer, The Pioneer Woman’s party-perfect Bruschetta (pictured above) is a timeless favorite, made with colorful grape tomatoes and a splash of balsamic.

Perhaps the most-traditional use for tomatoes, a pasta-ready sauce is a must-have in every recipe arsenal. Master Alton Brown’s Tomato Sauce recipe this summer, and keep coming back to it when you need a satisfying meal. He starts off by baking the tomatoes to add a subtle sweetness to the sauce, then processes them through a food mill to achieve a smooth texture.

Photo by: Jason Clairy ©Clairy Productions, Inc.

Jason Clairy, Clairy Productions, Inc.

Just like pasta sauce, salsa is also a no-fail way to put tomatoes to work. Instead of picking up jarred salsa, try Marcela’s speedy homemade version instead. Her Roasted Tomato Salsa is made with just a handful of ingredients, and it features a single serrano chile, which offers manageable heat.

Photo by: Tara Donne

Tara Donne

From cookouts and picnics to everyday dinners at home, you can’t have enough side salads, and this Fresh Corn Tomato Salad combines two of the season’s freshest picks to create a vibrant dish in a hurry.

Instead of warming up with a hot bowl of soup, cool off with a bowl of Alton’s chilled Gazpacho this summer. His easy-to-make recipe is flavored with tangy balsamic and Worcestershire sauce.

Food Stylist: Rebecca Jurkevich
Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver

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Food Stylist: Rebecca Jurkevich Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver

Photo by: Kana Okada ©Kana Okada 2012

Kana Okada, Kana Okada 2012

Follow Food Network Magazine's lead and stuff tomatoes to make a meal out of them in a big-batch recipe.

Photo by: Brian Kennedy ©2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Brian Kennedy , 2013, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved

Not all pestos focus on fresh basil; Giada’s fuss-free pesto lets sun-dried tomatoes shine, and it’s ready to eat in only 25 minutes.

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Photo by: Renee Comet ©Renee Comet

Renee Comet, Renee Comet

Tomatoes and mozzarella are simply better together, which is why caprese-style dishes are such a hit. Stick with Rachael’s classic take on a salad, or turn the ingredients into Melissa’s fuss-free tartlets.

Food stylist: Anne Disrude
Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver

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Food stylist: Anne Disrude Prop Stylist: Pamela Duncan Silver

Photo by: Con Poulos

Con Poulos

For a departure from traditional sweet pies, Food Network Magazine has created an Heirloom Tomato Pie, featuring a cheesy crust and a savory filling of herb-laced heirlooms.

Just as you’d turn strawberries and peaches into jelly, reach for tomatoes to do the same. Food Network Magazine’s Spicy Tomato Jam is rounded out with warm spices like cumin, cinnamon and cloves.

When it comes to fried tomatoes, look out for the green variety. They’re naturally firmer and less juicy, so they don’t become soggy in the oil.

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Photo by: Paul Sirisalee

Paul Sirisalee

Just like the bottled stuff but fresher, this Homemade Ketchup is surprisingly simple to prepare. Start with the traditional flavor, or dress it up with curry or chipotle chiles. 

A quick-fix tomato relish, like the one served atop Bobby’s easy grilled salmon, is all it takes to transform everyday meats and seafood. 

Think beyond oranges, grapefruits and apples, and try juicing tomatoes. Food Network Kitchen combines them with kale and parsley for a speedy green glass. 

When the summer’s winding down, save a bit of the season for later in the year by canning tomatoes. Follow this step-by-step guide to peeling and stewing tomatoes, then cleaning jars to ensure a deliciously safe finished product.

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