If you’ve never tried Grilled Tomatoes, prepare to fall in love with your new favorite summer side! Sweet, juicy roma tomatoes get transformed by a kiss of smokiness from the grill, creating a dish that’s irresistibly charred on the outside and lusciously tender on the inside. In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a vibrant, crowd-pleasing plate worthy of weeknight dinners or your fanciest cookout spread!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Peak Summer Flavor: Grilled Tomatoes capture that irresistible balance of caramelized edges and juicy, concentrated tomato sweetness.
- Quick & Effortless: With just a handful of ingredients and less than 20 minutes, you’ll have a side that truly shines.
- Versatile Magic: These tomatoes work as a show-stopping appetizer, a savory topping, or a colorful side for almost any meal.
- Crowd-Pleasing & Customizable: Enjoy them simply finished with olive oil and salt, or load them up with parmesan and basil for extra flair!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Grilled Tomatoes is in their simplicity! Every ingredient plays a starring role, from the tomatoes themselves to the fresh basil and drizzle of olive oil. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll unlock deep, summery flavors and eye-catching colors.
- Roma Tomatoes: Firm, meaty roma tomatoes are perfect for grilling—they hold their shape and develop fantastic smoky flavor.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness, brings out the tomatoes’ natural sweetness, and prevents sticking (don’t skimp on that drizzle or brush!).
- Italian Dressing: Lively and tangy, a simple pour over the tomatoes right before serving wakes up every bite.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese or Vegan Parmesan (optional): Adds a nutty, salty finish—pick your favorite or skip for a dairy-free option.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Classic and aromatic, a shower of basil just before serving turns this dish into a true celebration of summer.
- Sea Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the tomatoes and brightening up all the flavors.
Variations
Don’t hesitate to make these Grilled Tomatoes your own! With a few tweaks, you can adapt them for your favorite dietary needs, the ingredients you have on hand, or even your mood.
- Add Garlic: Brush the cut side of the tomatoes with a little minced garlic and olive oil before grilling for an extra burst of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle on some crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne before serving for a little heat.
- Different Cheese: Try crumbled feta, fresh mozzarella, or a sprinkle of dairy-free cheese.
- Balsamic Glaze: Finish with a drizzle of balsamic reduction for sweet-tart contrast.
- Vegan Version: Simply skip the cheese or use your favorite vegan parmesan to keep this dish plant-based.
How to Make Grilled Tomatoes
Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes
Start by choosing firm, ripe roma tomatoes and slicing them in half lengthwise. This shape gives you plenty of surface area to brush with olive oil and helps those beautiful grill marks form. Drizzle the cut sides with extra-virgin olive oil, and give them a generous sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper—this quick seasoning takes the tomatoes from good to drop-everything delicious.
Step 2: Grill to Smoky Perfection
Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and brush it lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Carefully lay the tomatoes, cut side down, onto the hot surface. Grill them for 4 to 6 minutes, until the tomatoes have gorgeous char and grill lines. Flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, just until they’re tender and warmed through but still holding their shape—nobody wants mushy tomatoes!
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Gently transfer your hot grilled tomatoes to a pretty serving platter. While they’re still warm, season them again with a touch more salt and pepper. Drizzle over Italian dressing for zest, then, if you like, sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan (or vegan parmesan). Shower with torn fresh basil leaves and let the aromas announce that summer is on the table!
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Tomatoes
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: Seek out roma or plum tomatoes—juicy yet sturdy, they won’t collapse during grilling and their flavors are extra sweet when roasted by flame.
- Hot Grill, Happy Tomatoes: Preheat your grill or grill pan thoroughly to ensure those gorgeous grill marks and prevent sticking.
- Olive Oil is Your Friend: Brushing both the tomatoes and the grill grates with olive oil helps prevent sticking and creates luscious caramelization.
- Don’t Walk Away: Keep an eye on your tomatoes—grill them just until tender but still intact, as overcooking will make them collapse.
How to Serve Grilled Tomatoes
Garnishes
Top your Grilled Tomatoes with fresh basil for an aromatic burst, or sprinkle on parmesan or vegan cheese for added richness. A final drizzle of good olive oil or a flick of sea salt right before serving truly makes every tomato pop with flavor and beauty.
Side Dishes
Pair these tomatoes with crusty sourdough, grilled chicken or fish, a cozy risotto, or tuck them alongside a leafy green salad for a bright, Mediterranean vibe. They also make an incredible topping for pasta or grain bowls—talk about versatility!
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Grilled Tomatoes on skewers for an appetizer platter, layer them over toasted baguette slices for a quick bruschetta, or display them in a beautiful spiral on a platter for that wow-worthy centerpiece. Get playful with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or scatter with toasted pine nuts or chopped olives for extra color and crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the Grilled Tomatoes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days—perfect for quick lunches!
Freezing
While you can freeze grilled tomatoes, their texture will soften after thawing, making them a better fit for sauces and soups rather than serving on their own. Simply freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag and use within 2–3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the tomatoes in a skillet over low heat or on a baking sheet in a 300°F oven until just heated through. Take care not to overcook—they’re best when just warmed and still holding their shape!
FAQs
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Can I use other types of tomatoes for Grilled Tomatoes?
Absolutely! While roma tomatoes are ideal because of their firm texture, you can use any meaty variety like heirlooms or beefsteak. Just be extra gentle when flipping, as softer tomatoes may cook faster and are more fragile.
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Do I need to remove the seeds or skin before grilling?
No need! The skin and seeds help hold the tomato together over high heat, plus they add flavor and color. Simply halve your tomatoes and season the cut side before grilling.
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Can I make Grilled Tomatoes indoors without an outdoor grill?
Yes! A stovetop grill pan works beautifully—just preheat it well and brush with a little olive oil so you still get those gorgeous char marks and smoky essence.
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What’s the best way to serve Grilled Tomatoes at a party?
Arrange them on a platter, drizzle with dressing and your favorite toppings, and let guests serve themselves. They’re delicious warm or at room temperature, making them a fabulous make-ahead appetizer or side dish!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about how Grilled Tomatoes transform humble ingredients into pure summer bliss. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard gathering or bringing a little sunshine to your weeknight table, these tomatoes deliver bold flavor, color, and cheer. Give them a try—you’ll fall in love with every bite!
Print
Grilled Tomato Caprese Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Side Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer with these delicious grilled tomatoes. Perfect as a side dish or appetizer, these tomatoes are seasoned with olive oil, herbs, and Parmesan cheese for a burst of Mediterranean taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 6 firm roma tomatoes
Additional Ingredients:
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling and brushing
- Italian Dressing, for serving
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Vegan Parmesan, optional, for serving
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes in half lengthwise. Drizzle the cut sides with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Grill the Tomatoes: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush with olive oil and place the tomatoes on the grill, cut side down. Grill for 4 to 6 minutes, or until grill marks form. Flip and grill for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until tender but not collapsing.
- Serve: Transfer the tomatoes to a serving platter. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with Italian dressing. If desired, top with grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tomato half
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
