I never liked tomatoes until I tried some that were actually in season: meaty, fresh, tart yet sweet tomatoes, rather than the year-round store-bought ones that are usually mushy or fuzzy.
It just so happens that July and August are arguably the best months for tomatoes. Not only are they great for your skin in the heat of summer, but they’re also in season. We should all be cooking with and eating them as much as possible right now, especially if you don’t normally like tomatoes. Trust me, fresh in-season ones will rock your world.
Enjoy all the healthy benefits of the red fruit with these killer recipes perfect for both avid tomato lovers and those who are just hopping on the bandwagon.
1. Tomato and Avocado Summer Salad
Photo by Pippa Leigh
Corn, avocado and tomato? Sounds like summer to me.
2. Easy French Tomato Tarte
Photo by Gaby Mas
Fancy and delicious, the best combo out there. Make this dish the next time you’re trying to impress someone.
3. Tomato-Zucchini Crostata
Photo by Hannah Lin
Another fancy tart-like tomato dish that will blow your mind. Plus, zucchinis are also in season in the summertime—two birds, one stone.
4. The Best BLT You Will Ever Eat
Photo by Tiare Brown
BLTS are already pretty damn good, but imagine one with a big hunk of fresh, meaty tomato on it. Turn something great into something unbelievably great.
5. Penne with Cherry Tomatoes, Basil and Mozzarella
Photo by Taylor Kaminsky
Basically a Caprese salad in pasta form, which is better because who doesn’t love pasta? Yum.
6. Easy and Delicious Tomato Cucumber Salad
Photo by Lynden Orr
So fresh, so delicious. Perfect for when you’re looking for a light meal.
7. Baked Eggs in a Tomato
Photo by Spoon University
Never had eggs and tomatoes together before? Well, now you have no excuse.
8. Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Bruschetta
Photo by Corinne Odom
The perfect dish to make when you want to feel fancy AF at your next summertime party.
9. Spaghetti Squash Pasta with Chunky Tomato Sauce
Photo by Julia Maguire
If you thought eating a meal entirely made of vegetables was gross, well, you’ve never been so wrong. This dish is damn delicious and also the perfect way to use up your summer produce.
10. Tomato and Avocado Sliders
Photo by Jacqueline Scacco
Bring these to your next BBQ. You’re welcome.
11. Tomato Gorgonzola Salad
Photo by Alison Weissbrot
If you somehow get tired of tomatoes and mozzarella, try tomatoes and gorgonzola.
12. Tomato Gazpacho
Photo by Helena Lin
Ah gazpacho, the perfect summertime soup. Chilled yet oh so flavorful, this gazpacho will make you go out to buy more tomatoes so you can make it allover again.
13. Caprese Summer Salad
Photo by Bernard Wen
And finally, the classic summertime tomato dish. You just can’t go wrong with it.