Summer has arrived, and with it, a plethora of juicy, ripe tomatoes waiting to be devoured. But why stop at just eating them fresh when you can preserve their tangy flavor for months to come? Pickling tomatoes is a simple yet elegant way to enjoy the sweet and savory taste of these summer staples all year round. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a newbie in the kitchen, our collection of 18 tangy pickling tomato recipes has something for everyone. From spicy garlic dill to classic brined green tomatoes, and from sweet and sour cherry tomatoes to fermented heirloom varieties, we’ve gathered the most mouth-watering and innovative ways to pickle your tomatoes. In this article, we’ll explore the world of pickled tomatoes and provide you with a range of recipes to get you started.
Spicy Garlic Dill Pickled Tomatoes
Add a tangy twist to your summer meals with these spicy garlic dill pickled tomatoes. Perfect for topping sandwiches, salads, or using as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup (60ml) white vinegar
– 1/4 cup (60ml) water
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp (30g) granulated sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, garlic, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together vinegar and water until well combined.
3. Pour the vinegar mixture over the tomato mixture, and stir to coat.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 5 days.
5. Just before serving, stir in chopped fresh dill.
Cooking Time: None
Sweet and Sour Pickled Cherry Tomatoes
This recipe adds a tangy twist to traditional cherry tomatoes, perfect for topping salads or using as a snack. Sweet and sour pickling brings out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes while balancing with a hint of tartness.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, water, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Pack the cherry tomato halves into a clean glass jar or container with the sliced red onion (if using).
4. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the tomatoes, making sure they are completely covered.
5. Let cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
6. Allow the pickles to chill for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Classic Brined Pickled Green Tomatoes
This recipe yields tangy and crunchy pickles that are perfect as a side dish or topping for sandwiches, salads, and burgers. With just a few simple ingredients, you can preserve the flavors of green tomatoes for months to come.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 green tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup (250ml) water
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125g) granulated sugar
– 1 tsp (5g) kosher salt
– 1 tsp (5g) pickling spice (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced green tomatoes and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2. Rinse the tomato slices with cold water, then drain well.
3. In a large pot, combine water, vinegar, sugar, and pickling spice (if using). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Pack the tomato slices into clean glass jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
5. Pour the hot brine liquid over the tomatoes, making sure they’re completely covered.
6. Seal the jars tightly and let them cool to room temperature.
7. Store in the refrigerator for at least 2 weeks before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Quick Refrigerator Pickled Tomatoes with Basil
Add a burst of flavor to your meals with these quick and easy pickled tomatoes. Perfect for topping sandwiches, salads, or using as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup (120ml) white vinegar
– 1/4 cup (60ml) water
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine tomato halves, vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Stir until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
2. Add the chopped basil and black pepper to the mixture. Stir gently to combine.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Once pickled, use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: None
Balsamic Pickled Heirloom Tomatoes
This recipe brings out the sweet and tangy flavors of heirloom tomatoes by pickling them in a rich balsamic glaze. Perfect as a side dish or topping for sandwiches, salads, and burgers.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 heirloom tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup balsamic vinegar
– 1 cup water
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the glaze has thickened slightly.
3. Pack the tomato slices into a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
4. Pour the warm balsamic glaze over the tomatoes, making sure they are completely covered.
5. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature.
6. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes + chilling time
Indian-Style Spicy Pickled Tomatoes
Add a tangy and spicy kick to your meals with these flavorful pickled tomatoes, inspired by the bold flavors of India. Perfect as a condiment or side dish, they pair well with grilled meats, naan bread, or as a topping for tacos.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, vinegar, water, oil, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
2. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight, allowing the tomatoes to pickle.
4. Just before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4 hours (minimum)
Pickled Tomato and Onion Relish
This sweet and tangy relish is perfect for topping burgers, sandwiches, or using as a condiment for grilled meats and cheeses. Its bright flavors will elevate any meal to the next level.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs fresh tomatoes, diced
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1 tsp sugar
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes and thinly sliced onion.
2. In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the tomato mixture. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Stir in chopped parsley or dill, if desired.
5. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the relish to pickle and develop its flavor.
Cooking Time: None required. This recipe is a quick and easy refrigerator pickling process.
Fermented Pickled Tomatoes with Peppercorns
Add a tangy twist to your favorite dishes with these fermented pickled tomatoes, infused with the warmth of peppercorns. This recipe is perfect for preserving summer’s bounty and using up ripe tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups chopped fresh tomatoes (any variety)
– 1 cup water
– 1/2 cup whey or active yogurt culture (optional)
– 2 tbsp kosher salt
– 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
– 1 tsp sugar
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chopped tomatoes, water, whey (if using), and salt. Let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours to allow the natural bacteria on the tomatoes to ferment.
2. After 24 hours, stir in peppercorns and sugar. Transfer the mixture to a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
3. Store the jar in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld together for at least 7 days before serving. The pickles will keep for several months in the fridge.
Cooking Time: None! Let nature do its work and ferment these tomatoes to perfection.
Mexican Pickled Tomatoes with Jalapeños
Add a burst of flavor to your tacos, grilled meats, or vegetables with this easy-to-make recipe for pickled tomatoes with jalapeños. This condiment is perfect for those who like a little heat in their food.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes (any variety)
– 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
– 4-6 slices of jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine tomatoes, onion, jalapeños, vinegar, water, and sugar.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid has reduced slightly and the flavors have melded together.
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Transfer the pickled tomatoes to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Pickled Grape Tomatoes with Cinnamon
A sweet and tangy twist on traditional pickling, these grape tomatoes are infused with the warmth of cinnamon, perfect for snacking or as a topping for your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint grape tomatoes
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tbsp pickling spice (containing cinnamon, mustard seeds, and coriander)
– 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, water, pickling spice, and salt.
2. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Pack grape tomatoes into clean glass jars or containers, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace.
5. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the tomatoes, making sure they are completely covered.
6. Seal jars tightly and let cool to room temperature.
7. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Pickled Tomato Salad with Cucumbers and Dill
This refreshing salad is a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and crunchy, making it an ideal side dish or light lunch for warm weather.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 large cucumber, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1 tsp dried dill weed
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh dill leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine tomato and cucumber slices.
2. In a small saucepan, bring vinegar, water, sugar, and dill weed to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Pour the pickling liquid over the tomato-cucumber mixture.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Just before serving, garnish with fresh dill leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including pickling time)
Asian-Inspired Pickled Tomatoes with Soy and Ginger
This recipe adds a twist to traditional pickling by incorporating the bold flavors of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil. The result is a tangy and savory condiment perfect for topping noodles, rice bowls, or using as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, grated ginger, sesame oil, and garlic.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Pack the tomato halves into a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
4. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the tomatoes, making sure they are completely covered.
5. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature. Refrigerate before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Pickled Green Tomatoes with Mustard Seeds
Pickled Green Tomatoes with Mustard Seeds Recipe
A tangy and flavorful condiment perfect for topping sandwiches, salads, or using as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 green tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced green tomatoes and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the tomatoes to release their juices.
2. Rinse the tomatoes with cold water to remove excess salt. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, mustard seeds, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Pack the tomato slices into a clean glass jar or container. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the tomatoes, making sure they are completely covered.
5. Seal the jar tightly and let it cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Note: Allow the pickles to chill for at least 24 hours before serving for best flavor.
Lemon-Herb Pickled Tomatoes
Lemon-Herb Pickled Tomatoes: Add a burst of citrusy flavor to your meals with this refreshing recipe!
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup (250ml) white wine vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp (30g) granulated sugar
– 1 tsp (5g) salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, parsley, sugar, salt, and pepper.
2. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 5 days before serving.
4. Serve chilled, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Pickled Tomato Salsa Verde
This recipe combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the tanginess of pickling liquid and the brightness of fresh herbs, creating a unique and delicious salsa perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or veggies.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups diced ripe tomatoes (such as heirloom or cherry)
– 1 cup pickling liquid (white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or white wine vinegar)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine diced tomatoes, pickling liquid, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir well to combine, then let sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
3. After 30 minutes, stir in olive oil and taste for seasoning.
4. Refrigerate for up to 1 week or use immediately.
Cooking Time: None
Smoky Chipotle Pickled Tomatoes
Elevate your dishes with the tangy sweetness of these smoky chipotle pickled tomatoes, perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or using as a condiment.
Ingredients:
– 2 lbs cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup (60ml) water
– 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 2 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Pack the halved tomatoes into a clean glass jar or container, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space at the top.
4. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the tomatoes, making sure they’re completely covered.
5. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes + chilling time
Pickled Tomato and Pepper Medley
This colorful medley of pickled tomatoes and peppers is a perfect condiment for sandwiches, salads, or as a side dish. Its tangy flavor and crunchy texture make it a delicious addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup sliced bell peppers (any color)
– 1/4 cup pickling vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes and bell peppers.
2. In a saucepan, bring pickling vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and black pepper to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the tomato-pepper mixture, making sure they are fully covered.
5. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling and chilling time)
Rosemary and Thyme Pickled Tomatoes
Elevate your salads and sandwiches with these flavorful pickled tomatoes infused with the aromatic blend of rosemary and thyme. Perfect for using up summer’s bounty, this recipe is a great way to preserve the taste of fresh tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 4 lbs cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup (120 ml) white wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 2 sprigs fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/4 cup (15g) thinly sliced red onion
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, white wine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Add chopped rosemary and dried thyme to the tomato mixture. Stir gently to combine.
3. Pack the tomato mixture into clean glass jars, leaving about 1/2 inch (1 cm) headspace. Top with thinly sliced red onion.
4. Store the pickled tomatoes in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! Simply let it sit and enjoy.
Summary
Get ready to add some tangy flavor to your summer dishes with these 18 pickling tomato recipes! From spicy garlic dill to classic brined, and from sweet and sour to fermented and smoky, there’s a recipe for every taste bud. Try pickling cherry tomatoes in balsamic vinegar or heirloom tomatoes with Indian spices. Or go classic with a simple refrigerator pickle featuring basil and garlic. Whatever your style, these recipes will inspire you to get creative with fresh tomatoes and add some excitement to your meals.
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