Grilled Tomatoes

Once you've tried grilling tomatoes, you may never go back to eating regular tomatoes ever again! Unlike some other grilled vegetables (like this amazing grilled broccoli), tomatoes do take a little extra work, but I promise, it's worth it.

I made these grilled tomatoes and added them to a Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella cheese and basil for a smokier version of a classic. However, there are so many ways to use these, from a quick side dish to salads to burger toppers and even eggs!

Which Tomatoes Are Best for Grilling?

This recipe works best for the normal-sized red tomatoes you will find in every grocery store, like beefsteak tomatoes.

Cherry tomatoes can be used to grill fresh off the vine, but they're best for kabobs; big slicer tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes also work well with this recipe, but you'll definitely want to cut them into slices before you grill them.

Even Roma tomatoes, which can sometimes be difficult to use, work great on the grill!

How to Grill Tomatoes

For this recipe, you will want to slice your tomatoes in half horizontally, so you have one half with the stem and one half with the bottom of the tomato, then sprinkle some salt on the cut side before leaving them to rest on a wire rack for about 15 to 30 minutes with a bowl underneath to catch the drips, which you'll want to set aside for later use.

While the tomatoes are resting, get your grill to medium-high heat; when the tomatoes are ready for grilling, lightly brush them with olive oil and place them on the grill cut side down for 4-5 minutes or until they've reached your preferred level of char, then flip them over and grill them for another 4-5 minutes, or until they begin to bubble.

Pro tip: If you don't have a grill, feel free to use a grill pan for a similar charred effect!

Change Up the Flavor

Here are a few ways you can change up the flavor of your grilled tomatoes to make them something that tastes totally different.

• Make it spicy: Add your favorite heat to the dish by dusting on some ancho chili or cayenne pepper to help the tomatoes bite back.
• Lime zing: Instead of topping the tomatoes with balsamic vinegar, squeeze half a fresh lime over them just before serving, along with finely chopped cilantro.
• Cheese topped: Cover with slices of Parmesan or Mozzarella cheese for a twist on a mini pizza.
• Italian: Dust gently with your favorite Italian spice blend to feel like you're eating spaghetti without the pasta.
• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or oregano on top of the tomatoes right after grilling for a herby flavor.
• Barbecue: Brush a thin layer of BBQ sauce onto the tomatoes before you put them on the grill, and brush them again when you take them off to add another layer for a sticky barbecue delight!

Ways to Use Grilled Tomatoes

Once you've grilled your tomatoes, you can eat them on their own if you like. There are also a ton of fantastic ways you can prepare them!

• With Eggs: There are a bunch of different ways you can put eggs and tomatoes together, such as Southwest Black Bean Egg Muffins and omelets and this amazing recipe for an Asparagus and Tomato Frittata.
• In a Salad: Grilled tomatoes are amazing in a salad. One of my favorites is a Cucumber, Tomato, and Avocado Salad that is as delicious as it is healthy.
• Salsa: Grilling your tomatoes gives your Red Salsa a fun, smoky flavor that puts a new twist on an old classic.
• BLT: You can take a BLT to a new level with a few additions like avocado, ranch dressing, and even grilled tomatoes. I love this Turkey Bacon BLT Wrap recipe for a quick, delicious lunch. The grilled tomatoes are perfect on it!
• Soup: On a cold rainy day, there is nothing better than a tasty tomato soup, except a grilled tomato soup. This recipe for a Slow Cooker Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper Soup hits the spot perfectly.
• Pasta Sauce: Have you ever tried a No-Cook Pasta Sauce? It is divine, just as it is, but making it on grilled tomatoes really takes it to the next level.
• As a side: These juicy grilled tomatoes are great as a side dish for Grilled Basil Lime Chicken Breast or Pesto Chicken!
• In a sandwich: Place these grilled tomato slices on top of a Healthy Tuna Melt for a smoky twist on a deli classic!
• As a topper: Top a Chicken Caesar Burger or Healthy Ranch Turkey Burgers with a grilled tomato slice for a hint of smoky, juicy flavor!

What to Do With Leftovers

Here's how to keep leftovers fresh so you can enjoy them again and again:

• Storage: Store grilled tomatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Reheating: You can leave these cold or warm them up in a skillet over medium heat to reignite that char.
• Leftovers: Toss leftovers in an Easy Vegetable Pasta Salad for lunch or in a Breakfast Egg Casserole for breakfast!