10 Ideas for Fresh Tomatoes from your Garden

When I was in Italy last October I could NOT get enough fresh tomatoes and great cheese. I had some type of tomato combination with EVERY meal and everyone of them were fantastic. If you're lucky enough to have a garden overflowing with fresh tomatoes, or access to a local farmer's market you know just how tasty and versatile these fruits can be. From salads to sauces, there are countless ways to use fresh tomatoes in your cooking. Here are 10 delicious recipes to make the most of your garden's bounty. For detailed recipes read on!
1. Caprese Salad: This classic Italian salad is simple yet delicious. Slice fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese, layer them on a plate, and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add some fresh basil for a pop of flavor.
  
  Caprese salad is a classic Italian dish that highlights the delicious flavors of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, and fragrant basil. Here's a simple recipe for Caprese salad that you can enjoy as an appetizer or a light meal.
  
  Ingredients:
  - 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
  - 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
  - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  - 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  - Salt and pepper to taste
  Instructions:
  1. Arrange tomato and mozzarella slices on a large serving platter, alternating between them.
  2. Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top of the tomato and mozzarella slices.
  3. Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  Enjoy your delicious Caprese salad!
2. Gazpacho: This chilled soup is perfect for hot summer days. Blend together tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, garlic, red onion, and a splash of red wine vinegar. Serve cold with croutons or bread for dipping.
  
  Gazpacho is a refreshing and flavorful chilled soup that's perfect for hot summer days. This recipe uses fresh tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, garlic, red onion, and a splash of red wine vinegar. Here's a simple recipe for gazpacho that you can make at home.
  
  Ingredients:
  - 4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
  - 1 medium cucumber, peeled and chopped
  - 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  - 1 small red onion, chopped
  - 2 garlic cloves, minced
  - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  - Salt and pepper to taste
  Instructions:
  1. In a blender or food processor, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and garlic. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
  2. With the blender or food processor running on low, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and red wine vinegar until the mixture is smooth.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until well chilled.
  5. Serve cold with croutons or bread for dipping.
  Enjoy your delicious gazpacho!
3. Tomato Sauce: There's nothing quite like homemade tomato sauce. Cook down fresh tomatoes with onion, garlic, basil, and oregano for a rich and flavorful sauce. Use it on pasta, pizza, or as a base for other dishes.
4. Bruschetta: This classic Italian appetizer is perfect for showcasing ripe tomatoes. Toast slices of bread and top with a mixture of chopped tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil.
5. Panzanella: This rustic Italian salad is a great way to use up stale bread. Toss chunks of bread with chopped tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
  
  Panella is a classic Italian salad that's perfect for using up stale bread and ripe tomatoes. This rustic dish is full of fresh flavors and is perfect for a summer dinner or lunch. Here's a simple recipe for panzanella that you can make at home.
  
  Ingredients:
  - 4 cups of stale bread, cubed
  - 2 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
  - 1 small cucumber, sliced
  - 1/2 red onion, sliced
  - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  - Salt and pepper to taste
  Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the bread is golden brown and crispy.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumber, sliced red onion, and fresh basil leaves.
  4. Add the toasted bread cubes to the bowl and toss to combine.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until well chilled.
  8. Serve cold as a side dish or a light lunch.
  Enjoy your delicious panzanella salad!
6. Tomato Tart: This elegant yet easy dish is perfect for entertaining. Roll out puff pastry and top with sliced tomatoes, goat cheese, and fresh herbs. Bake until golden brown and serve warm.
7. Tomato Soup: This comforting soup is perfect for cool fall evenings. Cook down fresh tomatoes with onion, garlic, and broth until tender. Blend until smooth and serve with a grilled cheese sandwich.
8. Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa is perfect for topping tacos, burritos, or grilled meats. Mix together chopped tomatoes, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice.
9. Tomato Jam: This sweet and savory spread is perfect for toast, sandwiches, or as a condiment for grilled meats. Cook down fresh tomatoes with sugar, vinegar, and spices until thickened.
10. Tomato and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts: This easy yet impressive dish is perfect for a dinner party. Cut a pocket into chicken breasts and stuff with sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Bake until golden brown and serve with a side salad.
  
  Tomato and mozzarella stuffed chicken breasts are a delicious and impressive dish that's perfect for a dinner party or a special occasion. Here's a simple recipe that you can make at home.
  
  Ingredients:
  - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  - 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
  - 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
  - 1 tablespoon olive oil
  - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  - Salt and pepper to taste
  Instructions:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Cut a pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast.
  3. Stuff each chicken breast with sliced mozzarella cheese and tomato slices.
  4. Use toothpicks to secure the chicken breasts closed.
  5. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  6. Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned.
  7. Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, and pepper over the chicken breasts.
  8. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
  9. Remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts and discard.
  10. Serve hot with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
  Enjoy your delicious tomato and mozzarella stuffed chicken breasts!
No matter how you choose to use them, fresh tomatoes are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can elevate any dish. So head out to your garden and start cooking up some tomato-based dishes today, and don't forget to use Papa Zeep's Tomato Food and Fertilizer on your vegetables.