All About Tomatoes

I’m sure you’ve heard the debate about whether tomatoes are considered fruits or vegetables because they taste more like the latter but are, technically, a member of the former group. To be even more specific, tomatoes are botanically a type of berry!

This ‘berry’ is available year-round, but its peak time varies depending on region. Still, tomatoes are most commonly used in summer because they’re generally in season from May through October.

Tomatoes are packed with different vitamins and minerals, with several awesome health benefits! Just a few of these benefits include…

• Aid Immune Function

Tomatoes and tomato juice are rich in vitamin C and beta-carotene, antioxidants that support the immune system.

• Help Improve Heart Health

Studies show that tomatoes may reduce your risk of heart disease by fighting against inflammation and markers of oxidative stress, helping to lower cholesterol and triglycerides (a type of fat in your blood), and raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels.

• Promote Healthy Digestion

Tomatoes are about 95% water and a good source of fiber, meaning they can help prevent constipation and support digestion. 

• Support Skin Health

Many fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes, support healthy skin. Tomato-based foods rich in lycopene and other plant compounds may protect against harmful UV lights and sunburn.

• May Lower Risk of Disease

The lycopene, beta-carotene, and antioxidants in tomatoes all play a part in fighting against diseases. Some studies show these can lower the risk of cancer and might help prevent type 2 diabetes and other diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

Not only are these juicy red fruits filled with nutrients, but they also taste delicious and are very versatile! We have countless recipes that include tomatoes, but here are 20 of my favorites:

1. Low-Carb Taco Tomatoes

Here’s your next recipe for Taco Tuesdays! They’re low in carbs, taste amazing, and are super fun, creative, and simple.

2. Homemade Marinara Sauce

This marinara sauce is SO quick to make but tastes deep, complex, and completely divine! Make a large pot, then save some in your fridge for pizzas, meatballs, eggs, or another great recipe.

3. Marinated Garden Tomato + Crisp Cucumber Salad

This salad is super refreshing and hydrating! Cucumbers also contain vitamin C and other antioxidants that help protect our skin from sun damage, so this is a great recipe to enjoy in the summer.

4. Caprese Zucchini Boats

This is the perfect recipe for summer since I’m obsessed with anything Caprese. The fresh basil and creamy mozzarella perfectly complement the tomatoes and zucchini! 

5. Homemade Tomato Ketchup

Have any ketchup lovers in your house? If yes, then you definitely need to try this homemade ketchup! You can use it as a dip or spread with confidence that you know every ingredient.

6. Baked Parmesan Tomatoes

These roasted tomatoes have that Margherita flavor, and mixed with the melty cheese and basil combo, they’re delicious! 

7. Egg Stuffed Italian Tomatoes

Start your day right with these nicely baked eggs tucked into garden fresh tomatoes. Very little hands-on time makes this a fun recipe any day of the week!

8. Cherry Tomato White Bean Salad

You’ll want to double or triple this recipe to bring enough to all of your BBQs and parties this summer. It’s a total crowd-pleaser, so it’ll disappear quickly! 

9. Roasted Red Pepper & Tomato Soup

I LOVE soup and enjoy it year-round, not only in the winter. This roasted red pepper and tomato soup is simple, inexpensive, delicious, and the perfect summer comfort food.

10. Feta Tomato Chicken Skillet

Here’s a gorgeous and tasty one-pan chicken dish that will impress all of your hungry people in less than 30 minutes. The sauce is absolutely phenomenal and only requires a few basic ingredients.

11. Rachel’s FAVORITE Marinated Tomatoes

As you can tell from the title, these marinated tomatoes are my FAVORITES. Despite the recipe’s simplicity, the flavors are still complex and impressive! 

12. Sweet Onion + Tomato Salad

Onions, like tomatoes, provide several health benefits. They can boost immunity, support bone health, aid in digestion, control blood sugar, and reduce bad cholesterol! Walla Walla or Vidalia onions are the best for this salad.

13. Steak + Vine-ripened Tomato Salad

Next time you’re grilling, throw some steak to make this amazing salad. Consider using grass-fed beef, which has up to 5x the amount of omega-3 fatty acids as conventionally raised beef, and more vitamins A, E, and antioxidants.

14. Pesto + Arugula Caprese Platter

This platter is great for parties, BBQs, or afternoon snacks. Tomatoes and mozzarella are a classic summertime combination, and it tastes even better when mixed with this homemade pesto!

15. Fresh Tomato Basil Chicken

Here’s a simple recipe that can be enjoyed independently or served over quinoa, rice, or zucchini noodles. Also, did you know that basil can help prevent blood clots and reduce inflammation, which can contribute to cardiovascular disease? Pretty awesome!

16. Avocado Caprese Salad

I love the colors in this salad! It’s just so gorgeous and tastes just as good. Plus, in addition to the good healthy fat in avocados, they also play a vital role in muscle-building via their impressive protein content.

17. Roasted Green Tomato Salsa Verde

This roasted salsa is so versatile that you can add more of your favorite ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Then get creative with how you use it, either as a dip or in recipes like this shredded chicken!

18. Sliced Garden Tomato Salad

Everything about this salad is fantastic, from the balsamic and honey marinated tomatoes to the crumbled feta and topped with some pitted green olives! Perfection. 

19. Shrimp with Tomato Lemon Sauce

This recipe is excellent for a quick dinner idea, but it’s also fabulous for parties because your guests rave about how good it is. Simple to create and quick to clean up, my kind of meal!

20. Quick N’ Tasty Tomato + Egg Rings

These rings make for a good breakfast or an excellent afternoon snack when craving something savory. My house loves anything with bacon, so this meal is a staple on our menu!

As you can see, there’s nothing like a homegrown tomato. I could keep going with more amazing recipes, but I’ll stop there! Next time you visit your local farmers market, check out the fresh tomatoes and then head home to try something from this list!

Let me know which recipes you try—and what you think about it—in the comments below! 

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