What to Do with Too Many Tomatoes (Ideas, Recipes+Tips)

Got too many tomatoes? This detailed guide offers fresh tomato recipes, deliciously cooked tomato dishes, DIY condiments, preservation methods, and more, so no tomato goes to waste!

If you’ve found yourself with too many tomatoes and are unsure what to do with them, don’t worry!

Whether you just came back from a bustling farmer’s market, your tomato plants are thriving, or you have leftover tomatoes from last week’s grocery run, I’ve compiled creative and practical solutions to help you make the most of every single one.

Read on to discover all ways to make the most of your tomato haul.

Culinary Uses

When you have too many tomatoes, the possibilities in the kitchen are endless! Let’s start by discussing my favorite tomato recipes:

Fresh Tomato Recipes

The juicy, vibrant flavor of a garden fresh tomato shines best in simple, fresh dishes. Here are delicious recipes that feature fresh tomatoes:

• Mediterranean Tomato Salad — This vibrant salad is incredibly easy to prepare with juicy tomatoes, crisp onions, and rich black olives tossed in a flavorful balsamic dressing, then finished off with tangy feta.
• Marinated Tomato and Onion Salad — Brighten your summer side dish routine with juicy tomatoes, crunchy red onions, and fresh herbs marinated in a delicious garlic-infused balsamic dressing. It’s an excellent match for grilled meats, seafood, and sandwiches.
• Red Bean Salad with Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs — This red bean salad is light, refreshing, and packed with plant-based protein. Made with red or kidney beans, juicy tomatoes, herbs, oil, and vinegar, it’s perfect for grain bowls, wraps, and a cold dish for dinner parties or potlucks.
• Caprese Appetizer Tray — Bite-sized skewers featuring cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and fresh basil leaves drizzled with balsamic reduction! These are perfect for entertaining and make a beautiful, easy-to-eat snack.
• Tomato Bruschetta — Crispy slices of toasted baguette are topped with a flavorful mixture of diced tomatoes, garlic, basil, and olive oil. This classic Italian appetizer is quick to make and bursting with fresh flavors.
• Gazpacho — A refreshing chilled Spanish soup made from blended fresh tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, garlic, and a splash of vinegar –perfect for hot days!

Additional Recipes

If you’re looking for more ways to use up your tomato surplus, these satisfying recipes feature fresh tomatoes as a supporting ingredient, providing bursts of succulent flavor in every bite:

• Fresh Vegetable Salad
• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Feta
• Mediterranean Roasted Eggplant Salad
• New Potato Salad with Tomatoes and Dill
• Potato Salad with Avocado
• Romaine Salad with Chopped Tomatoes and Feta

Cooked Tomato Recipes

If you’ve got a ton of tomatoes and are in the mood for something warm and comforting, cooked tomato dishes are the way to go.

Cooking tomatoes really brings out their natural sweetness and adds a great flavor to any dish. Check out these mouthwatering recipes:

• Baked Eggs with Vegetables — This dish showcases a mix of tender-crisp tomatoes, veggies, beans, and zesty spices topped with a perfectly gooey egg and creamy melted cheese. It’s perfect for a savory vegetarian breakfast!
• Vegetarian Stuffed Tomatoes with Feta and Mushrooms — These tasty stuffed tomatoes are an excellent way to use up those extra-ripe tomatoes! They’re packed with mushrooms, spinach, onion, garlic, and feta cheese and baked to perfection. They’re perfect for impressing your friends and family with an elegant meatless appetizer, side dish, or main course.
• Homemade Tomato Soup — This creamy, comfort-food classic showcases the sweetness of cooked tomatoes and makes a cozy, satisfying meal, especially when served with a grilled cheese sandwich!
• Ratatouille — This classic French dish features a medley of tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions cooked with herbs and olive oil. You can serve it as a colorful, healthy side dish or meatless main course.
• Roasted Salmon with Vegetables — This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. With salmon fillets, simple seasoning, and a mix of plump tomatoes and other fresh veggies, you can have this heart-healthy, wholesome dinner for two on the table in 30 minutes or less!

Additional Cooked Tomato Dishes

Here are some classic recipes that you can add fresh tomatoes for a burst of flavor without stealing the spotlight:

• Spicy Red Lentil Soup
• Tomato Risotto
• Egg Bakes, Quiches, and Frittatas

DIY Condiments and Sauces

Here are some ideas for using up tomatoes in homemade condiments, sauces, and toppings that can take any meal to the next level:

• Salsa Rojas
• Pico de Gallo
• Tomato Ketchup
• Tomato Relish
• Tomato Chutney
• Classic Marinara

Preserving Tomatoes for Later Use

If you have too many tomatoes, preserving them is a practical way to savor that sweet, juicy summer flavor well into the colder months. Here are a few easy methods:

How to Freeze Whole Tomatoes

Freezing tomatoes is another easy way to preserve their goodness for later use in soups, sauces, and stews. Follow these steps:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil, score the tomatoes with an “X,” and blanch them for 30 seconds. Immediately plunge them into an ice bath. Once cooled, peel the skins off.
2. Spread the peeled tomatoes on a baking sheet and flash-freeze them for a few hours.
3. Transfer the frozen tomatoes to freezer bags, remove as much air as possible, and store in the freezer for up to 12 months.

Making Sun-Dried Tomatoes at Home

Sun-drying tomatoes has been a way to preserve them for ages. You can even make your own at home using an oven or a dehydrator.

Simply slice the tomatoes in half or quarters, depending on their size, remove excess seeds if preferred, and then use one of these methods:

• If using the sun, place the tomato slices on a screen or tray in a sunny, dry area for several days (depending on the temperature and humidity).
• If using an oven or food dehydrator, set it to a low temperature (around 130-140°F) and dry the tomatoes until they are leathery and pliable but not brittle.
• Store dried tomatoes in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. For added flavor, consider storing them in olive oil or vacuum-sealed bags.
• Soak them in warm water for 20 minutes to rehydrate them before using them in pasta, salads, or as a pizza topping!

How to Make and Store Tomato Paste

Turning too many tomatoes into tomato paste concentrates their flavor into a thick, versatile paste that can be used in sauces, stews, and soups. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Wash and core the tomatoes, then cut them into quarters.
2. Simmer the tomatoes in a large pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until they soften and release their juices. Add a pinch of salt or a touch of olive oil for extra flavor.
3. Puree the mixture using a blender or food processor. Strain the puree to remove any skins or seeds for a smoother texture.
4. Return the puree to the pot and simmer it on low heat, stirring frequently, until it reduces into a paste-like consistency.
5. Let cool, then refrigerate in sealed jars for up to two weeks. Or, freeze the tomato paste in ice cube trays.

Tips and Tricks

Now that we’ve covered what to do with all those tomatoes, here are a few final tips and tricks to ensure you’re getting the most out of your fresh produce:

How to Choose the Best Tomatoes

• Firmness: They should be firm but slightly yielding to the touch. Avoid ones with wrinkles or soft spots.
• Color: They should be deep red (however, heirloom varieties come in a range of colors).
• Smell: A perfectly ripened tomato will have a sweet, earthy aroma near the stem.

How to Store Fresh Tomatoes

• Store under-ripe tomatoes at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. To speed up the ripening process, place them in a
• Store fully ripe tomatoes in the refrigerator (if you can’t use them right away). Bring them back to room temperature before using them to get the best flavor.
• Avoid storing in plastic bags. Tomatoes need airflow to stay fresh. Opt for a breathable container or leave them in a basket to prevent them from getting soggy.

Final Thoughts

In this post, we explored various ways to use tomatoes, from fresh salads to cooked dishes, as well as some classic sauces and preservation tips.

Now, it’s your turn! If you tried any of these ways to use extra tomatoes, I would love to hear all about your favorite creations in the comments. Happy cooking!

More Ingredient Guides

• What to Do with Leftover Apples
• What to Do with Pomegranates
• How to Use Quinoa
• How to Use Fresh Herbs in Cooking
• What to Do with Leftover Roasted Vegetables