Summer means it’s time to start enjoying homegrown and delicious garden vegetables. 

There are very few things better than fresh tomatoes straight from the garden, but what can be done with them? 

There are so many ways to enjoy the juicy, savory flavor of homegrown tomatoes this summer! We’ve put together this list of three delectable recipes to try with fresh tomatoes to capture the sweet and lively tastes of the season. Scrumptious Tomato and Ricotta Tarts, Creamy Tomato, Basil, and Parmesan Soup, and Easy Tomato, Basil, and Balsamic Pasta Salad are the perfect way to bring the season to your dinner table this summer. 

Image by Girl Versus Dough

Tomato & Ricotta Pizza

This hassle-free and tasty recipe will easily become a new favorite! There’s truly no better match for the colorful variety of garden-fresh tomatoes than creamy, buttery ricotta cheese. 

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 4-6 servings 

Image by Girl Versus Dough

Ingredients

• 1 roll of Athens Fillo Dough
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 1/4 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
• 1Tablespoon chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ½- 2 pounds of tomatoes, sliced to 1/4-inch thickness, add grape tomatoes sliced in half for a fun twist

Directions

1. Heat oven to 400 degrees and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Lay 1 sheet of fillo dough on parchment paper, brush lightly with olive oil, and top with another sheet of fillo dough. Brush the second layer lightly with oil and repeat this process until all of the dough sheets are stacked. 
3. In a medium bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, basil, chives, lemon zest, and salt and pepper to taste until well combined. 
4. Spread the mixture evenly on top of fillo dough, leaving a 1-inch border along all of the edges.
5. Place the sliced tomatoes on top and sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. 
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until dough reaches a golden crisp on the edges.
7. Let cool for a few minutes and garnish with chopped basil, chive, and salt and pepper if need be. Serve and enjoy! 

Image by Carlsbad Cravings

Creamy Tomato, Basil, & Parmesan Soup

Imagine, a warm summer’s evening complimented by a rich and velvety blend of fragrant tomato, basil, and parmesan soup. With this recipe, that fantasy can easily become reality! 

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: Less than 50 minutes

Yield: 6-8 servings

Image by Carlsbad Cravings

Ingredients

• 4 stalks celery, chopped 
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped 
• 1/2 large onion, peeled and quartered
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled
• 3 Tablespoons butter
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup flour
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 14 oz. cans of fire roasted diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 Tablespoon dried basil (if using fresh basil, ¼ cup) 
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (if using fresh oregano, 1 Tablespoon)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• ½ teaspoon black pepper 
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-2 cups milk, half and half, OR heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for garnish

Directions

1. Combine celery, carrots, onion, and garlic in a food processor until ingredients are finely minced. You can also mince all of the ingredients by hand if you want a more home-made feel or don’t have a food processor. 
2. In a large pot, melt the butter in your oil over medium heat. Once melted, turn heat to high and add the minced vegetables; saute for 4 minutes. 
3. Sprinkle in flour and continue to cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Then, gradually whisk the chicken broth, tomatoes, and seasoning into the pot. Add your bay leaf and bring to a simmer. Cover for 15 minutes or until carrots become tender. 
4. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk to blend. Stir in milk (or half and half, or heavy cream) and continue to simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. 
5. Add in any leftover chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. Remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. If you’re wanting a creamier soup, you can puree the soup in batches in a blender (remember to let smoke escape to prevent any explosions). 
7. Garnish with Parmesan and enjoy! 

Image by Feeding Your Fam

Easy Tomato, Basil, and Balsamic Pasta Salad

Quick and easy, the best way to make sure you have plenty of time and energy reserved to enjoy the amazing flavors summer has to offer. This recipe is perfect for anyone hoping to match their exciting summer festivities with delicious food! 

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: Less than 30 minutes

Yield: 10 servings

Image by Feeding Your Fam

Ingredients

Pasta

• 16 oz penne pasta
• 18 oz grape tomatoes, halved
• 8 oz mozzarella pearls
• 3 Tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

Balsamic Dressing 

• 2/3 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 teaspoon garlic, minced

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, prepare tomatoes and basil.
2. Drain pasta and rinse under cold water to cool down pasta. Toss pasta, tomatoes, basil and mozzarella
3. For the balsamic dressing, combine all of the ingredients and stir or shake in a jar with a lid for 2-3 minutes until combined and thickened.
4. Pour half of dressing over pasta salad and toss to coat. Add more dressing as needed until pasta is well covered.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Enjoying the garden-fresh flavors that summer has to offer is a breeze with recipes as good as these! Take some time to savor seasonal ingredients like homegrown tomatoes and connect with your friends and family this summer season over an unforgettable homemade meal! 

We hope you enjoy this article about Three Savory Tomato Recipes for Summer. If you tried incorporating these things into your regular routine, make sure to let us know! For more recipes, follow us on social media and make sure to check out our weekly blog posts where we share our new favorite recipes and must-know facts about food and living a healthy lifestyle! Check out the other meal options Mealfit provides such as our Weekly Specials, Individual Meals, and other Meals by the Pound.