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Perfectly bite-size Marinated Tomatoes are seasoned with a combination of oil, vinegar, and spices along with just the right amount of sweetness.
I’ve always liked tomatoes, but these tomatoes are irresistible!

I’m feeling very Mary Poppins over here as I realize that just a spoonful of sugar has transformed my much-loved tomatoes into something altogether different!
I made these marinated tomatoes for the first time 11 years ago the day after Ree posted them. This recipe is adapted from and with thanks to Missy via The Pioneer Woman.
Marinated Tomatoes
I am sold on this flavor combination. I couldn’t stay out of them all afternoon as they were marinating on the counter and in the refrigerator.
I kept telling myself I needed to stir them to make sure they were marinating just right. Somehow that wound up in a taste or two each time. Consider yourself warned, these are addicting.

Marinated Tomatoes Recipe
- Place the halved tomatoes in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with sugar, salt, pepper, parsley, basil, and thyme. Add the oil, vinegar, and garlic.
- Toss well and then allow the tomatoes to marinate at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a few hours. The tomatoes will create their own amazing marinade as they rest.

These tomatoes are so delicious. I am already thinking about what I might do with the leftovers tomorrow. There is no way I’m letting all of these juices go to waste!
Updated to add that I now use these tomatoes to make this pasta and both of these salads.
Try marinated tomatoes on your next Grilled Cheese or Tortilla Pizza for a whole new flavor you’re certain to love.

Marinated Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds bite size tomatoes halved
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- freshly ground pepper to taste
- ¼ cup parsley chopped
- 10 basil leaves sliced very thinly
- ⅛ teaspoon ground thyme
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Instructions
- Place the halved tomatoes in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with sugar, salt, pepper, parsley, basil, and thyme. Add the oil, vinegar, and garlic.
- Toss well and then allow the tomatoes to marinate at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a few hours. The tomatoes will create their own amazing marinade as they rest.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
{originally published 7/20/11 – recipe notes and photos updated 6/1/22}














These tomatoes look great!
I love tomatoes too and you can always find them in my fridge. I just grilled the tomatoes yesterday with chicken and would like to try your recipe next time. Thanks for sharing 🙂
These tomatoes are delicious. I enjoyed them last night! The sugar cut the acidity in the tomatoes and the marinade, made them like a candy. Well, like candy to me anyway.
YUMMY!!!
Glad to know it's not just me, Donna! I actually thought "candy" when I was snacking on them all day long. How weird is that?
Mmmm tomatoes…. my fave!
The marinated tomatoes look amazing!
OH I AM SO MAKING THESE!! This weekend DONE! Getting my tomatoes on Friday!
—My dad cans his own Tomatoes. & His Italian sauce is the BEST in the Universe 🙂
I love tomatoes, too. Your heart shaped dish is so pretty!
Thanks for introducing yourself on my blog. I love your recipes – so easy!
I love tomatoes-and I love sugar and vinegar– so this sounds perfect for me. I can't wait to try them 🙂
I'm so gonna make this! I've been going salad crazy of late. This is perfect..
That sounds and looks absolutely delicious! I love all the ingredients, so I'm sure this would be hard for me to resist too! Thanks for stopping in. Beautiful photo, by the way!
Okay, this is going on my "must try" list!
I love fresh tomatoes! Can't wait to try this out! YUM!!
Those tomatoes look beautiful! I made a tomato salad that has feta in it that's out of this world….I know what you mean when you say you can't stop eating it!
I had pinned these earlier when I saw them. Waiting for fresh tomatoes!
So easy and so tasty! Thank you for the recipe 🙂
Made this salad was awesome. I change it some add cauliflower florets cut small, black olives, and diced sweet onions. Used Raw Honey in place of sugar. Then place whole mixture on a bed of baby green salad mix. Drizzled the marinate over the salad. My taste buds exploded. I’m thinking thai basil next time. Thanks for your awesome creation.
Hi Mary I’ve been making Ree Drummond’s Marinated Tomatoes and I just love it. We use for pasta and add blanched veggies- also a great salad dressing. Planning to make a big batch and giving them as part of my Xmas packages in December. You think it will last for a couple of weeks? What’s the shelf life of these Marinated tomatoes?
Thanks so much.
Cathy from the Philippines
Hi Cathy, unfortunately, there isn’t a shelf life for this recipe. I typically refrigerate them and eat within a day or two. I’m glad you like them so much!
Used in macaroni salad. Added some of the bounty from the garden, corn, peppers, squash, cucumbers and red onion. Outstanding. Wonderful with long marinate. Recommend!
That sounds fantastic, Brenda.