35 Healthy Tomato Recipes to Make with Your Garden Bounty (2024)

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35 Healthy Tomato Recipes to Make with Your Garden Bounty (1)Peggy Woodward, RDNUpdated: Jan. 11, 2024

    Whether you have a bumper crop from the garden or a bounty from the farmers market, these healthy tomato recipes will inspire tasty new ways to use summer's finest produce.

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    Spaghetti with Fresh Tomato Sauce

    When my mom made this spaghetti sauce, the house would smell so good that I’d open the windows to torture the neighbors. It even tastes wonderful the next day, when the flavors have really melded. —Vera Schulze, Holbrook, New York

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    2/33

    Taste of Home

    Cherry Tomato Salad

    Nutrition Facts
    3/4 cup: 103 calories, 10g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.

    This recipe evolved from a need to use the bumper crops of delicious cherry tomatoes we grow. It’s one of my favorite cherry tomato recipes, especially at cookouts. —Sally Sibley, St. Augustine, Florida

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    3/33

    Tomato Walnut Tilapia

    Nutrition Facts
    1 fillet: 202 calories, 10g fat (4g saturated fat), 67mg cholesterol, 251mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1/2 starch.

    Tomato, bread crumbs and crunchy walnuts dress up pan tilapia fillets in this favorite recipe. I serve it with cooked julienne carrots and green beans. —Phyl Broich-Wessling, Garner, Iowa

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    Triple Tomato Flatbread

    Nutrition Facts
    1 piece: 235 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 476mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.

    Tomatoes are the reason I have a vegetable garden, and I developed this recipe as a way to show off my plum, sun-dried and cherry tomatoes. It’s so easy, and will absolutely impress. —Rachel Kimbrow, Portland, Oregon

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    Taste of Home

    Italian Tomato Cucumber Salad

    Nutrition Facts
    1/2 cup: 93 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.

    This yummy medley of vegetables is a cool complement to zesty dishes like my fish, and also barbecued meats and poultry. —Florine Bruns, Fredericksburg, Texas

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    Taste of Home

    Nutrition Facts
    1 cup (calculated without rice): 261 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 191mg cholesterol, 502mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.

    Any recipe that is special enough for company but easy enough for a weeknight meal is a favorite in my book. All you need to finish off the meal is a side salad and crusty French bread to sop up the delicious tomato and wine juices. —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York

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    Tomato-Cucumber Mozzarella Salad

    Nutrition Facts
    3/4 cup: 160 calories, 14g fat (3g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 265mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 vegetable.

    I used fresh mozzarella for the first time last year and loved it. I wanted to incorporate it into as many dishes as possible and came up with this tomato cucumber basil salad. It has quickly become a mainstay at my house. —Jennifer Klann, Corbett, Oregon

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    Veggie-Stuffed Tomatoes

    Nutrition Facts
    1 tomato: 182 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 234mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 6g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.

    This recipe is my wife’s favorite, she loves when I cook it for her. The tasty, meatless stuffing is perfect for a side dish, but it’s also filling enough for a whole meal. — Scott Szekretar, Islip, New York

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    10/33

    Taste of Home

    Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Tomatoes

    Nutrition Facts
    1 chicken breast half with 1/2 cup tomatoes and 1-1/2 teaspoons glaze: 306 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 384mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 5 lean meat, 1-1/2 fat, 1 starch.

    This entree is a fantastic way to savor fresh tomatoes, especially during the warm summer months. It’s quite simple, but the sweet, tangy tomato glaze is so good. —Karen Gehrig, Concord, North Carolina

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    Fire and Ice Tomatoes

    Nutrition Facts
    3/4 cup: 72 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.

    You won’t miss the salt in this refreshing tomato salad! It’s well-seasoned with cayenne pepper, mustard seed and vinegar but not the least bit spicy. This dish is always a hit at potlucks. —Nan Rickey, Yuma, Arizona

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    TMB studio

    Tomato-Orange Soup

    Nutrition Facts
    1 cup: 160 calories, 7g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 419mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1-1/2 fat, 1/2 starch.

    Who knew orange and tomato were such a good pair? Whenever I serve this, I keep the recipe handy for requests. —Barbara Wood, St. John’s, Newfoundland

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    13/33

    Tomato-Melon Chicken Salad

    Nutrition Facts
    1 serving: 266 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 4g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 vegetable, 2 fat.

    Nothing says summer like picking watermelon, tomatoes and raspberries, then tossing them together in a salad. The addition of grilled chicken makes it a satisfying yet still summery meal. —Betsy Hite, Wilton, California

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    Taste of Home

    Orzo-Tuna Salad with Tomatoes

    Nutrition Facts
    1 serving: 392 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.

    Stuffed tomatoes provide endless options when you add meat, cheese, rice, veggies – or in this case, orzo. — Jenni Dise, Phoenix, Arizona

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    Nutrition Facts
    1 fillet with 1/4 cup tomato mixture and 1 tablespoon bacon: 178 calories, 6g fat (2g saturated fat), 64mg cholesterol, 485mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1 vegetable.

    Let’s face it, everything really is better with bacon. I fry it, add cod fillets to the pan and finish it all with a big, tomato-y pop. —Maureen McClanahan, St. Louis, Missouri

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    Easy Tomato Avocado Salad

    Nutrition Facts
    1 cup: 173 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 163mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 vegetable.

    I came up with this recipe one day when avocados were on sale at the market. It’s a nice change from a lettuce salad, plus it’s quick to make.

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    Sliced Tomato Salad

    Nutrition Facts
    1 serving: 94 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 159mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 fat.

    I got this recipe from my grandmother. It’s a perfect platter to serve with burgers or hot sandwiches. —Kendal Tangedal, Plentywood, Montana

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    Taste of Home

    Four-Tomato Salsa

    Nutrition Facts
    1/4 cup: 15 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 62mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 free food.

    The variety of tomatoes, onions and peppers makes this chunky salsa so good. Whenever I try to take a batch to a get-together, it’s hard to keep my family from finishing it off first! It’s a super snack with tortilla chips or as a relish with meat. —Connie Siese, Wayne, Michigan

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    Nutrition Facts
    1 sandwich: 278 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 379mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 9g fiber), 11g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.

    I’m a vegetarian, and this is a tasty, quick and healthy lunch I could eat for every meal. At my house, we call these sandwiches HATS: hummus, avocado, tomato and shallots. These are ingredients I almost always have on hand. —Sarah Jaraha, Moorestown, New Jersey

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    20/33

    Taste of Home

    Black-Eyed Pea Tomato Salad

    Nutrition Facts
    3/4 cup: 242 calories, 11g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 5g fiber), 9g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 2 fat.

    Spending time in the kitchen with my late aunt was so much fun because she was an amazing cook and teacher. This black-eyed pea salad was one of her specialties. It’s easy to make and is a nice alternative to pasta or potato salad. Add cooked cubed chicken breast to make it a meal on its own. —Patricia Ness, La Mesa, California

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    Oven-Dried Tomatoes

    Nutrition Facts
    4 tomato halves: 147 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 302mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 vegetable.

    We owned an organic greenhouse and business that included classes. I had 100 tomato varieties to work with, so I started oven-drying them and taught my students, too. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

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    Israeli Pepper Tomato Salad

    Nutrition Facts
    1 cup: 64 calories, 3g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 143mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1/2 fat.

    This Israeli salad, which is traditionally eaten at breakfast, lends itself to endless variety…you can add foods like olives, beets or potatoes. —Sandy Long, Lees Summit, Missouri

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    23/33

    Baked Chicken with Bacon-Tomato Relish

    Nutrition Facts
    2 chicken tenders with 1/4 cup relish: 326 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 95mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 starch.

    We eat a lot of chicken for dinner, so I’m always trying to do something a little different with it. My children love the crispiness of this chicken, and my husband and I love the flavorful relish—you can’t go wrong with bacon! —Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, Utah

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    24/33

    Taste of Home

    Stewed Zucchini and Tomatoes

    Nutrition Facts
    3/4 cup: 126 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 678mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat, 1/2 starch.

    Zucchini, tomatoes and green peppers star in this make-ahead dish that offers a fresh take on traditional vegetable sides. Bubbly cheddar cheese adds a down-home feel. —Barbara Smith, Salem, Oregon

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    Taste of Home

    Tasty Marinated Tomatoes

    Nutrition Facts
    about 2 pieces: 93 calories, 9g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 vegetable.

    My niece introduced me to this colorful recipe some time ago. I make it when I have buffets or large gatherings because it can be prepared hours ahead. This is a wonderful way to use a bumper crop of tomatoes. —Myrtle Matthews, Marietta, Georgia

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    Taste of Home

    Oven-Fried Green Tomato BLT

    Nutrition Facts
    1 sandwich: 313 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 55mg cholesterol, 744mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 2 high-fat meat, 1 fat.

    For years I have used this same idea to cook eggplant slices, and recently I decided to try it on green tomatoes. It worked! Now my family loves them in BLTs. —Jolene Martinelli, Fremont, New Hampshire

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    Taste of Home

    Nutrition Facts
    1/4 cup: 71 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 380mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.

    Eat these roasted veggies with a crunchy baguette or a couple of cheeses. You can also double, or triple, the amounts and have leftovers to toss with spaghetti the next day. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California

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    Taste of Home

    Strawberry Tomato Salsa

    Nutrition Facts
    1/4 cup: 41 calories, 4g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 53mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.

    Here’s a sweet and tangy salsa that’s miles away from the spicy version people expect. Serve it as an appetizer with tortilla chips for scooping, or make it part of the main event and spoon it over chicken or pork. —Amy Hinkle, Topeka, Kansas

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    Taste of Home

    Turkey Medallions with Tomato Salad

    Nutrition Facts
    1 serving: 351 calories, 21g fat (3g saturated fat), 68mg cholesterol, 458mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.

    This is a quick-to-cook meal using turkey medallions with a crisp coating. The turkey is enhanced by the bright flavor of a simple tomato salad. —Gilda Lester, Millsboro, Delaware

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    Nutrition Facts
    1 cup: 162 calories, 14g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 449mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 1 vegetable.

    I came up with this garden-fresh salad to showcase the heirloom tomatoes and peppers we raised for our stall at the farmers market. Try out other types of basil like lemon, lime, licorice and cinnamon. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

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    Grilled Chicken Guacamole with Cherry Tomatoes

    Nutrition Facts
    1/4 cup: 142 calories, 11g fat (2g saturated fat), 12mg cholesterol, 177mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein.

    Watching your carb intake? Then you’ve got to try this grilled chicken guacamole. Simple ingredients turn a snack into a gourmet meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    Dill Garden Salad

    Nutrition Facts
    1 cup: 75 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 3mg cholesterol, 260mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 1 fat.

    I love to cut up whatever fresh vegetables I have on hand and toss them with this delicious dressing and fresh dill. This salad shows up on our table regularly during the summer. —Bethany Martin, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania

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    Originally Published: August 05, 2021

    35 Healthy Tomato Recipes to Make with Your Garden Bounty (32)

    Peggy Woodward, RDN

    Peggy is a Senior Food Editor for Taste of Home. In addition to curating recipes, she writes articles, develops recipes and is our in-house nutrition expert. She studied dietetics at the University of Illinois and completed post-graduate studies at the Medical University of South Carolina to become a registered dietitian nutritionist. Peggy has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. She’s a mom, a foodie and enjoys being active in her rural Wisconsin community.

    35 Healthy Tomato Recipes to Make with Your Garden Bounty (2024)

    FAQs

    What can I do with a large tomato crop? ›

    If you have a huge glut of tomatoes to use up, slowly dehydrate them in a low oven so they're gummy, gnarly and full of intense flavour. Then transfer to jars, cover with oil and keep to use in pasta dishes, salads, or as part of an antipasti spread.

    Can I freeze fresh tomatoes whole? ›

    Tomatoes may be frozen raw or cooked, whole, sliced, chopped, or puréed. Tomatoes do not need to be blanched before freezing. Frozen tomatoes are best used in cooked foods such as soups, sauces and stews as they become mushy when they're thawed.

    What happens if you freeze fresh tomatoes? ›

    Tomatoes will last in the freezer for about six months. After that, they start to lose their flavor and might become freezer burnt. When you're ready to use your frozen tomatoes, just let them thaw at room temperature. Once they've defrosted, the skins peel right off!

    Do tomatoes last longer in the fridge or on the counter? ›

    Ripe Tomatoes

    And unless you're eating them immediately, ripe, locally grown tomatoes will also last longer in the fridge; eat within a few days. Store ripe tomatoes in your fridge stress-free and enjoy them within a couple days of purchasing.

    Why should you not keep tomatoes in the fridge? ›

    The Short Answer: Don't Refrigerate Tomatoes

    The standard rule is to keep tomatoes out of the refrigerator. It all comes down to science: Tomatoes contain an enzyme that reacts to cold temperatures, causing the cell membranes to break down and leaving you with a piece of fruit that's mushy and mealy.

    What happens if you don't wash tomatoes before eating? ›

    There are two significant risks of not washing fruits and vegetables: pesticides and bacterial contamination. Foods such as tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, and cantaloupe are more prone to containing foodborne bacteria that cause illness. Produce is constantly exposed to external elements that transmit bacteria.

    How many pounds of tomatoes will one plant produce? ›

    It is a perennial but is usually grown outdoors in temperate climates as an annual. Tomatoes are the most common and beloved vegetable crop for home gardeners. They require relatively little space and can yield 10 to 15 pounds or more of fruit per plant.

    How long do tomatoes last in the fridge? ›

    Refrigerate any unconsumed fully ripe tomatoes, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving them. (To speed up this process, slice them while still cold—slices will warm up much more quickly than an intact fruit.) One study we've read suggests that refrigerating for no longer than three days is optimal.

    Can you crush fresh tomatoes and freeze them? ›

    Crush the tomatoes by hand or in a food processor or blender, depending on the consistency you're going for. Add the crushed tomatoes to an airtight, freezer-safe container, and transfer it to the freezer.

    Can you cut big branches off tomato plants? ›

    Determinate tomatoes need no pruning other than removing all suckers below the first flower cluster because pruning won't affect their fruit size or plant vigor. If you do any pruning at all above the first flower cluster on determinate tomatoes, you'll only be throwing away potential fruit.

    What do you crop after tomato rotation? ›

    Good vegetables to rotate in after tomatoes include beans and peas because they naturally fortify soils with nitrogen, and greens, because they are not too demanding.

    How do you preserve fresh grown tomatoes? ›

    Tomatoes can be frozen raw or blanched first. Freeze tomatoes by washing them, scoring them, and blanching them in boiling water. Place the tomatoes on a cookie sheet in the freezer until completely frozen—typically a few hours. Then store the flash-frozen tomatoes in freezer bags or air-tight freezer containers.

    How do you store fresh tomatoes long term? ›

    Freezing tomatoes is the easiest way to keep ripe tomatoes until you're ready to use them. You don't have to peel them first—in fact, the act of freezing them itself makes the tomatoes insanely easy to peel! —and you can freeze as many or as few at a time as you like.

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