12 Mediterranean Cherry Tomato Recipes

Cherry Tomatoes: The Little Gems of the Mediterranean Diet.

Cherry tomatoes, the bite-sized beauties of the tomato family, are a key staple of the Mediterranean diet. This way of eating, celebrated for its health benefits and delightful flavors, puts a significant focus on plant-based foods, and cherry tomatoes certainly shine in this respect. Whether tossed in a Greek salad, simmered in a hearty Italian pasta sauce, or simply enjoyed as a fresh, juicy snack, these vibrant fruits add color, flavor, and a whole host of nutritional benefits to the Mediterranean table.

The Nutritional Power of Cherry Tomatoes

Despite their small size, cherry tomatoes pack a substantial nutritional punch. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, providing about 20% of the daily recommended intake in a one-cup serving. This crucial vitamin is well-known for supporting immune function, but it also promotes healthy skin and aids in iron absorption.
Additionally, cherry tomatoes contain vitamin A, important for vision and immune health; vitamin K, critical for blood clotting and bone health; and potassium, which assists in maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Perhaps one of the most notable nutrients in cherry tomatoes is lycopene. This powerful antioxidant, responsible for their vibrant red color, has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Cherry Tomato Recipes in the Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes fresh, seasonal, and local produce, and cherry tomatoes fit the bill perfectly. Here are a few ways that cherry tomatoes are used in Mediterranean cuisine:
Salads: Cherry tomatoes are a staple in salads across the Mediterranean region. They add a burst of color and a sweet-tart flavor that pairs well with the tangy feta in Greek salads, the fresh mozzarella in Italian Caprese, or simply with cucumbers, onions, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing side dish.
Pasta dishes: Cherry tomatoes are often used in pasta sauces in the Mediterranean diet, particularly in the summer when they are at their peak. They can be lightly sautéed with garlic and olive oil for a simple pasta al pomodoro, or combined with olives, capers, and anchovies for a more robust puttanesca sauce.
Roasted or Grilled: Roasting or grilling cherry tomatoes concentrates their sweetness, making them a fantastic accompaniment to grilled fish, chicken, or as a topping for crusty bread.
Preserved: In many Mediterranean countries, preserving summer produce for the colder months is a common practice. Cherry tomatoes can be slow-roasted and preserved in olive oil, sun-dried for a concentrated flavor punch, or canned whole for a taste of summer in the depths of winter.

Incorporating cherry tomatoes into your diet is a delicious and nutritious way to embrace the Mediterranean way of eating. They provide a host of health benefits, enhance a variety of dishes, and represent the freshness and simplicity that the Mediterranean diet celebrates. So, the next time you’re at the market, consider picking up these little gems and exploring the flavors and health benefits they have to offer!

Here we have 12 of our favorite cherry tomato recipes from the Mediterranean. Cherry tomatoes are great as a snack or in a salad but what else?

In the late summer, cherry tomatoes have reached their peak ripeness in New England. These little guys deliver tons of vitamins, minerals and anti-inflammatory and disease preventing compounds like lycopene so when they are in season, I try to eat them as much as possible. At first, I snack on them profusely. Then, I mix them in with a Greek salad with my favorite feta cheese and local produce. But after awhile I go looking for Mediterranean recipes that use cherry tomatoes in a different way.

Below are 12 Mediterranean cherry tomato recipes that I absolutely love. My favorites are the grilled pork kabobs and cherry tomato sauce in a mason jar. We hope you enjoy!

Sicilian Pasta with Chicken, Cherry Tomatoes and Capers

Sicilian Pasta with Chicken, Cherry Tomatoes and Capers

Greek Chop Chop Salad

An authentic Greek salad – chop chop style.  Everything is chopped to a smaller size including the lettuce.  This creates an opportunity to get all the ingredients of the salad in each forkful which means you actually get more flavor in every bite.

Greek Chop Chop Salad

Pasta Alla Puttanesca

Pasta Alla Puttanesca

Nicoise Salad with Tuna, Potato and Egg

Nicoise Salad with Tuna, Potato and Egg

Chicken and Chickpea Salad with Fresh Basil Dressing

Chicken and Chickpea Salad with Fresh Basil Dressing

Grilled Pork Kabobs

Who doesn’t love some delicious grilled meat and vegetable kabobs? If you like grilling outside and enjoy tasty and healthy food made with high quality ingredients, this is the perfect recipe for you!

Grilled Pork Kabobs

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Garlic and Balsamic

When I roast cherry tomatoes I like to make a lot because I use them very quickly and on a daily basis.  They are amazing at breakfast in omelets or on avocado toast or even just by themselves on toast.

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Garlic and Balsamic

Ziti with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Eggplant

I love to cook, but I don’t always love to cook.  Sometimes, I want something yummy with the least amount of work possible.  This Ziti with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Eggplant is one of those recipes that tastes like you’ve worked on it more than you actually have.

Ziti with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes and Eggplant

Cherry Tomato Sauce made in a Mason Jar

All you need to make pureed cherry tomato sauce is a sheet pan and something that you can puree the sauce with!

Cherry Tomato Sauce Made in a Mason Jar

Mediterranean Fried Chicken with Asparagus and Tomatoes

The caramelized cherry tomatoes pair beautifully with the parmesan and bread crumbs that coats the chicken.  This chicken sheet pan dinner is so good that you might want to eat it all at once, but it is also really good the next day.

Mediterranean Fried Chicken with Asparagus and Tomatoes

Tomato Vinaigrette

This lovely tomato vinaigrette dish is excellent served at room temperature over crisp lettuce. It also makes a great topping for crunchy crusted sourdough bread. Just add a little smear of butter or a drizzle of olive oil and top with the tomato vinaigrette for a taste of summer.

Tomato Vinaigrette Recipe

Cherry Tomato Sauce and Bela Mushrooms on Pasta

Cherry Tomato Sauce and Bela Mushrooms on Pasta