Sweet & Tangy Cherry Tomato Marinade Recipe
Cherry Tomato Marinade Perfect for Appetizers, Pasta, and Bread
Discover a simple and delicious cherry tomato marinade recipe you can easily make at home using fresh, seasonal cherry tomatoes. Its delightful sweet and tangy flavor is perfect on its own, or as a wonderful finger food or side dish. It pairs wonderfully with drinks, pasta, or bread, making it a versatile addition to any meal. Elevate your dining experience with this marinade that enhances the natural flavors of fresh ingredients!
Main Ingredients
- 30 cherry tomatoes
- 15g onion (about 1/4 small onion)
Marinade Sauce
- 5 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- Pinch of sugar (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt (adjust to taste)
- 5 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- Pinch of sugar (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt (adjust to taste)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, carefully remove the stems from all 30 cherry tomatoes. Removing the stems makes them easier to eat later and helps the marinade penetrate evenly.
Step 2
Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under running water. This step ensures they are clean and sanitized before peeling, making them more hygienic. You can gently scrub them with coarse salt or soak them in water with a few drops of vinegar before rinsing.
Step 3
Place the washed cherry tomatoes in a colander. Blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. You don’t need to score the tomatoes beforehand; the heat will cause the skins to loosen naturally, making them easy to peel.
Step 4
Immediately transfer the blanched cherry tomatoes to a bowl of ice-cold water. This rapid cooling helps to further loosen the skins for easy peeling. Gently pat them dry with paper towels or a clean cloth to remove excess moisture.
Step 5
Peel and finely mince the onion. It’s important to mince it very finely so it blends well into the marinade while still offering a slight texture. If you prefer, you can soak the minced onion in cold water briefly to reduce its pungent flavor, then squeeze out all the water.
Step 6
Now, let’s make the marinade sauce. In a bowl, combine 5 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Whisk them together until well combined. Start with this basic ratio, taste it, and add a pinch of sugar if you desire more sweetness. Finally, season with a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Your delicious marinade is ready!
Step 7
Add the prepared cherry tomatoes and minced onion to the sauce bowl. Gently toss everything together to coat the tomatoes and onions evenly with the marinade. Be careful not to crush the cherry tomatoes to maintain their shape.
Step 8
The cherry tomato marinade is delicious served immediately, but for an even richer flavor, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen. Enjoy it as a salad, appetizer, side dish, or however you like!
