You’ve got a counter full of ripe tomatoes—and zero idea what to do next. Whether you’re picking from the garden or grabbing summer’s best at the farmers’ market, these recipes are exactly what August calls for. Think juicy Caprese bruschetta, smoky tomato salsa for canning, and even a retro tomato cake (yes, really). From chilled salads to cheesy casseroles, these tomato dishes bring bold flavor, simple prep, and serious summer vibes. Trust me—you’ll want them all.

Step-by-Step Guide to Canning Whole Garden Tomatoes

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Step-by-Step Guide to Canning Whole Garden Tomatoes. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Canning whole tomatoes is a simple, rewarding way to enjoy garden-fresh flavor year-round. Whether using water bath or pressure methods, this guide makes pantry prep feel like a breeze.
Get the Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide to Canning Whole Garden Tomatoes

Summer Tomato Herb Salad

cherry salad with vinaigrette
Summer Tomato Herb Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This refreshing salad showcases vibrant cherry and heirloom tomatoes tossed with fresh basil, oregano, and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s a quick, garden-to-table side dish ideal for warm evenings, backyard meals, or peak tomato season. A sprinkle of sea salt brings out its naturally bold flavors.
Get the Recipe: Summer Tomato Herb Salad

Zesty Chunky Salsa Fresca

A bowl of fresh pico de gallo, featuring diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapeños, is placed on a teal cloth. The vibrant red tomatoes are prominent, and a small wooden spoon with a portion of the mixture, along with a side dish of cilantro, are visible nearby.
Zesty Chunky Salsa Fresca. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This fresh, no-cook salsa combines ripe tomatoes, jalapeños, onion, and cilantro for a bright and zesty kick. Perfect as a dip or taco topping, it’s a fast and delicious way to use up summer tomatoes with a burst of flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Chunky Salsa Fresca

Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa for Canning

Two glass jars of homemade salsa with metal lids sit on a countertop. In the background, there is a white colander filled with fresh tomatoes and herbs. The salsa appears chunky with visible pieces of tomatoes and herbs mixed in.
Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa for Canning. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Sweet, smoky, and full of depth, this roasted cherry tomato salsa is made for preserving. With its bold, tangy profile and rich texture, it’s a flavorful way to capture summer in a jar for future taco nights or snack cravings.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Cherry Tomato Salsa for Canning

Smoky Green Tomato Canning Salsa

Two jars filled with green sauce are sealed with metal lids. Fresh green tomatoes are cut into wedges and placed around the jars, alongside sprigs of cilantro, all arranged on a wooden surface with a white background.
Smoky Green Tomato Canning Salsa. Image Credit: Intentional Hospitality

This smoky green tomato salsa blends tangy tomatoes with spices and subtle heat for a bold, complex flavor. Designed for canning, it’s a smart way to preserve garden freshness and add zing to chips, tacos, or grilled meats year-round.
Get The Recipe: Smoky Green Tomato Canning Salsa

Southern Baked Green Tomato Casserole with Cheese

Southern Baked Green Tomato Casserole with Cheese. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Green tomato casserole is a creamy Southern classic with a tangy twist, layered with onion, seasoned cheese, and topped with buttery crackers. Baked until golden, it’s a nostalgic, crowd-friendly dish perfect for gatherings or potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Southern Baked Green Tomato Casserole with Cheese

Crunchy Air Fryer Green Tomatoes with a Southern Twist

Crunchy Air Fryer Green Tomatoes with a Southern Twist. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Air fryer fried green tomatoes offer all the Southern crunch without the oil, using panko and Parmesan to deliver a crispy bite in just 20 minutes. This quick, golden appetizer is ideal for busy weeknights or laid-back get-togethers.
Get the Recipe: Crunchy Air Fryer Green Tomatoes with a Southern Twist

Homemade Roasted Red Pepper Dip for Spreading or Storing

Homemade Roasted Red Pepper Dip for Spreading or Storing. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Roasted red pepper spread is a bold, smoky-sweet blend of tomatoes, garlic, and peppers, perfect as a dip, sandwich spread, or pasta toss. Its versatility and ease make it ideal for preserving, gifting, or last-minute entertaining.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Roasted Red Pepper Dip for Spreading or Storing

Quick & Crispy Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

Quick & Crispy Southern Fried Green Tomatoes. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Southern fried green tomatoes are a golden, cornmeal-crusted treat with a tangy bite, ready in just 15 minutes. This quick appetizer is a comforting nod to tradition, perfect for potlucks or casual Southern fare.
Get the Recipe: Quick & Crispy Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

Zesty Chilled Shrimp and Tomato Appetizer

Zesty Chilled Shrimp and Tomato Appetizer. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Shrimp salsa is a refreshing, zesty appetizer that pairs tender shrimp with juicy tomatoes and bright lime. Perfect served chilled, it’s a crowd-pleaser for casual gatherings or summer nights.
Get the Recipe: Zesty Chilled Shrimp and Tomato Appetizer

Stewed Tomatoes

Stewed Tomatoes. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Homemade stewed tomatoes with bread is a comforting, old-fashioned side dish that adds warmth to any dinner table. Simple and satisfying, it’s a timeless favorite.
Get the Recipe: Stewed Tomatoes

Spaghetti Warehouse Caprese Bruschetta

Spaghetti Warehouse Caprese Bruschetta. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

This easy yet elegant appetizer features toasted baguette topped with creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil, all finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a perfect bite.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Warehouse Caprese Bruschetta

Chicken Cutlet Sandwich

Chicken Cutlet Sandwich. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

This chicken cutlet sandwich brings together crispy, juicy chicken with zesty pesto, melted provolone, and fresh tomatoes for a flavor-packed meal that works for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Cutlet Sandwich

Burrata Caprese with Peaches

Burrata Caprese with Peaches. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

Burrata Caprese with Peaches is a refreshing summer twist on a classic, combining sweet peaches, ripe tomatoes, creamy burrata, and pistachios with a drizzle of basil vinaigrette.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Caprese with Peaches

Tomatoes Provencal (Tomates à la Provençale)

Tomatoes Provencal (Tomates à la Provençale). Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

Tomatoes Provençal are a light yet flavorful side dish, featuring baked tomatoes filled with herbed breadcrumbs for a savory, golden finish that highlights summer produce.
Get the Recipe: Tomatoes Provencal (Tomates à la Provençale)

Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Eggplant Tomato Stacks. Photo credit: An Immigrant’s Table.

These grilled eggplant and tomato stacks are a vibrant, elegant side dish layered with summer flavors, finished with a touch of balsamic glaze and fresh basil for added brightness.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Tomato Stacks

Garlic Tomato Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

Garlic Tomato Shrimp Scampi Without Wine. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

This garlic tomato shrimp scampi skips the wine and delivers bold, fresh flavor with pasta, making it a family-friendly seafood dinner. Pappardelle adds a hearty touch to this easy weeknight meal.
Get the Recipe: Garlic Tomato Shrimp Scampi Without Wine

How to Make Tomato Paste

How to Make Tomato Paste. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Once you learn how to make tomato paste from scratch, you’ll never go back—rich, sweet, and tangy, it elevates any sauce or stew. It’s a flavorful way to preserve tomatoes at their peak.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Tomato Paste

Easy Pesto Rosso – Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

Easy Pesto Rosso – Sun Dried Tomato Pesto. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Pesto rosso, or sun-dried tomato pesto, is a rich, vibrant alternative to traditional green pesto. This versatile sauce adds depth to pasta, sandwiches, or grilled meats in minutes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pesto Rosso – Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto

Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Burrata with tomatoes and pesto is a fresh, creamy appetizer or side dish that screams summer. Serve it with grilled meats or on its own for a light, elegant meal.
Get the Recipe: Burrata with Tomatoes and Pesto

Tomato Chips

Tomato Chips. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Tomato chips are a clever, microwave-made snack that’s surprisingly delicious and easy to prepare. A fun way to turn fresh tomatoes into a crisp, guilt-free treat.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Chips

Stewed Okra & Tomatoes

Stewed Okra & Tomatoes. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Stewed okra and tomatoes gets a fresh update in this simplified Southern side, using just a few ingredients for a light, nostalgic dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Stewed Okra & Tomatoes

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Sun-dried tomato pasta is a quick, meatless dish with creamy sauce, rigatoni, parmesan, and spinach. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful option for a satisfying midweek meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta

Goat Cheese Tomato Sausage Tart

Goat Cheese Tomato Sausage Tart. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This goat cheese tomato sausage tart is a savory showstopper, perfect as a starter or a light entrée with wine. Its flaky crust and bold flavors make it a standout dish.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese Tomato Sausage Tart

Tomato Pie

Tomato Pie. Photo credit: The Kitchen Magpie.

This savory tomato pie is a cheesy, veggie-packed meal that works beautifully for lunch or a light dinner. With a flaky crust and rich filling, it’s a delicious way to enjoy fresh produce.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Pie

Fresh Tomato Salad

Fresh Tomato Salad. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

This vibrant tomato mozzarella salad combines juicy tomatoes, creamy cheese, and zesty dressing for a simple yet satisfying side. It’s a perfect summer addition to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Fresh Tomato Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad with Pesto

Cucumber Tomato Salad with Pesto. Photo credit: Stetted.

Cucumber tomato salad with pesto is a refreshing, no-cook summer side that brings bright flavors and herby freshness to your table. Ideal for cookouts or quick weeknight meals.
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad with Pesto

Tomato Cake

Tomato Cake. Photo credit: Stetted.

This modern tomato cake recipe uses fresh tomatoes for a clever spin on a vintage dessert. It’s a moist, subtly sweet treat that’s both unexpected and nostalgic.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Cake

Tomato Confit

Tomato Confit. Photo credit: Stetted.

Tomato confit is a slow-roasted treat where fresh summer tomatoes are gently cooked in olive oil and garlic until rich, tender, and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for spooning over pasta, spreading on toast, or pairing with cheese.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Confit

Tomates Farcies (Baked Stuffed Tomatoes)

Tomates Farcies (Baked Stuffed Tomatoes). Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

Tomates Farcies is a rustic French classic where juicy summer tomatoes are filled with a savory mix of sausage, ground beef, and herbs, then baked to perfection. It’s a hearty, flavor-packed dish that brings countryside comfort to your table.
Get the Recipe: Tomates Farcies (Baked Stuffed Tomatoes)

39 Easy Crockpot Recipes That Practically Cook Themselves

German goulash cooked in a crock pot over egg noodles
39 Easy Crockpot Recipes. Image credit: Intentional Hospitality.

Some nights, you just don’t have the time (or energy) to cook—thankfully, that’s where your trusty crockpot comes in! With just a little prep, you can toss in the ingredients, set it, and forget it while your meal practically cooks itself. This roundup is packed with effortless, flavorful dishes perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even entertaining guests. From comforting soups to crowd-pleasing classics like BBQ meatballs and shredded salsa chicken, there’s something for everyone. Scroll through and find your next go-to crockpot favorite! Get All The Recipes: 39 Easy Crockpot Recipes That Practically Cook Themselves