Easy Recipes To Use Up Tomatoes Fresh From Your Garden
If you’re swimming in tomatoes, this list of recipes to use up tomatoes is just what you need! Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick appetizer or a hearty dinner, these dishes will help you make the most of your bountiful harvest and ensure nothing goes to waste.
Growing tomatoes is one of my favorite parts of summer gardening.
Fresh garden tomatoes taste so much better than anything you can buy at the store.
But let’s be honest, when those plants start producing, they really go all out!
And you might be wondering what to make with them that will honor their fresh, homegrown flavor.
That’s why I’ve put together a list of my favorite recipes to use up tomatoes.
So whether you’re looking for a quick family dinner or something a bit more special to share with friends, these fresh garden tomato recipes are just what you’re looking for.
Pico de Gallo is a fresh and flavorful dip that’s perfect with chips or as a topping for your favorite dishes.
And since it is all about tomatoes, it truly shines when made with fresh, garden-ripe ones.
The perfect way to use up a bunch of them!
This 4 ingredient Caprese salad is a must-try for anyone looking to use up tomatoes in a simple yet delicious way.
Whether you choose grape, cherry, or regular garden tomatoes, this salad pairs them with pesto, mozzarella, and a touch of seasoning to create a dish that’s perfect for any summer dinner.
Even better? It’s incredibly easy to prepare, can be made ahead of time, and is always a hit.
This mixed bean salad is a vibrant, nutritious recipe that combines a variety of beans with tomatoes and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
Which creates a refreshing summer salad that not only looks pretty but also tastes fantastic.
This rotini pasta recipe is a delightful twist on the classic shrimp scampi, incorporating fresh garden tomatoes and lemon to create a perfect pasta dish.
It’s a light yet satisfying meal that works for any dining occasion, whether it’s a relaxed weeknight dinner or a more festive gathering with friends.
This spaghetti sauce recipe is the ultimate solution for using up a lot of tomatoes.
It’s a one-pot spaghetti tomato and meat sauce that not only simplifies cooking and cleanup but also makes a generous amount.
I like to freeze at least half of it and reheat for a quick, easy meal later.
Tomato and herb broccoli is a quick and tasty side dish that combines broccoli with tomatoes and a mix of spices which taste a lot like bruschetta.
It’s so good that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy their greens!
And only takes 10 minutes to prepare.
Or for another take on that classic topping, try this Bruschetta pasta salad.
It turns those same fresh Italian flavors into a hearty side dish that’s easy to make ahead and even better after it’s had time to chill in the refrigerator.
Greek Tilapia is a wonderfully simple yet flavorful dish that makes the most of fresh tomatoes to enhance a typically mild fish.
This oven-baked recipe layers tilapia with a rich tomato-based topping, kalamata olives, and feta cheese, transforming it into a Mediterranean-style meal.
And if tilapia isn’t your fish of choice, you can substitute another white fish such as halibut or red snapper.
This pasta dish perfectly marries garden fresh tomatoes with tender chicken and rich pesto sauce for a delicious meal.
This combination not only makes for a satisfying summer meal but is also incredibly simple to prepare.
And an easy way to use up all those tomatoes!
Fresh diced tomatoes add color, flavor, and a juicy bite to this easy 7-layer dip.
Since it’s quick to assemble and can be made ahead of time, it’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for parties, game day, and summer get-togethers.
Have comments or questions about our recipes to use up tomatoes? Tell us in the section below.
This post was originally published on October 8, 2015 but was updated with new content on July 30, 2026.