Description
Easy Marinated Tomatoes combine fresh, juicy tomatoes with a creamy jalapeño sauce that delivers a perfect balance of spicy heat and cool creaminess. Ready in under 20 minutes, this vibrant and colorful appetizer or side dish is quick to prepare and elevates any meal with its zesty flavors and smooth, velvety texture. Ideal for casual lunches, dinner parties, or snacking, it features simple ingredients and minimal steps for maximum flavor impact.
Ingredients
Scale
Tomatoes
- 4 cups fresh ripe tomatoes, chopped into bite-sized chunks
Jalapeño Cream Sauce
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash the tomatoes thoroughly, then chop them into bite-sized chunks to ensure they soak up the marinade evenly.
- Make the Jalapeño Cream Sauce: Finely dice the jalapeño, removing seeds if you prefer less heat. Combine it with sour cream or Greek yogurt, minced garlic, a squeeze of lemon or lime juice, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Marinate the Tomatoes: Place the chopped tomatoes in a bowl and pour the jalapeño cream sauce over them. Gently fold to coat every piece without breaking them down too much.
- Let It Rest: Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. This step makes all the difference in flavor intensity.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley on top for a gorgeous finishing touch and a burst of freshness.
Notes
- Use the freshest tomatoes possible for optimal sweetness and texture.
- Adjust the heat by starting with half a jalapeño; add more to suit your spice preference.
- Gently toss to coat tomatoes without turning them mushy.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding.
- Taste and adjust lemon or lime juice to balance acidity and brightness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook / Marination
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: marinated tomatoes, jalapeño sauce, spicy tomatoes, creamy tomato appetizer, quick tomato salad, easy side dish