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This quick marinated tomato recipe is tasty, easy, and makes for a top-notch tangy tomato. I love these tomatoes in pasta salads, sandwiches, or even as a snack or side!

Marinated tomatoes in a bowl

Honestly, I don’t know why we don’t see marinated or pickled tomatoes on shelves here in the U.S. like we do in Eastern European countries. It’s definitely an item that is lacking! I love how they add so much flavor to any dish, plus they make such an easy appetizer or side dish.

This recipe for marinated tomatoes comes together incredibly fast. Even without the skins, they hold their shape beautifully (no more mushy tomatoes!) and they get rave reviews every single time I make them. Easy and tasty is exactly my kind of make-ahead side!

Quick Marinated Tomatoes Video

How To Make Quick Marinated Tomatoes

Simple, tasty, and healthy is how I describe these tangy tomatoes. This recipe requires minimal ingredients and the result is soon going to take up permanent real estate in your fridge!

  • Slice the tomatoes: First, take a sharp knife to the end of each tomato and slice it crosswise or in the shape of an “X”.
  • Soak the tomatoes: Next, place the tomatoes into a large bowl and cover them with boiled water. Allow them to soak for a few minutes, then drain the water out. (This hot water helps the skin peel off easier).
  • Peel and slice the tomatoes: Peel the skins off the tomatoes and cut the remaining tomato into fourths.
  • Marinate the tomatoes: Place the tomatoes into a bowl and mix in the dill and fresh garlic cloves. Next, whisk the two cups of cooled water (room temperature), ketchup, salt, and sugar together in a separate bowl. (Optionally, black pepper, too). Pour the marinade over the tomatoes and let them marinate for at least 24 hours in the refrigerator. Serve the marinated and seasoned tomatoes and enjoy!
Tomatoes in a bowl with boiled water
tomatoes, dill and garlic
tomatoes and herbs in a jar
Marinated tomatoes in a bowl

Tips for the Best Marinated Tomatoes

I love making these marinated tomatoes when I need a super quick, simple side for a meal tomorrow. Here are a few tips I’ve learned that’ll help you along your journey.

  • Any tomato variety works: What types of tomatoes are best? Honestly, any firm tomato will work for this recipe, but romas work the best. Cherry tomatoes can work well, too, but remember that you will have to peel each tomato before you marinate them. Depending on how long you want to spend peeling, choose wisely!
  • Opt for ripe tomatoes: While you don’t have to wait for tomato season to find vine fresh tomatoes, you will want to use the most ripe juicy tomatoes you can find for this recipe. They have the best, brightest flavor and the tomato juices are so good!
  • Swap in different fresh herbs: Feel free to substitute the dill with fresh basil, fresh parsley, or fresh chives.
  • Keep the tomato slices thick: Slice the tomatoes into thick slices or wedges so they don’t turn soggy and fall apart in the tomato marinade.
Marinated tomatoes in a jar

Serving Marinated Tomatoes

​These tangy tomatoes make for an awesome side dish to just about any protein. But, if you’re looking for more interesting ways to use them, here are a few of my favorite ways.

Storage Tips

FYI: These marinated tomatoes don’t have the same shelf life as pickled tomatoes. It is best to keep them in the refrigerator and consume within two weeks. Keep them in airtight canning jars for the best results.

Marinated tomatoes in a bowl

More Tomato Recipes

Recipe

Marinated tomatoes in a bowl

Quick Marinated Tomatoes

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Servings
8 servings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Resting Time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 18 minutes
Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin
This quick marinated tomato recipe is tasty, easy, and makes for a top-notch tangy tomato. I love these tomatoes in pasta salads, sandwiches, or even as a snack or side!

Ingredients

  • 4 lbs tomatoes
  • 1 cup dill diced
  • 4 garlic cloves diced
  • 2 cups boiled water cooled to room temperature + more boiled water for blanching tomatoes
  • 12 oz ketchup
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
US Units – Metric

Instructions

  • Slice the skins of the tomatoes crosswise. Next, place all of the tomatoes into a large bowl and cover them with boiled water. Allow them to soak in the water for 3 minutes. Drain out the water.
    Tomatoes in a bowl with boiled water
  • Peel the skins off the tomatoes and cut them into fourths.
    Tomatoes with a skin removed
  • Place the tomatoes into a bowl and mix in the dill and garlic.
    tomatoes and herbs in a jar
  • Whisk the 2 cups of cooled boiled water, ketchup, salt, and sugar together.
    marinating sauce in a measuring cup
  • Pour the marinade over the tomatoes and let them sit for at least 24 hours in the refrigerator. Serve the marinated tomatoes cold and right out of the fridge. Enjoy!
    Marinated tomatoes in a jar
Nutrition Facts
Quick Marinated Tomatoes
Amount Per Serving
Calories 99 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g5%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Sodium 1276mg53%
Potassium 721mg21%
Carbohydrates 22g7%
Fiber 3g12%
Sugar 17g19%
Protein 3g6%
Vitamin A 2561IU51%
Vitamin C 38mg46%
Calcium 47mg5%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Updated July 22, 2026

About Author

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Natalya founded Momsdish to demonstrate that placing a homemade meal on the table is not hard at all. Natalya makes cooking easier and approachable, by simplifying the ingredients, while still producing the same great taste.