There’s something about tomato season that feels like the heart of summer. When tomatoes are at their peak, they’re juicy, vibrant and full of flavor—the kind that need very little to turn them into something delicious. Whether picked up at the farmers market, grown in the garden or spotted overflowing at the grocery store, late-summer tomatoes deserve to be enjoyed while they’re at their best.
Over the years, tomatoes have found their way into so many of my favorite summer recipes—from fresh, colorful salads to simple Mediterranean-inspired meals, pastas and easy dinners. So for this edition of What’s in Season, I’m bringing together some of my favorite tomato recipes to make right now.
If you have a pile of ripe tomatoes sitting on your counter and need a little inspiration, these recipes are the perfect place to start.
Why Tomatoes Are So Good Right Now
Late summer is when tomatoes truly shine. At the height of the season, they’re naturally sweet, juicy and full of flavor, making August one of the best times to enjoy them in their simplest form.
This is also when farmers markets are overflowing with different varieties—from classic red tomatoes and colorful heirlooms to cherry and grape tomatoes. Each brings something a little different to the table, whether you’re slicing them into a salad, sautéing them into a simple dinner or enjoying them with little more than good olive oil and fresh herbs.
When tomatoes taste this good, you really don’t need to do much to them. A drizzle of good olive oil, fresh herbs, a little salt, or something creamy and salty like mozzarella or feta can be enough to let them shine.
How to Choose the Best Tomatoes
When shopping for fresh tomatoes, look for ones that feel heavy for their size and have smooth skin with rich, vibrant color. They should feel firm but have a slight give when gently pressed.
If you’re shopping at the farmers market, this is also the perfect time to try a variety you may not normally buy. Heirloom tomatoes can be especially fun during late summer because of their different colors, shapes and flavors.
The Best Way to Store Fresh Tomatoes
For the best flavor and texture, keep ripe tomatoes at room temperature rather than immediately putting them in the refrigerator.
If your tomatoes aren’t quite ripe yet, leave them on the counter and give them a little time. Once they’re perfectly ripe, try to use them within the next few days while their flavor and texture are at their best.
If a tomato becomes very ripe and you aren’t going to use it in time, refrigerating it can help extend its life. Let it come back toward room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
And now for the best part—let’s put those beautiful tomatoes to good use.
Mare’s Grilled Corn & Zucchini Salad
If summer could be served in a bowl, this might just be it. Sweet corn, fresh zucchini and juicy tomatoes come together with creamy mozzarella for a colorful salad that celebrates some of the season’s best produce.
This is exactly the kind of recipe I love making when farmers markets are overflowing with fresh vegetables. It’s simple, vibrant and lets those beautiful tomatoes shine alongside a few of their favorite seasonal companions.
https://inthekitchenwithmare.com/2023/05/26/mares-grilled-corn-and-zucchini-salad/
Dakos Salata ( Cretan Salad)
When tomatoes are at their peak, sometimes the simplest recipes are the best way to enjoy them. Juicy tomatoes are paired with crisp cucumber, briny olives and creamy feta for a fresh Mediterranean-inspired salad that’s full of color and flavor.
Finished simply with ingredients that complement rather than overpower the tomatoes, this is the kind of effortless salad that belongs on the table all summer long.
https://inthekitchenwithmare.com/2024/01/13/dakos-salata-cretan-salad/
Panzanella with Roasted Tomatoes and Olives
Juicy tomatoes meet peppery arugula, briny olives and crisp, golden croutons in this fresh and flavorful salad. I love the contrast of textures here—the tomatoes add that irresistible juiciness while the croutons bring plenty of crunch.
Light enough for a warm summer day but satisfying enough to serve alongside your favorite grilled meal, it’s an easy addition to the summer table.
https://inthekitchenwithmare.com/2023/07/29/panzanella-with-roasted-tomatoes-and-olives/
One Pan Chicken Lemon Couscous
Tomatoes aren’t just for salads—they can bring fresh flavor and beautiful color to an easy dinner, too. This chicken couscous pairs tender chicken with fluffy couscous and juicy tomatoes for a satisfying meal that still feels light enough for the warmer months.
It’s a great option when you want to turn those ripe tomatoes into something a little more substantial while keeping dinner simple, fresh and full of seasonal flavor.
https://inthekitchenwithmare.com/2025/04/28/one-pan-chicken-lemon-couscous/
Greek Spaghetti Toss
Fresh tomatoes are just as delicious when quickly sautéed, allowing them to soften and release some of their juices while still holding onto their fresh flavor. In this Mediterranean-inspired pasta, the tomatoes are sautéed alongside the other vegetables, then combined with tender artichokes, briny olives and creamy feta for a colorful dish packed with flavor.
It’s a delicious way to take ripe tomatoes beyond salads and turn them into a satisfying pasta dinner while still letting the season’s produce shine.
https://inthekitchenwithmare.com/2021/03/24/greek-spaghetti-toss/
Cannellini Bean Salad
For one more way to enjoy tomatoes, this Mediterranean-inspired combination brings together creamy white beans, tender artichokes, briny green olives and juicy tomatoes in a simple, flavorful dish.
I love how the tomatoes add freshness and a pop of color alongside the heartier beans and bold Mediterranean flavors. It’s an easy way to work ripe seasonal tomatoes into a satisfying dish while letting a handful of simple ingredients come together beautifully.
https://inthekitchenwithmare.com/2024/05/31/cannellini-bean-salad/
Make the Most of Tomato Season
Tomato season always seems to go by a little too quickly, which makes these late-summer weeks the perfect time to enjoy them every chance you get. Whether you’re tossing them into a fresh salad, adding them to an easy dinner or sautéing them into your favorite pasta, there are so many delicious ways to let ripe tomatoes shine.
I hope this collection inspires you to pick up a few extra tomatoes on your next farmers market trip and put them to good use while they’re at their best. And if you try one of these recipes, I’d love to know which one becomes your favorite!
Here’s to soaking up every last delicious bit of tomato season. 🍅
In the Kitchen with Mare 