Name: 10 Minute Tomato Dressing For Easy Summer Meals
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 large, ripe tomato; 1 small shallot; 2 tablespoons chopped Italian parsley; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 1/8 teaspoon Aleppo pepper; 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika; pinch of sugar, optional (see notes)

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Ingredients Equipment Instructions Nutrition

Tangy, smoky, slightly sweet- there’s something about this fresh and tangy tomato dressing that instantly makes a meal a little more special. It’s unique and delicious, and it has quickly become our go-to summer salad dressing. This is the recipe everyone will ask about!

My inspiration for this came from pan con tomate, a classic Spanish appetizer of grated tomato and grilled bread. I combined the grated tomatoes with good olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh herbs, and a few pantry staples. It’s a tomato vinaigrette bursting with fresh tomato flavor!

The best recipes are often the ones that let the ingredients shine. They aren’t fussy or complicated, and this simple salad dressing is exactly that. If you’ve ever wondered what to do with tomatoes, especially when they’re getting too ripe and need to be used, this recipe is the answer!

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Tomato season is here, and I’m already leaning into all my favorite fresh tomato recipes. With the exception of a good old-fashioned tomato sandwich, this deliciously tangy tomato dressing is my favorite way to use them. Why? Because once a tomato starts to go downhill, it needs to be used quickly, and this recipe takes less than 15 minutes to make!

And while technically it’s a dressing, don’t stop at salad. Spoon it over grilled chicken or fish, serve it with crusty bread, or use it as a sauce for wraps and sandwiches. It’s also dairy-free, making it perfect for outdoor dinner parties when you don’t want a heavy, dairy-based dressing.

Tangy Tomato Dressing Ingredients

I make this recipe constantly during the warmer months when tomatoes are at their peak. It’s addictive and packed with bright, fresh flavors perfect for easy summer meals. Swap the herbs, change the vinegar, add garlic, spice, or extra smokiness, and make it your own. As long as you start with good tomatoes and good olive oil, you really can’t go wrong.

Because this recipe is so simple, using high-quality ingredients, such as the juiciest, ripest summer tomatoes and good olive oil, is important.

Tomatoes. They do the heavy lifting in the recipe, and the variety you choose can make a big difference. See my tips below.
Shallot. They add a subtle sweetness and onion flavor. A small clove of fresh garlic would be a suitable substitute.
Red wine vinegar. A little acid helps to brighten up the flavors. Red wine vinegar is my go-to, but white wine vinegar would work well too. Sherry vinegar would be a good substitute without the harshness of white vinegar.
Extra-virgin olive oil. Use good-quality olive oil, not cooking olive oil. I also recommend tasting the olive oil on its own, as no two brands and varieties taste the same. The brand I used is herbaceous and peppery and perfect for this recipe.
Seasonings and herbs. The tiniest amount of Aleppo pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika adds depth of flavor and complexity to the dressing. Italian parsley gives the dressing a fresh, herbaceous kick. You can also use basil instead—or both!

What are The Best Types of Tomatoes to Use

Juicy heirloom tomatoes work beautifully here because they add natural sweetness and a range of flavor profiles, but cherry tomatoes are equally delicious and abundant in the summer!

I use Cherokee purple tomatoes, which have a slightly sweet and smoky flavor.
Beefsteak tomatoes work well because they are big, juicy, and have thick flesh.
Brandywines are sweeter and have an intense homegrown taste when fully ripe.
Plum tomatoes are meatier and firmer with fewer seeds – but less flavorful.
Carolina Gold tomatoes are mild, smooth, sweet and low in acid.

Hot Tip! Add Smoked Paprika

Cherokee purple tomatoes have a slightly sweet, earthy, subtle smoky flavor. A bit of smoked paprika brings out the smokiness and adds a warm, deep flavor that helps to balance the tomatoes’ acidity.

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Step by Step Instructions

The beauty of this dressing (other than its deliciousness) is that it’s ready to go in about 10 minutes!

Place a box grater inside a large bowl.
Grate the shallot on the small side of the grater.
Grate the tomatoes on the larger side of the grater.
Grate down to the skin. Discard the skins.
Add the seasonings, olive oil, vinegar, and parsley. Whisk well.
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
You can devour this immediately, but letting it hang out at room temperature for 15 minutes allows the flavors to develop.

When grating the tomatoes, use a flat hand and gently press the inside flesh against the grater. I highly recommend a box grater for this. Once you’ve set it in the bowl, the sturdy base will keep it in place so you can hold the top with one hand and grate the tomato with the other. I used this one with a rubber base, making it very stable

Serving Suggestions

This tomato dressing is bursting with flavor and delicious on everything from greens to seafood!

Drizzle it over delicate greens with parmesan for a simple, summery salad.
Serve it over grilled fish, shrimp, or chicken.
Spoon it into the bottom of a plate, then place seared scallops or fish on top.
It livens up roasted vegetables, omelets, or frittatas.
You could also use this as the sauce for a fresh pasta salad or panzanella salad (Italian bread salad).

Helpful Tips + Storage

This is best enjoyed the day it’s made, but can be refrigerated for up to two days.
Add vinegar a little at a time. It’s easier to add more than fix it once you’ve added too much.
If your tomatoes are acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
What to if you add too much of something? Add more grated tomato!
Add fresh basil and Italian parsley for an extra pop of bright, herby flavor!

If you’ve tried my tangy tomato dressing recipe or any recipe on my site, please leave a comment below!

10 Minute Tomato Dressing For Easy Summer Meals

Tangy, smoky, slightly sweet- this tomato dressing that instantly makes a meal a little more special. It’s unique and delicious, and the perfect salad dressing for quick and easy summer meals!