Tantalizing Tomato Recipes: 10 Dishes to Celebrate Summer’s Most Versatile Ingredient

By PIATTO RECIPES

As the golden sun bathes the earth in warmth and the scent of blossoming flowers fills the air, there’s one star that rises to claim the culinary stage – the Tantalizing Tomato. Let’s embark on a tomato-laden adventure, exploring the myriad ways this plump, juicy gem can be the pièce de résistance of your summer dishes. Here are 10 of our favorite tomato recipes!

From the lush vine-ripened heirlooms to the sweet cherry and piccadilly, tomatoes in summer are at their prime! But what makes the tomato the crown jewel of summer? Its versatility knows no bounds. It’s the hero in the simple and rustic Italian Caprese salad and the zesty pop of freshness in a classic Panzanella bread salad. And of course, the tomato is the sweet canvas for so, so many classic Italian pasta dishes.

Yes, the tomato wears many hats, and it wears them well. So, roll up your sleeves and ready those cutting boards. Summer is calling, and the tomatoes are ripe for the picking!

#1 Spaghetti alla Puttanesca

Spaghetti alla Puttanesca Recipe: Authentic Italian!
A classic pasta dish from Naples, this traditional Spaghetti alla Puttanesca recipe is so satisfying and easy to whip up in minutes.
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#2 Baked Sea Bass with Cherry Tomatoes and Herbed Roasted Potatoes

Baked Sea Bass with Herbed Roasted Potatoes
A whole sea bass roasted with a blend of fresh Italian herbs, tomato and laid on a bed of crispy roasted potatoes. Substitute any type of sea bass (spigola or branzino). Seriously good eats from the Italian island of Sardinia (Sardegna)!
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#3 Panzanella

Italian Bread Salad Recipe: Panzanella
There are many variations of the famous Panzanella Bread Salad throughout Italy. This recipe is the perfect fresh spring or summer meal, with whole slices of sourdough bread and seasonal vegetables. So tasty!
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#4 Spaghetti with Mussels and Tomatoes

Italian Pasta with Mussels and Tomato Recipe
A classic Italian Spaghetti with Mussels and Tomato! An easy and economical seafood pasta recipe you can whip up in minutes.
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#5 Pan Roasted Tomatoes

Nonna’s Pan Roasted Tomatoes Recipe
Savor the vibrant and sun-kissed flavors of Italy with a classic dish that embodies the very essence of Mediterranean cuisine: Pan Roasted Tomatoes with Herbs. This recipe from PIATTO's Nonna Margherita is one of our favorite summer meals!
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#6 Sicilian Swordfish Pasta with Eggplant Tomato Sauce

Sicilian Swordfish Pasta with Eggplant Tomato Sauce
A gourmet swordfish dish popularized in Sicily! 'Fresh' is the ingredient that makes this dish so divine: Fresh swordfish, fresh sweet eggplant and tomato sauce made of fresh tomatoes. So healthy and so delicious! 
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#7 Pasta alla Norma

Sicilian Eggplant Pasta Sauce with Penne – Pasta alla Norma
This vegetarian pasta dish is a Sicilian classic. The sauce is made with tomatoes, fried eggplant and famously topped with salted ricotta—a hard ricotta cheese that can be grated and is available in most Italian or fine cheese shops.
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#8 Caprese Style Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce

Pasta with Fresh Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella and Basil
Fast and fresh tomato sauce for pasta—the Italian way! Fresh tomatoes, Parmigiano Reggiano and extra-virgin olive oil make this dish both delicious and nutritious. Fast, easy and perfect for a hot day.
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#9 Sicilian Caponata

Sicilian Eggplant Caponata Recipe
Caponata is a traditional Sicilian eggplant dish that is usually served as an appetizer. Here, we share with you a traditional Sicilian Eggplant Caponata recipe!
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#10 Italian Caprese Salad

Authentic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe
The charm of Insalata Caprese lies in its simplicity. The authentic Caprese Salad recipe calls for just a few key ingredients: ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt!
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About the author

Classic recipes from Italy and beyond. Traditional Italian Cooking and Mediterranean Diet recipes!

PIATTO™ Recipes bring traditional Italian food recipes to your table with our tested, step-by-step recipes and videos. You'll find the best Italian recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. Always tested, always delicious.

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