25 Tomato Recipes That Are Not Salad but Still Summer Perfect
Tomatoes deserve more than another sad salad bowl, so these tomato recipes that are not salad give you real reasons to keep the kitchen busy this summer. Think hot days, cool drinks, and something impressive on the table without pretending raw greens are enough. No apologies here—this is about showing off what tomatoes can actually do when you treat them right. Save the limp lettuce for someone else and embrace big flavors that actually feel like a meal. It’s summer, and you deserve recipes that don’t play it safe.
Slow Cooker Sausage Tortellini Soup – Set and Forget Comfort in a Bowl
Let your slow cooker handle dinner with this hearty tortellini soup. Packed with Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a creamy tomato broth, it’s an easy meal for busy days. Just set it in the morning and enjoy a warm, flavorful bowl by dinner. Great with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Sausage Tortellini Soup – Set and Forget Comfort in a Bowl
Creamy Burrata Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes
This pasta dish feels extra special thanks to creamy burrata that melts right into the sauce. Blistered cherry tomatoes and fresh basil bring a touch of sweetness. Perfect for nights when you want something simple yet impressive. Serve with warm bread to scoop up every bit.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Burrata Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo with Sun-dried Tomatoes
Shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach come together in this rich one-pot meal. The orzo cooks right in the creamy sauce, making it easy to serve. It’s a restaurant-style dinner that’s ready without much effort. Garnish with Parmesan for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Orzo with Sun-dried Tomatoes
Creamy Tomato and Mascarpone Cheese Risotto
This risotto delivers a creamy texture from mascarpone with plenty of tomato flavor. Sun-dried and tinned tomatoes work together for depth without extra fuss. It’s one of those tomato recipes that are not salad but still feels light. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato and Mascarpone Cheese Risotto
Baked Cod with Tomato Sauce and Capers
Tender cod bakes in a savory tomato sauce with capers, lemon, and herbs. The result is a bright, fresh dinner that comes together quickly. You’ll love how the sauce keeps the fish moist without any complicated steps. Serve with rice or crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Baked Cod with Tomato Sauce and Capers
Roasted Tomato and Corn Soup
This comforting soup highlights the sweetness of roasted tomatoes and corn. Blending them with broth creates a smooth texture that’s great for cool evenings. It’s a perfect way to enjoy seasonal produce in a cozy meal. Add a swirl of cream for extra richness.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Tomato and Corn Soup
Tomato Galette
This rustic galette has a buttery crust filled with creamy garlic cheese and fresh tomatoes. It’s an easy option for lunch or dinner that feels homemade without being tricky. Each slice delivers simple flavors that shine. Great for sharing with friends or family.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Galette
Tomato Kibbeh
Tomato Kibbeh uses fresh ingredients for a bold yet simple side dish. No cooking required, just mixing and shaping for quick prep. It’s one of those tomato recipes that are not salad but still feels refreshing. Serve it chilled or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Kibbeh
Italian Frittata with Zucchini and Tomato
This baked frittata combines zucchini, tomato, and fluffy eggs in one easy dish. Fresh basil and Parmesan add plenty of flavor without being heavy. It’s perfect for brunch, lunch, or even meal prep. Slice it up and serve warm or cold.
Get the Recipe: Italian Frittata with Zucchini and Tomato
Tomato Zucchini Pie Recipe
This pie combines fresh zucchini and tomatoes in a creamy ricotta filling. Wrapped in a golden, flaky crust, it’s a summer dish worth making. Each bite is full of seasonal veggies and cheese. Best enjoyed warm from the oven.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Zucchini Pie Recipe
Italian Pink Sauce Pasta
Creamy and balanced, this pink sauce pasta brings together tomatoes and half-and-half for a smooth finish. It’s ready quickly and works well with chicken or mushrooms. Simple ingredients shine without extra work. Perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Italian Pink Sauce Pasta
Easy Shakshuka Recipe (Poached Eggs in Spicy Tomato Sauce)
Poached eggs sit in a spicy, simmering tomato sauce with peppers and spices. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to make for breakfast or dinner. Serve with warm bread to scoop it all up. This is a classic you’ll want to keep in rotation.
Get the Recipe: Easy Shakshuka Recipe (Poached Eggs in Spicy Tomato Sauce)
Burrata Bruschetta
Crispy toasted bread is topped with creamy burrata and fresh tomato basil topping. It’s simple to prepare but feels special for summer meals. Perfect as an appetizer or light snack. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil.
Get the Recipe: Burrata Bruschetta
Tomato Tart
Puff pastry holds a layer of garlic cheese spread and sliced tomatoes for an easy appetizer. Fresh herbs and Parmesan finish it with flavor. It’s one of those tomato recipes that are not salad yet still feels light. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Tart
Fried Green Tomatoes
Slices of firm green tomatoes are coated and pan-fried until golden. The outside is crispy while the center stays juicy. Great as an appetizer or side dish that’s ready quickly. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes
Tomato Pie
Layers of fresh tomatoes, basil, and creamy cheese spread bake in a flaky crust. It’s a savory option for summer dinners or potlucks. Easy to slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Everyone will want seconds.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Pie
Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup
This soup blends cheese tortellini and a rich tomato base with cream for extra comfort. It comes together with minimal prep and feels hearty. Top with fresh basil and grated Parmesan. Perfect for busy evenings when you want something warm.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup
Cauliflower Tomato Soup (Dairy Free)
Roasted cauliflower and cherry tomatoes blend into a smooth, comforting soup. Naturally dairy free and full of flavor, it’s great for lunch or dinner. It also keeps well for meal prep. Add fresh herbs for an easy garnish.
Get the Recipe: Cauliflower Tomato Soup (Dairy Free)
Easy Tomato Fritters
These fritters use just a few ingredients to create crispy bites with bold tomato flavor. Quick to prep and even faster to cook, they’re great for summer meals. One of those tomato recipes that are not salad but still highlight fresh tomatoes. Serve hot with your favorite dip.
Get the Recipe: Easy Tomato Fritters
Quick Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes (Ready in 30 Minutes)
Salmon fillets cook in a quick cherry tomato sauce with lemon and basil. It’s a bright, fresh dinner that’s done in half an hour. Perfect for busy nights without sacrificing flavor. Serve over rice or greens.
Get the Recipe: Quick Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes (Ready in 30 Minutes)
Tomato Basil Bisque
This creamy soup blends ripe tomatoes and fresh basil for a warm meal. It’s easy to prepare and pairs well with sandwiches or bread. Rich and comforting without being heavy. Garnish with extra basil for color.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Basil Bisque
Kara Chutney Recipe
This South Indian chutney mixes caramelized shallots, tomatoes, and chilies for a bold flavor. It’s quick to cook and adds heat to many meals. Great with dosa, idli, or rice. Make it ahead and store in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Kara Chutney Recipe
Tomato Macarons
These savory macarons use tomato ganache for a unique flavor profile. Light shells sandwich the creamy filling with a touch of tang. Perfect for surprising guests with something different. Enjoy as an appetizer or snack.
Get the Recipe: Tomato Macarons
Eggplant and Tomato Pasta
Eggplant, peppers, and tomatoes simmer into a hearty sauce for this vegetarian pasta. It’s ready in about 30 minutes and perfect for weeknights. Even meat lovers will enjoy it without missing anything. Serve with salad or garlic bread.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant and Tomato Pasta
Creamy Tuna Macaroni Casserole (With Sun-Dried Tomatoes)
Short pasta, tuna, and sun-dried tomatoes mix into a creamy baked casserole. It’s simple comfort food with plenty of flavor. Great for feeding a family without a lot of prep. Finish with extra Parmesan on top.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Tuna Macaroni Casserole (With Sun-Dried Tomatoes)
These Dinners Are Light Enough for Summer But Not Skimpy
These dinners keep things easy without leaving you hungry later. Each recipe is designed to feel light while still giving you a solid meal. Perfect for warm evenings when you want something fresh but filling. You can skip the late-night snack run with these on your table.
Get the Recipe: These Dinners Are Light Enough for Summer But Not Skimpy
27 Best Apple Desserts You’ll Make Long After Fall’s Over
Apple desserts do not need to stay stuck in one season. This collection is packed with recipes that work any time you want something sweet. From crisps to cakes, there is no reason to wait for chilly weather. Keep these ideas handy for whenever you crave a little extra comfort.
Get the Recipe: 27 Best Apple Desserts You’ll Make Long After Fall’s Over
