Tomato season is fleeting, making these vibrant veggies—or fruits, depending on your preference—all the more precious. But for celebrity chef Ina Garten, the best part of tomato season is just beginning. As summer winds down, Garten gave her Instagram followers a peek into her “secret garden,” showcasing a bountiful harvest of her favorite produce.
“I just plant whatever tomatoes I want,” Garten revealed, plucking a ripe tomato from the vine. “How gorgeous is that?”
To mark the peak of tomato season, the Barefoot Contessa star shared her top five recipes featuring these juicy, refreshing gems. From easy side dishes to quick dinners, here are Garten’s must-try tomato dishes before fall arrives.
Tomato & Goat Cheese Crostata
Garten’s Tomato & Goat Cheese Crostata is a fan favorite, and even actor Stanley Tucci gave it a thumbs up. He loved the recipe so much that he posted about it on Instagram in 2021. Now, Garten is bringing it back as a timeless classic. While the original recipe includes homemade dough, using puff pastry is a quicker alternative that doesn’t compromise the dish’s elegance. As we transition from summer to fall, this crostata is the perfect dish to savor the season’s last burst of fresh produce.
Summer Garden Pasta
Garten’s Summer Garden Pasta is as simple as it is delicious. Packed with fresh tomatoes and herbs, this quick dinner is full of antioxidants and flavor. The recipe involves just three steps: marinate tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, basil, and seasonings, cook your pasta, and then mix everything together. The result is a nutritious, easy meal that’s perfect for a summer evening.
Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta
Garten was ahead of the trend with her Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta, a recipe from her 2012 cookbook Barefoot Contessa Foolproof. This appetizer, featuring colorful cherry tomatoes and toasted pine nuts, is a crowd-pleaser. Pine nuts, rich in protein and antioxidants, add a delightful complexity to the dish, and regular consumption may even improve skin health and boost energy levels. For a quicker option, try a Tomato-Cucumber Salad with Whipped Feta, which offers similar flavors with less preparation time.
Salmorejo
Cold soups like Salmorejo make soup season a year-round affair. This traditional Spanish tomato soup is typically served chilled and topped with diced ham and hard-boiled eggs. Garten’s version skips the meat and eggs, instead opting for halved cherry tomatoes, toasted croutons, and basil. This vegetarian take on Salmorejo is both refreshing and simple, perfect for those last hot days of summer.
Garlic & Herb Tomatoes
Roasted tomatoes are a classic side dish, and Garten’s Garlic & Herb Tomatoes are a savory delight. This recipe requires just five main ingredients: cherry or grape tomatoes, minced garlic, fresh basil, flat-leaf parsley, and fresh thyme leaves. If you have more time, consider trying Slow-Roasted Tomatoes, which are known for their rich, concentrated flavor.
With these recipes, Garten ensures that the end of summer is as flavorful as it gets. Whether you’re looking for a simple pasta dish or an elegant appetizer, these tomato-centered dishes are sure to satisfy.
