Things to Make with Tomatoes (Recipes + Preserving Ideas)
Everyone loves tomatoes. Whether you slice them up and eat them fresh or process them into one of the dozens of ways to preserve them, they can do just about anything.
You can learn how to grow your own or head to your local farmers market and stock up this summer so you can enjoy all the tomato favorites on this list
Let’s explore all about this classic and popular summer veggie: from seed to jar. It’s one of those things that makes seasonal living fun.
Cucumber Tomato Salad
A refreshing and vibrant side dish perfect for any occasion.
How to Can Tomato Soup at Home (A Pressure Canning Recipe)
This soup is enriched with buttery roux and optional herbs, offers a comforting, versatile base for quick, cozy meals, preserved beautifully through pressure canning.
Pizza Sauce for Canning: How to Make It
From the kitchens of Italian grandmothers to your modern home, this timeless pizza sauce recipe is perfect for canning.
Lila’s Famous Salsa Recipe (For Canning!)
A bright and vibrant blend of fresh tomatoes, zesty peppers, and aromatic spices, simmered to perfection and ready for canning. Make 4-6 pints.
Creamy Tomato Soup with Roasted Tomatoes: How To Make It
A classic, creamy tomato soup for either fresh or canned tomatoes.
Cucumber and Tomato Pasta Salad Recipe
Make this easy pasta salad recipe loaded with summer veggies ahead of time for a cold, make-ahead side dish for a party or just for dinnertime.
Smoked Mozzarella Chicken Breast with Bruschetta Topping
Fresh, flavorful, and easy to make. You'll turn to this summertime dinner over and over.
Any quick tips for growing tomatoes at home?
Make sure they get plenty of sunlight, at least 6-8 hours a day. Water them regularly, especially during hot spells, but try to avoid getting water on the leaves to reduce the risk of disease. When you plant them, bury them deeply. And don’t forget to support them with stakes or cages as they grow. For more in-depth tips, see the best tasting tomatoes to easily grow at home.
Is it hard to can tomatoes?
Not at all! With a few basic tools and some simple instructions, it’s pretty straightforward. Remember, you’re just making a recipe and boiling it in jars. The key is cleanliness and following the steps carefully to ensure your canned goods are safe to eat. Plus, it’s super satisfying to see your pantry stocked with jars of your own homemade salsa or sauce.
Can I use any kind of tomato for these recipes?
Yes! While some recipes might call for specific types, like cherry tomatoes for salads or beefsteak for sandwiches, feel free to use what you have.
More Kitchen Garden Resources
It’s a big world of seasonal flavors out there. Here are more ideas of what to make depending on what’s in season.
American Girl: Garden to Table: Fresh Recipes to Cook & ShareThe Vegetable Gardener’s Bible, 2nd Edition: Discover Ed’s High-Yield W-O-R-D System for All North American Gardening Regions: Wide Rows, Organic Methods, Raised Beds, Deep SoilGdfjiy Seed Storage Box Metal Seed Container Seed Packet Storage Organizer, Seed Storage Container with Lid Seed Envelope Storage Box-4 Compartments Garden Seed Box with Safety Locks-WhiteThe Complete Homestead Planner: A Month-by-Month Guide to Planning the Work on Your Homestead, Hobby Farm or Country PropertyCan It!: Start Canning and Preserving at Home Today (Hobby Farm Home)Compact Farms: 15 Proven Plans for Market Farms on 5 Acres or Less; Includes Detailed Farm Layouts for Productivity and Efficiency
Whether you’re a new gardener or already the proud owner of bushels of produce, I hope you found something that you liked in the tomato world. They are one of the most versatile things to grow and are amazing, fresh, or preserved. Enjoy!
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.
