Celebrate Tomato Season with a Local Tomato Flight + 10 Easy Recipe Ideas

Tomato season in New England is short but spectacular. When locally grown tomatoes are at their peak—juicy, colorful, and bursting with flavor—it’s the perfect excuse to get a little creative in the kitchen. Recently, when friends came to visit, we decided to cook together and let the season’s freshest tomatoes inspire us. Our idea? A local tomato flight starring a spread of fresh tomato slices paired with simple, flavorful toppings.

Here’s what went on the board:

• Whipped ricotta with honey and lemon zest, topped with sliced peaches or strawberries, and finished with lemon zest and a balsamic glaze drizzle

• Sliced fresh mozzarella, ripped basil leaves, and a pinch of sea salt

• A generous swipe of basil pesto topped with flaky sea salt

It was casual, fun to assemble, and so yummy. No real cooking required—just good tomatoes, good company, and a little creativity.

Why Tomatoes Are a Nutritional Powerhouse

Fresh tomatoes don’t just taste good—they’re packed with health benefits. A single medium tomato (about 5 oz) offers:

• Lycopene, an antioxidant studied for its role in heart and brain health and reduced risk of certain cancers

• Vitamin C, which helps support immune function and skin health

• Potassium, which helps maintain healthy blood pressure

• Vitamin A (from beta-carotene), important for eye health and immune support

• About 95% water, making tomatoes a hydrating food choice during hot summer days

Including tomatoes in your meals supports a nutrient-dense diet—and they’re incredibly versatile.

10 Easy Ways to Add Fresh Summer Tomatoes to Your Diet

Whether you’re harvesting from your garden, shopping at the farmers’ market, or stocking up at the grocery store, these ideas will help you make the most of tomato season:

1. Tomato Salad Bowls – Halve large tomatoes and scoop in chicken, egg, or tuna salad for a quick, protein-packed lunch.

2. Peanut Butter & Tomato Sandwich – Nix the jelly and try this savory-sweet twist on a classic—unexpected but surprisingly tasty.

3. Tossed into Salads – Add chopped tomatoes to leafy greens, pasta salads, or whole grain bowls for juicy flavor and vibrant color.

4. Tomato Toast – Spread toast with ricotta, hummus, or smashed avocado and layer on sliced tomatoes with salt and pepper.

5. Skillet-Blistered Cherry Tomatoes – Sauté in olive oil with garlic until softened, then spoon over pasta or grilled fish.

6. Sandwiched in Layers – Stack tomatoes into a BLT, turkey sandwich, or veggie wrap to add a burst of freshness.

7. Stirred into Ratatouille – Simmer tomatoes with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and herbs for a rustic Provençal stew.

8. Spooned over Cottage Cheese – Top a bowl of cottage cheese with diced tomatoes and cracked black pepper for a high-protein snack.

9. Sliced onto Pizza – Lay fresh tomato slices over pizza before baking or add them after as a cool, juicy finish.

10. Blended into Gazpacho – Use fresh tomatoes as the base for this no-cook chilled soup—perfect for summer entertaining

Make the Most of Tomato Season

Tomato season doesn’t last long, so take every opportunity to enjoy it. Whether you’re sharing a tomato tasting board with friends or slicing a few for lunch, fresh tomatoes add flavor, color, and nutrition to your plate. Keep it simple, use what’s in season, and let the tomatoes shine.