These Homemade Marinated Tomatoes with Onion and Fresh Dill are a simple and flavorful way to enjoy juicy tomatoes with a delicious savory marinade. The combination of ripe tomatoes, crisp onion, fragrant dill, garlic, and a lightly tangy dressing makes a refreshing side dish for everyday meals, grilled meats, sandwiches, and summer gatherings.
The tomatoes soak up all the wonderful flavors while remaining juicy and tender.
Ingredients
For the Tomatoes
2 lbs ripe, firm tomatoes
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
½ cup fresh dill, roughly chopped
1 small bell pepper, sliced, optional
For the Marinade
1 cup water
½ cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon mustard seeds, optional
1 bay leaf
Instructions
1. Prepare the Tomatoes
Wash the tomatoes thoroughly and remove the stems.
Cut small tomatoes in half or larger tomatoes into wedges.
Try to use firm tomatoes so they maintain their shape while marinating.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
Thinly slice the onion and garlic.
Chop the fresh dill and slice the bell pepper if using.
3. Make the Marinade
Add the water, vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, mustard seeds, and bay leaf to a small saucepan.
Bring to a gentle simmer and stir until the sugar and salt dissolve.
Remove from the heat and allow the marinade to cool until warm or room temperature.
4. Layer the Tomatoes
Place a layer of tomatoes in a clean glass container or jar.
Add some sliced onion, garlic, and fresh dill.
Continue layering until all the ingredients have been used.
5. Add the Marinade
Pour the cooled marinade over the tomatoes until they are well covered.
Add the vegetable oil over the top.
Gently press the tomatoes down so they remain surrounded by the marinade.
6. Refrigerate
Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.
For stronger flavor, allow the tomatoes to marinate for 24 hours.
The longer they rest, the more flavorful the onions, garlic, dill, and tomatoes become.
Tips for the Best Marinated Tomatoes
Choose firm, ripe tomatoes so they don’t fall apart.
Fresh dill gives the best flavor.
Slice the onion thinly so it absorbs the marinade quickly.
Don’t pour boiling-hot marinade directly over delicate tomatoes.
Refrigerating overnight gives the best flavor.
For a little heat, add sliced chili peppers or red pepper flakes.
How to Serve
These marinated tomatoes are delicious alongside:
Grilled chicken
Steak
Roasted meats
Sausages
Potatoes
Rice dishes
Crusty bread
Sandwiches
Grilled vegetables
They also make a wonderful addition to a summer appetizer platter.
Important Storage Note
This recipe is intended as a refrigerator-marinated tomato recipe, not a shelf-stable canning recipe.
Keep the finished tomatoes refrigerated and use a clean utensil when serving. For long-term room-temperature storage, use a tested canning recipe from a trusted food-preservation source rather than relying on this marinade, since safe canning requires controlled acidity, processing times, and procedures.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Marinated Tomatoes with Onion and Dill are incredibly easy to prepare and packed with fresh, savory flavor. After just a night in the refrigerator, the tomatoes become beautifully seasoned while the onion, garlic, and dill develop an irresistible tangy taste.
It’s a simple recipe that’s perfect whenever you have fresh tomatoes waiting to be enjoyed.
