5 Delicious Summer Recipes Using Fresh Tomatoes

If there's one thing that summer brings aside from heat it's fresh fruits and vegetables, one of which is juicy, ripe tomatoes. This fruit (yes, it's a fruit) is extremely versatile. Here are five great ways to use tomatoes in a variety of dishes.

Mexican-style shrimp cocktails combine shrimp with a gazpacho-like sauce featuring fresh tomatoes, English cucumber, red onion, celery, jalapenos, avocado, and cilantro. The combination creates a refreshing summer meal that pairs perfectly with warm naan bread for dinner. Speaking of gazpacho, this traditional Spanish soup embodies the essence of summer. Using super-sweet tomatoes at their peak is crucial for this dish, and it has to be served cold in chilled bowls for an ultra-refreshing experience on hot days.

Panzanella is a bread salad that becomes irresistible when using super-ripe cherry tomatoes. The key to this recipe is frying the bread cubes in olive oil until crispy. This technique not only adds texture but also makes the bread semi-waterproof against the dressing. A bit of Parmesan cheese halfway through frying adds an extra layer of flavor. Greek tomato feta fritters are packed with herbs and feta cheese, making them an exceptional appetizer during summer. Freshly picked tomatoes complement the other ingredients beautifully, making this dish a crowd favorite.

A fresh tomato soup offers a twist on the classic cream of tomato soup. Using tomatoes at their vine-ripened peak ensures a concentrated tomato flavor. Accompanying crispy cheese toast enhances the overall comfort of this dish.