Lemon-Herb Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Peppers
A simple, colorful side dish with cherry tomatoes and bell peppers roasted to sweet perfection with lemon and herbs. This italian-inspired vegetarian ready in about 40 minutes pairs cherry tomatoes, olive oil, finely chopped fresh thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 green, 1 red, sliced 1/2 inch thick bell peppers
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place cherry tomatoes and bell peppers in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
- Step 2: Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with thyme, lemon zest, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat.
- Step 3: Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring once halfway, until tomatoes burst and peppers are tender-crisp with lightly browned edges.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Peppers take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Lemon-Herb Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Peppers?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cherry tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Peppers?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemon-Herb Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Peppers for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lemon-Herb Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Peppers?
Italian vegetarian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
