Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Basil and Balsamic
A vibrant side dish featuring sweet cherry tomatoes caramelized to perfection, finished with fresh basil and a hint of balsamic vinegar for bright, summery flavor. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 35 minutes pairs Cherry tomatoes, Olive oil, Balsamic vinegar into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 120 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh basil
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Step 2: Cut 1.5 lbs cherry tomatoes in half lengthwise and arrange cut-side up on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 3: Drizzle 3 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar over the tomatoes, then season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, tossing gently to coat.
- Step 4: Roast for 20-25 minutes until tomatoes are tender and edges are lightly caramelized.
- Step 5: Transfer to a serving bowl and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, stirring to combine.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Basil and Balsamic take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Basil and Balsamic?
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 Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Basil and Balsamic?
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 Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Basil and Balsamic 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 Roasted Cherry Tomatoes with Basil and Balsamic?
Mediterranean salads 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
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