Refrigerator Pickled Tomatoes: An Easy End-of-Season Recipe

Last Updated on August 31, 2024 by Ellen Christian

If you’ve got a surplus of ripe, juicy tomatoes and are looking for a creative way to use them, refrigerator pickled tomatoes are the perfect solution.

Refrigerator Pickled Tomatoes

As summer draws to a close, gardens and farmers’ markets are bursting with fresh produce, particularly tomatoes. This simple, no-canning-required recipe preserves the vibrant flavors of summer, creating a tangy, flavorful side dish that’s ready to enjoy in just a few days.

Best of all, it’s a flexible recipe that can be customized with various herbs and vegetables to suit your taste.

In this post, we’ll guide you through making refrigerator pickled tomatoes with fresh tomatoes, green peppers, onions, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme. We’ll also share some delicious serving suggestions to help you incorporate these tangy treats into your meals.

Why Refrigerator Pickled Tomatoes?

Pickling is a classic way to preserve vegetables, but many people are intimidated by the idea of canning. Refrigerator pickling is a much simpler process. There’s no need for specialized equipment or long processing times.

Instead, you just prepare your vegetables, make a brine, and let the refrigerator do the rest. In a few days, you’ll have a batch of delicious, tangy pickled tomatoes that are perfect for snacking, salads, or adding a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. By using fresh, end-of-season tomatoes along with green peppers, onions, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme, you create a harmonious blend of flavors that capture the essence of summer. The vegetables stay crisp and retain their vibrant colors, making them not just tasty but visually appealing as well.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make refrigerator pickled tomatoes:

Tomatoes
Bell pepper
Onion
Wine or white vinegar
Water
Granulated sugar
Salt
Allspice
Bay leaf
Thyme sprigs
Cloves of garlic
A few sprigs of fresh parsley and basil

Why These Ingredients?

Fresh tomatoes: Choose firm, ripe tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes are ideal because they pickle quickly and evenly, but small plum tomatoes also work well.

Green bell pepper and onion: These add crunch and a subtle sweetness that complements the acidity of the pickled tomatoes.

Garlic, bay leaves, and thyme: These aromatics infuse the brine with deep, earthy flavors.

White vinegar, water, sugar, and salt: This simple brine is the foundation of the pickling process. The vinegar provides the necessary acidity, while the sugar and salt balance the flavors and help preserve the vegetables.

Allspice and basil: These spices add a little kick and complexity to the flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Recipe: Refrigerator Pickled Tomatoes

1. Rinse the tomatoes in cold water and peel them. Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. While the water is heating, use a paring knife to carefully make an “X” shaped incision on the bottom of each tomato. This will make it easier to remove the peel later.

2. Next, prepare an ice bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes. Once the water comes to a boil, pour over the tomatoes for 2 minutes, or until you see the skins begin to peel off.

3. Using a spoon, quickly transfer the blanched tomatoes to the ice bath. This quick change in temperature will stop the cooking process and allow the skins to come off easily. After a minute or so, you should be able to easily peel the skins off the tomatoes, revealing the smooth, bald fruit underneath. Place a layer of tomatoes in the marinade bowl.

4. Place a portion of the sliced onion on top.

5. Next layer chopped bell peppers, garlic and herbs. Repeat the layers.

6. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, granulated sugar, salt, peppercorns, dry spices. Place over medium heat and stir until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. This flavorful mixture will be the base of your marinade and will infuse each tomato with a delightful blend of sweet, salty, and tart notes. Bring the marinade to a boil. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure that all the spices are well distributed and fully develop their flavor.

7. Soon the warmth of this solution will envelop your kitchen with tantalizing aromas, signaling that you are on the right track. Pour the brine over the tomatoes and cool to room temperature. Cover the bowl with a lid or food wrap and send to the refrigerator for 12 hours.

How to Store Refrigerator Pickled Tomatoes

Properly stored in the refrigerator, your pickled tomatoes will last for several weeks, if not longer. Over time, they’ll continue to absorb the flavors of the brine, becoming even more delicious as they age.

Serving Suggestions for Refrigerator Pickled Tomatoes

Now that you have a batch of delicious refrigerator pickled tomatoes, the possibilities for serving them are endless. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Salads: Add pickled tomatoes to salads for a tangy twist. They pair especially well with greens like arugula or spinach, goat cheese, and a simple vinaigrette.

Charcuterie Boards: Include pickled tomatoes on a charcuterie board alongside cheeses, cured meats, and olives for a pop of color and flavor. Don’t forget to include these keto pickled onions and my pickled asparagus.

Sandwiches and Wraps: Use pickled tomatoes in sandwiches or wraps for a zesty crunch. They complement grilled chicken, turkey, and roasted vegetables beautifully.

Tacos: Top tacos with pickled tomatoes for a burst of acidity that balances out rich, savory fillings like carnitas or grilled fish.

Snacking: Enjoy pickled tomatoes straight from the jar as a quick, healthy snack. They’re also great served with crackers and hummus.

Tips for Perfect Refrigerator Pickled Tomatoes

Use the freshest ingredients: Since this recipe relies on the natural flavors of the vegetables, make sure your tomatoes and other produce are at their peak.

Experiment with herbs and spices: While this recipe calls for thyme and bay leaves, feel free to experiment with other herbs like dill, oregano, or basil. You can also add spices like red pepper flakes for heat or coriander seeds for a citrusy note.

Don’t rush the process: While it’s tempting to dive in as soon as possible, letting your pickled tomatoes sit for at least a few days will give the flavors time to meld and develop.

Conclusion

Refrigerator pickled tomatoes are a fantastic way to extend the life of your summer tomatoes and enjoy their fresh flavor well into the fall. With minimal effort, you can create a delicious, versatile side dish that enhances a wide variety of meals. Plus, by skipping the canning process, you can preserve your produce without any special equipment or time-consuming steps.

Whether you’re looking for a new way to use up your garden bounty or just want to try your hand at pickling, this easy recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, grab some fresh tomatoes, and get pickling!