What to make when your garden is overflowing with tomatoes

What to do with lots of tomatoes…

If your garden is overflowing with ripe, juicy tomatoes, you’re in good company! Whether they’re growing in your own backyard, picked up at the farmers market or shared by a generous neighbor, fresh summer tomatoes have a way of piling up this time of year. While there’s nothing better than a perfectly ripe tomato sprinkled with a little salt, there are so many delicious ways to put your harvest to good use.

What are the best tomatoes for cooking, salads, salsa and sauces?

Not all tomatoes are created equal! While almost any ripe tomato can be used in a recipe, some varieties are better suited for certain dishes. Here’s a quick guide to help you make the most of your summer harvest.

Best Tomatoes for Cooking

Firm, meaty tomatoes hold their shape well when roasted, baked, grilled, or added to pasta dishes and casseroles.

• Roma (Plum) Tomatoes – Dense with fewer seeds, making them ideal for roasting and cooking.
• San Marzano Tomatoes – Naturally sweet with low acidity and perfect for sauces and Italian-inspired recipes.
• Heirloom Tomatoes – Delicious in rustic tarts, galettes, and baked dishes where their incredible flavor can shine.

Best Tomatoes for Fresh Salsa

The best salsa starts with ripe, flavorful tomatoes that aren’t overly watery.

• Roma Tomatoes – A favorite because they’re firm, meaty, and easy to dice.
• Vine-Ripened Tomatoes – Juicy with great flavor for fresh pico de gallo and chunky salsas.
• Cherry or Grape Tomatoes – Sweet and colorful, they add great flavor to fruit salsas and fresh tomato relishes.

Best Tomatoes for Salads

When tomatoes are the star of the show, choose the most flavorful varieties you can find.

• Heirloom Tomatoes – Beautiful colors, unique shapes, and unbeatable flavor.
• Beefsteak Tomatoes – Large, juicy slices are perfect for Caprese salads and sandwiches.
• Cherry and Grape Tomatoes – Sweet, crisp, and ideal for tossing into green salads, pasta salads, and grain bowls.

Best Tomatoes for Homemade Sauce

If you’re making marinara, pizza sauce, or slow-simmered tomato sauce, choose tomatoes with plenty of flesh and less juice.

• San Marzano Tomatoes – Often considered the gold standard for homemade tomato sauce.
• Roma Tomatoes – Thick flesh creates a rich sauce with less cooking time.
• Paste Tomatoes – Any meaty paste variety works well for canning, freezing, or making homemade sauces.

No matter which variety you have growing in your garden, the best tomatoes are the ones that are fully ripe and bursting with flavor. Don’t be afraid to mix different varieties together—combining sweet cherry tomatoes with rich heirlooms or meaty Romas often creates the most delicious results.