Summer in the Okanagan means plenty of fresh, homegrown tomatoes! Make the most of this bounty by using tomatoes as often as possible. Let us give you some ideas!

Caprese Salad

This simple Italian salad celebrates fresh ingredients- made with just tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, this is one salad where using high-quality ingredients really makes a difference (check this article for more details.) Using local heirloom tomatoes is a great choice for flavour and presentation. Get a recipe here!

BLT

A classic sandwich with flavours that can’t go wrong.
 

Thick cut tomatoes are the perfect offset for salty bacon or try this vegan alternative if you’re going meatless, and it's the perfect texture to contrast toasted bread. If you need a recipe, try this one here.

Tomato Jam

Tomato Jam will be your new favourite condiment! Use this ketchup-like sauce or dip on everything. It’s a beautiful accompaniment to cheese (with grilled cheese sandwiches, atop a beautiful piece of burratta, or on crostini with parmesan). 
 

This recipe would be perfect to use up your less-than-perfect tomatoes as well!

Bruschetta

Tomatoes are the star of this famous appetizer! It comes together quickly, and it’s the perfect snack for hot weather (no ovens involved.) Just mix chopped tomatoes with onion, garlic, parmesan, basil, and balsamic, and serve atop crostini.
 

For less chopping, you can use cherry tomatoes. Here’s a simple recipe to try.

Spaghetti & Bolognese

Tomatoes and pasta are a match made in heaven, and classic Bolognese is always a family favourite packed with tomato flavour. It’s also an excellent meal to make ahead in a big batch and freeze! You can also use fresh tomatoes in all kinds of other pasta dishes, like Spaghetti with Tomatoes and Basil or Sunflower Seed Pesto Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes.  
 

Soup

Tomato soup, hot or cold, is delicious and easy! You can probably even whip it up in your blender. Try making classic tomato soup to keep in your freezer for the fall and winter, and chilled tomato soup, aka Gazpacho, as the perfect summer appetizer or lunch.  
 

Panzanella Salad

Use stale bread and vibrant fresh tomatoes to make an authentic Italian bread salad. The juices from the tomatoes and vinaigrette give this salad a bright flavour and help make the bread the perfect texture. Try this Panzanella from Ina Garten at your next BBQ or summer dinner party.
 

#TreatYoSelf to fresh, colourful, and healthy tomatoes! These versatile little veggies are the gems of the Okanagan summer harvest.

Kelowna born and raised, Keddy Pavlik of TheTreatLife has been passionate about the local food scene basically since birth. If she's not in the kitchen, you can probably find her at the farmer's market or taking pictures of food. Photo Credit: Jordana Dickson.