It’s that time of year again! Tomatoes are taking center stage, and Birmingham chefs are sharing their favorite ways to make the most of peak tomato season. Whether you’re working with cherry tomatoes, heirlooms, or classic garden varieties, these seven fresh tomato recipes from BHAM culinary pros prove just how versatile this summer staple can be.

Masala Tomato Salad

The Masala Tomato Salad takes the familiar tomato salad and turns it into something truly special. Infused with a fragrant garam masala chili oil made from scratch with spices like cumin, cardamom, and turmeric, this salad delivers complex flavors that perfectly balance the fresh tomatoes and crisp cucumbers.

Layered with a tangy vinaigrette and a creamy turmeric yogurt dressing, it’s an elevated take that’s well worth the effort — and one that will leave your dinner guests genuinely impressed! Get the recipe HERE.

A plate of salad with sliced cherry tomatoes, cucumber ribbons, and fresh mint leaves arranged on a patterned white dish.Pin
Bright, fresh, and bursting with warm spices, this Masala Tomato Salad from Chef Trenton Tisdale at The Anvil Pub is a vibrant twist on a classic favorite. Get the recipe HERE. Image: The Anvil Pub

Tomato Tart

Don’t let the ingredient list fool you; this tomato tart is easier to make than it looks and is well worth the effort. Juicy heirloom tomatoes are the star of the show, layered with a savory mix of melty mozzarella and Parmesan. A quick sauté of onions adds extra flavor, and a handful of fresh herbs keeps things bright. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, special occasions, or just because tomatoes are too good to pass up right now. Get the recipe HERE.

A square tomato tart with sliced heirloom tomatoes on puff pastry sits on a white table next to a bowl of whole tomatoes, olive oil, and plates.Pin
A summer classic: layers of heirloom tomatoes, melty cheese, and fresh herbs in every delicious bite. Get the recipe HERE. Image: Ashley Mac’s

Mini Tomato and Bacon Pies

If anything makes tomatoes taste even better, it’s bacon. Adding freshly cooked, crumbled bacon takes this classic tomato pie to the next level, making it the perfect savory treat to enjoy all summer long. Get the recipe HERE.

A wooden tray with mini quiches garnished with chopped red and yellow bell peppers, onion, and parsley on a black background.Pin
The Mini Tomato and Bacon Pie is the definition of savory summertime bites — a perfect balance of juicy chopped tomatoes, crispy bacon, and sharp shredded cheddar. Get the recipe HERE. Image: Happy Catering Co.

Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce

Tre Luna Bar & Kitchen’s Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce is the kind of recipe that captures everything we love about summer: simple ingredients, bold flavors, and just the right amount of rustic charm. Made with peak-season cherry tomatoes, whole garlic cloves, and a touch of heat from arbol chili, this sauce simmers into something magical. Get the recipe HERE.

A plate of spaghetti topped with halved cherry tomatoes, grated cheese, chopped basil, and a drizzle of olive oil on a white plate.Pin
Tossed with angel hair pasta and finished with fresh basil, it’s a fresh-from-the-garden dish that feels fancy without the fuss — perfect for easy weeknight dinners or laid-back weekend gatherings on the patio. Get the recipe HERE. Image: Tre Luna Bar & Kitchen

Heirloom Tomato with Aged Goat Cheese, Benne Seed Crisp & Charred Basil-Sherry Vinaigrette

Tomato and goat cheese are a classic summer power couple. Something about the creamy tang of the goat cheese perfectly complements the acidity of the tomato, and Chef Jacobi Williams at Automatic Seafood and Oysters paired them with a benne seed crisp that takes it to a whole new level with a delicious crunch. Get the recipe HERE.

A white plate with sliced tomatoes, torn flatbread, green sauce, and fresh basil leaves on a wooden table.Pin
Creamy goat cheese, ripe tomatoes, and a crunchy benne seed crisp — summer simplicity at its finest. Get the recipe HERE. Image: Automatic Seafood and Oysters

Tomato Pie

Helen’s tomato pie is everything you want in a summer dish. It’s simple, satisfying, and bursting with seasonal flavor. With just three ingredients — ripe tomatoes, pimento cheese, and a golden pie shell — it’s the kind of recipe that lets the produce shine. Even better, most of it can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for easy entertaining or a laid-back weekend dinner. Serve it warm or at room temp and let summer’s best ingredient do all the talking. Get the recipe HERE.

A small baked quiche is served on an oval white plate with fresh microgreens, on a wooden table next to a fork and knife.Pin
Helen’s Tomato Pie keeps it classic (and easy) but still goes big on deliciousness. Get the recipe HERE. Image: Gordon Sawyer

Taziki’s Tomato Cucumber Salad

Taziki’s Tomato Cucumber Salad is a crisp, flavor-packed side that’s basically summer in a bowl. With fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, fragrant basil, and a tangy Greek-seasoned vinaigrette, it’s the kind of no-fuss, make-ahead dish perfect for cookouts, picnics, or weeknight dinners on the porch. Get the recipe HERE.

A bowl of chopped watermelon, cucumber, and feta cheese sits on a wooden table.Pin
Enjoy the flavors of Taziki’s at home with this easy, delicious tomato cucumber salad recipe. It’s ideal for your next summer spread! Get the recipe HERE. Image: Taziki’s

Dig in!

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Paige Townley
About the Author
Paige Townley

Paige Townley is a Birmingham native with a soft spot for good stories, interesting people, and beautifully made things. When she's not writing about places that inspire or people who shine, she's likely spending time with her family, planning her next adventure, or cheering on the Crimson Tide.