Bright, tangy, and bursting with juicy flavor, Pickled Cherry Tomatoes are the secret ingredient you didn’t know your fridge needed. This quick and easy recipe transforms ordinary cherry tomatoes into vibrant, sweet-tart bites that complement everything from cheese boards to salads. The mix of aromatic garlic, punchy vinegar, and a hint of spice makes each tomato a miniature explosion of summer, perfect for snacking or adding zing to your favorite dishes.

Pickled Cherry Tomatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of simple ingredients to create Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, and each one brings a unique layer of taste, texture, or color. These basics unite for a harmonious blend of tart, sweet, savory, and herby notes that make the final jar absolutely irresistible.

Cherry Tomatoes: Pricking them lets the brine seep in for that perfect pickled punch without bursting the skins.
White Vinegar: Sharp and clean, it’s the backbone of the brine, infusing the tomatoes with just the right tang.
Water: Balances out the acidity of the vinegar so the flavor doesn’t overwhelm.
Sugar: A touch of sweetness keeps things lively and tempers the tang.
Salt: Essential for both preservation and unlocking deep, savory flavors.
Garlic: Smashed cloves subtly perfume the jar, giving each tomato a savory kick.
Whole Black Peppercorns: Add little bursts of earthy spice throughout every bite.
Mustard Seeds: Bring a gentle, mellow heat with a classic pickling aroma.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): If you crave a hint of heat, this is your secret weapon.
Fresh Dill or Dried Dill (optional): For a herbal backdrop that makes the tomatoes taste garden-fresh.

How to Make Pickled Cherry Tomatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

Start by rinsing your cherry tomatoes and making a tiny prick in each one with a toothpick. This simple trick prevents them from bursting and lets all that tasty brine get inside for maximum flavor. You’ll be amazed at how quickly the tomatoes soak up their savory, tangy bath.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

Layer the bottom of a clean pint-sized jar with your smashed garlic, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little fire). Top with a sprig of fresh dill or a sprinkle of dried dill for an extra hint of garden goodness. This aromatic foundation guarantees your Pickled Cherry Tomatoes are infused with flavor from the ground up.

Step 3: Pack the Tomatoes

Gently add your pricked cherry tomatoes into the jar, packing them in snugly but taking care not to crush them. Those tomatoes should nearly fill your jar, like vibrant marbles waiting to be transformed.

Step 4: Make the Brine

In a small saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium until the sugar and salt dissolve completely, stirring as you go. The steamy, tangy aroma is your cue that the brine is ready to work its magic!

Step 5: Pour and Cool

Carefully pour the hot brine over your tomatoes, ensuring they’re fully submerged. This step locks in all the flavor, helping every tomato absorb that deliciousness from edge to center. Let the jar cool to room temperature before you seal it.

Step 6: Seal and Refrigerate

Secure the jar with a tight-fitting lid and pop it in the refrigerator. The hardest part? Waiting at least 24 hours for best flavor before enjoying your Pickled Cherry Tomatoes! Trust me, the anticipation is so worth it.

How to Serve Pickled Cherry Tomatoes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh dill or a dusting of flaky sea salt on top just before serving makes these Pickled Cherry Tomatoes even more appetizing. For a playful touch, try a crack of black pepper or a few ribbons of lemon zest—you’ll love that extra zing.

Side Dishes

Serve these jewel-like tomatoes alongside a platter of creamy cheeses, scattered over crisp salads, or nestled into grain bowls. Their briny bite perfectly balances richer flavors and brings a splash of color and acidity that lifts any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Pickled Cherry Tomatoes shine tossed onto bruschetta, skewered for cocktail hour, or scattered on avocado toast. You can even tuck them into sandwiches for a surprising pop, or mix them into pasta salads for a bold, tangy twist that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you open your jar of Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, keep them refrigerated and be sure they stay submerged in brine. They’ll keep their best flavor and crunch for up to two weeks—if you can resist nibbling them all sooner!

Freezing

It’s best not to freeze Pickled Cherry Tomatoes—their texture changes dramatically, going from crisp to mushy after thawing. Luckily, they’re so quick to make that you can easily whip up a new batch when the craving strikes.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat these beauties! Pickled Cherry Tomatoes are meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, where their refreshing tang and juicy snap are at their best.

FAQs

Can I use different types of tomatoes for this recipe?

Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are perfect for single-bite pickles, grape tomatoes or even small heirloom varieties work beautifully. Just make sure to prick them with a toothpick first to help them soak up the brine.

How long should I wait before eating Pickled Cherry Tomatoes?

For the best flavor, let your Pickled Cherry Tomatoes sit in the fridge for at least 24 hours. If you’re more patient, an extra day or two will make them even more flavorful as the brine continues to work its magic.

Can I make a spicy version?

You bet! Crank up the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or tossing in a slice of fresh chili with the other aromatics. Adjust the spice level to your liking—it’s totally customizable.

How can I customize the flavor?

Get creative! Drop in a clove or two, a strip of lemon peel, or a few sprigs of fresh herbs like basil or rosemary. Experimenting with different spices is half the fun and makes each batch of Pickled Cherry Tomatoes unique.

Are Pickled Cherry Tomatoes gluten-free and vegan?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, so it fits a wide variety of diets and is perfect for sharing at potlucks and parties with friends who have different dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to add a little sparkle to your meals, give Pickled Cherry Tomatoes a try! They’re effortless, colorful, and utterly addictive—once you open the jar, you’ll find new ways to enjoy them every day. Happy pickling!

Pickled Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus 24 hours pickling time)
Yield: 1 pint 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

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Description

Learn how to make quick and easy pickled cherry tomatoes at home with this simple recipe. These tangy and flavorful pickles are perfect for snacking, salads, and charcuterie boards.

Ingredients

Scale

Brine:

1 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Additional Ingredients:

2 cups cherry tomatoes, rinsed and pricked with a toothpick
2 cloves garlic, smashed
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 sprig fresh dill or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Brine: In a small saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
Assemble the Pickles: Place the garlic, peppercorns, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, and dill in the bottom of a clean pint-size jar. Add the cherry tomatoes, then pour the hot brine over them, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Chill and Serve: Let the pickles cool to room temperature, then seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before enjoying. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Pricking the tomatoes helps them absorb the brine without bursting.
Experiment with additional herbs like basil, rosemary, or lemon peel for different flavor profiles.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Pickling
Cuisine: American