Say hello to the tangy, colorful, and utterly addictive Pickled Cherry Tomatoes — a zippy condiment you’ll want to add to almost everything! With their vibrant hues and irresistible pop, these tomatoes soak up a savory, dill-infused brine that turns them into a flavor-packed treat perfect for salads, snack boards, or even brightening up your favorite cocktails. If you love the satisfying snap of a pickle and the fresh, sweet notes of summer tomatoes, this recipe will become an instant favorite.

Pickled Cherry Tomatoes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need a ton of ingredients to make Pickled Cherry Tomatoes, but each element is there for a reason! These humble staples pack a serious punch when combined, resulting in an eye-catching pickle that’s crisp, tangy, and just a bit garlicky. Here’s what you’ll gather before getting started:

Cherry tomatoes: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best texture and appearance — this is the star of the show!
White vinegar: The classic pickling vinegar brings tang and preserves the tomatoes beautifully.
Water: Helps mellow the brine so it’s not overwhelmingly sharp.
Kosher salt: Essential for curing and seasoning; don’t substitute table salt, as it can cloud the brine.
Granulated sugar: Balances out the tartness, giving your pickles just a hint of sweetness.
Garlic cloves: Smashed for maximum flavor infusion — they’ll add a savory, aromatic twist.
Black peppercorns: For subtle heat and earthy complexity in your brine.
Yellow mustard seeds: These little seeds lend a mild, tangy punch and a lovely aroma.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): If you crave a gentle warmth, don’t skip the flakes!
Fresh dill sprigs: The herbal magic that lifts the flavor profile and gives that signature look.

How to Make Pickled Cherry Tomatoes

Step 1: Prep the Tomatoes

To keep your precious cherry tomatoes from splitting or turning mushy, give each one a gentle poke with a toothpick — just once is enough! This little trick allows the brine to seep in without sacrificing their shape or that wonderful pop when you bite into them.

Step 2: Pack the Jars

Grab two clean pint-sized jars and pack those gorgeous tomatoes in. Tuck in the smashed garlic cloves and fresh dill sprigs as you go; they’ll nestle comfortably among the tomatoes, infusing them with all their savory goodness.

Step 3: Make the Brine

In a small saucepan, combine your white vinegar, water, kosher salt, sugar, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and optional red pepper flakes. Heat until it reaches a bubbling boil and the salt and sugar have dissolved, stirring as you go. The kitchen will smell heavenly at this point — bracing and aromatic in the best way!

Step 4: Fill the Jars

Carefully pour the hot, fragrant brine over your tomatoes, being sure to leave about half an inch of headspace at the top. This makes sealing and storing easier. You’ll see the tomatoes shift and settle, absorbing all that spicy-sweet liquid.

Step 5: Seal and Chill

Seal the jars tightly and allow them to cool at room temperature. Once they’re no longer warm, refrigerate your pickled cherry tomatoes for at least 24 hours to deepen the flavors. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

How to Serve Pickled Cherry Tomatoes

Garnishes

These bright little flavor bombs shine as garnishes for everything from rich charcuterie boards, creamy hummus, to deviled eggs or even a perfectly-mixed Bloody Mary. Their tangy snap adds color and freshness wherever they land.

Side Dishes

Scatter Pickled Cherry Tomatoes over pasta salads, grain bowls, or green salads for a punchy, juicy contrast. They also work beautifully alongside grilled meats, seafood, or roasted veggies, bringing brightness to heartier fare.

Creative Ways to Present

Thread them onto cocktail picks with mozzarella balls and basil for instant skewers, or chop and fold them into creamy dips for a fun, briny twist. Even just serving them in a pretty bowl at a summer party instantly draws attention and gets guests snacking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Pickled Cherry Tomatoes chilled in the fridge, right in their airtight jar. They’ll stay crisp and delicious for up to a month — though honestly, they tend to disappear much quicker!

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended, as the texture of the tomatoes can turn mushy once thawed. It’s best to enjoy them straight from the fridge for that satisfying snap and vibrant flavor.

Reheating

Pickled Cherry Tomatoes are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat them; simply lift them from the jar and add to your favorite dishes or snack platters.

FAQs

Can I use grape tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?

Absolutely! Grape tomatoes bring a slightly different shape and texture but pickle just as beautifully. Feel free to swap them in for a fun twist on traditional Pickled Cherry Tomatoes.

How spicy will these be if I use red pepper flakes?

The amount of heat is pretty gentle with the given amount, just enough to tingle the taste buds. If you crave extra spice, you can increase the pepper flakes, or skip them for a milder pickle.

Can I reuse the pickling brine?

While it might be tempting, it’s best to make a fresh batch of brine each time for food safety and maximum flavor. Reusing brine can lead to less vibrant pickles and altered textures.

Do I have to refrigerate Pickled Cherry Tomatoes?

Yes! This is a quick refrigerator pickle recipe, so the tomatoes need to stay chilled to stay safe and maintain their crispness. They aren’t shelf stable like traditional canned pickles.

Can I add other herbs or spices?

Definitely — try tossing in a bay leaf, coriander seeds, or a slice of fresh jalapeño for more layers of flavor. The recipe is flexible enough to reflect your favorites each time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to brighten up mealtime or wow your friends with a punchy, colorful snack, you’ve got to try making Pickled Cherry Tomatoes. They’re quick, easy, and sure to impress — once you taste that first tangy bite, you’ll want a jar in your fridge at all times!

Pickled Cherry Tomatoes Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes plus chilling time
Yield: 2 pints 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Learn how to make tangy and flavorful pickled cherry tomatoes at home with this easy refrigerator pickles recipe. Perfect as a side dish or garnish, these pickled tomatoes add a zesty kick to your favorite dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients for Pickled Cherry Tomatoes:

2 pints cherry tomatoes
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
4 fresh dill sprigs

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Instructions

Prepare Tomatoes: Prick each cherry tomato once with a toothpick to prevent splitting.
Fill Jars: Pack tomatoes into two clean pint-sized jars, adding garlic cloves and dill sprigs to each.
Make Brine: In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, salt, sugar, peppercorns, mustard seeds, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve.
Pour Brine: Carefully pour hot brine over tomatoes, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace in the jars.
Seal and Chill: Seal jars with lids, let cool to room temperature, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.