Tomato season is in full swing! So to make the most of this delicious time of year, I gathered my favorite French tomato recipes from the blog all in one place, to help you enjoy tomatoes!
From the classic French Ratatouille to a Mustard Tomato tart (very popular recipe on the blog!) or a Fresh Tomato Velouté soup, I hope these recipes will give you some inspiration to get in the kitchen and make the most of ripe, juicy, sweet tomatoes.
Scroll through to find one or more to enjoy this season!
French-Style Stuffed Tomatoes (Tomates Farcies)
Known as “Tomates Farcies”, these French-style Stuffed Tomatoes are the perfect addition to any Summer table – and a personal childhood favorite of mine. This typical Provençal recipe calls for stuffing tomatoes with beef, bread, cheese and Herbs de Provence, and roasting them on a bed of rice until tender and slightly charred on top. Naturally, this dish is best made at the peak of tomato season, when they are juicy, sweet and full of flavor.
Classic French Stovetop Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a French Provencal stew of summer vegetables (tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini and bell peppers) cooked together slowly until creamy soft. An uncomplicated recipe, making a good ratatouille does require a bit of time. Make this stovetop recipe on a weekend to enjoy it throughout the week… because a ratatouille tastes even better reheated!
Classic French Tomato Mustard Tart
This savory Tomato Mustard Tart is a classic Summer recipe that French home cooks love to make every year when tomatoes are in season. It features a buttery puff pastry, with in-season ripe tomatoes, a sprinkle of grated cheese and a heavy smear of Dijon Mustard at the bottom. There are a number of variations to this classic Summer dish, including some with ham, anchovies, olives, etc… But if you ask me, this basic one is simply wonderful as is.
Classic French Tomato Salad
Looking for a fresh, vibrant summer salad straight from the heart of France? This French Tomato Salad, or Salade de Tomates, is a rustic, simple dish that celebrates the flavors of sun-ripened tomatoes, crisp red onions, fresh herbs and quality olive oil.
Cod Provencal with Tomatoes, Olives & Capers
An easy, one-pan fish dish that can be ready for the table in less than 30 minutes is always a good recipe to have in your repertoire. This classic Cod Provençal recipe boasts meaty cod loins, simmered in a spicy tomato sauce nestled with salty capers and black olives. This is a quick, simple and healthy one-pan dish that is incredibly flavorful and perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Savory Tomato, Corn and Gruyere Galette
This Savory Tomato, Corn and Gruyère Galette is Summertime French cooking at its best – using what’s in season and spending little time in the kitchen. With ripe tomatoes, sweet corn and salty Gruyère cheese held together in a flaky crust, this savory Galette hits all the right marks: seasonal, quick and delicious for a late Summer lunch or dinner.
Heirloom Tomato Bread Salad with Fresh Herbs
Inspired by the Mediterranean tradition of bread and tomato salads, this Heirloom Tomato Bread Salad is made of perfectly ripe tomatoes, fresh herbs, a tangy vinaigrette, and crunchy bread croutons. It is both refreshing and satisfying, with a great mix of soft and crunchy textures. An easy salad best made when tomatoes are in season.
Provence-Style Tomatoes with Breadcrumbs
If you’re attending a barbecue or outdoor get-together in the thick of Summer in France, there’s a good chance you’ll stumble on these Provence-Style Tomatoes topped with Breadcrumbs and Herbs. Known as “Tomates à la Provençale”, this typical warm-weather dish from Provence calls for fresh, seasonal tomatoes slowly confit’d on the stove-top (meaning they’re slowly cooked in their own juice). The confit tomatoes are then finished off in the oven topped with breadcrumbs, garlic and Herbes de Provence, and cooked until crisp and golden.
Fresh Tomato Velouté Soup
Velvety smooth and full of flavor, this Fresh Tomato Velouté Soup is a delicious bowl of comfort and the best way to use up fresh tomatoes from your garden. A simple recipe made in under 30 minutes, this classic soup uses sunripe tomatoes, onion, garlic and optional spices for a little fiery kick. You’ll never want to reach for canned soup again!
Vegetable Tian from Provence
A Classic Vegetable Tian embodies the essence of Provençal cooking during Summer: it’s simple and makes do with the abundance of vegetables available from this sun-drenched region of France. This iconic dish that alternates slices of tomatoes, zucchini and eggplants, is colorful, full of flavor and the perfect side dish for your Summer feasts.
Crustless Quiche with Summer Vegetables
Less fussy to make than a classic quiche, this crustless quiche is a celebration of warmer days. It embraces ripe summer vegetables: zucchini, eggplant and cherry tomatoes, all encased in a rich egg custard with melty Swiss cheese and fresh herbs. This is a perfect gluten-free brunch, lunch, or dinner that you can easily prepare ahead as well!
Provencal Eggplant Tomato Gratin
It’s eggplant season, and that means this Provencal Eggplant Gratin is on repeat in my kitchen. This typical Southern French recipe includes tender slices of eggplants baked in-between layers of tomato sauce, spiked with Herbs de Provence and loads of Parmesan cheese. This is a fuss-free recipe that makes a great side or a perfect vegetarian dinner.
French Lentil Salad with Tomatoes and Cucumbers
Here’s a refreshing summer twist on the classic French lentil salad! It features earthy Puy lentils mingling with juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, all brought to life with loads of fresh herbs and a zippy dressing with red onions.
French Style Rice and Tuna Salad
This French-style rice and tuna salad offers delightful Mediterranean flavors and is a beloved childhood favorite of mine, as well as a staple in French home cooking.
This vibrant mix includes rice, tender tuna chunks, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, crisp bell peppers and fresh herbs. It’s a refreshing yet filling salad, perfect for serving at a luncheon, as a side dish for a barbecue, or packed for a picnic or potluck.
If you try any of these French Tomato recipes, let us know! Leave a comment, rate them, and don’t forget to tag a photo @pardonyourfrench on Instagram. Bon appétit !
