Summer tomato bruschetta is a quick and easy appetizer, and a great way to use garden tomatoes!

One of the best ways to enjoy summer’s bounty is with dishes that highlight all of the deliciousness it has to offer.

Simple dishes with a few ingredients that really lets the fresh summer produce shine. Tomato Bruschetta is the absolute perfect way to do that.

Bruschetta is from the Italian word “bruscare” which means to roast over coals. Basically, it’s toasted bread with various toppings. You just want to make sure it’s crunchy so that it holds up to the topping.

Summer Tomato Bruschetta Ingredients:

  • SUMMER GRAPE OR CHERRY TOMATOES: These babies are the star of the show so you’re going to want to make sure that they are the best quality you can get your hands on. Firm, ripe and bright in color.
  • FRESH GARLIC: Because you’re not cooking the garlic, make sure that you mince it very small.
  • EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL: Again, you want to go with the highest quality you can find. It enhances the whole dish.
  • FRESH BASIL: Another summertime favorite that is a must in this dish!
  • SALT: It enhances the flavor of the tomatoes and is a must with any fresh tomato dish.

DES’ TIP: To get perfect basil ribbons (or chiffonade), stack the leaves, roll them and then slice the roll thin.

How to chiffonade basil

Step by Step Photos and Instructions:

Making Summer Tomato Bruschetta is very easy! The hardest part is making sure that you give the tomatoes a while to marinate in the olive oil, garlic and salt. This will give you the best flavor.

Marinate tomatoes with salt, garlic and olive oil.
Stir in basil.
Spoon over toasted bread.
  • STEP #1: Combine the tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and salt together in a bowl. Mix well. Allow to set for at least 20 minutes for the flavor to develop. At this time the tomatoes will start to release a lot of their juices. You can strain that out if you like but there will be a lot of flavor there.
  • STEP #2: Toast the bread. Rub with garlic clove and toast until golden.
  • STEP #3: After tomatoes have had the chance to sit, stir in the fresh basil.

Tips for making the perfect bruschetta:

  • Tip #1: I like to make the topping at least an hour ahead of time and let it set at room temperature. This gives the flavors a chance to meld and is totally worth it.
  • Tip #2: Although cherry/grape tomatoes are small, you still want to quarter them for this recipe. It’ll make the dish easier to eat.
  • Tip #3: Don’t top the bread until right before serving. Or better yet, simply put the toasted bread out and allow people to top their own. This will prevent the bread from getting too soggy.

Storage and Leftovers:

If you have any leftovers, you’ll want to store the tomatoes and the bread separately.

Looking for more ways to use summer tomatoes? Try these!

Fried Green Tomatoes 

Parmesan Crusted Tilapia 

Tomato Jam

If you love this Tomato Bruschetta you’ll love these other easy appetizer ideas:

Zucchini Cakes 

Yuca Fries 

French Onion Dip Recipe 

Creamy Ranch Dip 

Clam Dip Recipe

Note: this post was originally written in 2015. It was updated with new tips, photos and nutrition facts in 2025.

 

Summer Tomato Bruschetta
20m
Prep
5m
Cook
25m
Total

Servings

10

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces cherry tomatoes (diced )
  • 2 cloves garlic (1 minced, 1 whole )
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for drizzling on bread)
  • 1 baguette (sliced thin )

Instructions

  1. Combine tomatoes, minced garlic, salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil together in a bowl. Mix well. Allow to set at room temperature for at least 20 minutes.

  2. When ready, preheat your oven broiler to high heat. Drizzle a little olive oil over the bread and place under the broiler for 1 minute. Remove from the oven and rub with a whole garlic clove and broil for another minute or until golden brown.

  3. After the tomatoes have had a chance to marinate, stir in the basil.

  4. Remove bread from grill and spoon tomatoes, and any juice that accumulated, over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

sliced thin
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Calories
83
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2g 3%
Saturated Fat 0g 2%
Sodium 216mg 9%
Total Carbohydrate 13g 5%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 3g
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
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10 Reviews

  1. 29 Summer Appetizers and Dips to Bring To a Party - ZEN AND HONEY March 3, 2025

    […] Summer Tomato Bruschetta […]

  2. erica acevedo July 12, 2015

    I adore a good bruschetta! Simple, but deliciously satisfying! :)

  3. Meg July 11, 2015

    Oh so jealous your heat wave! Its been unusually cold here in the midwest and I hate it. And I could live of off bruschetta! Summer time favorite!

  4. Michelle De La Cerda-Nash July 10, 2015

    Eat that raw garlic! It is so good for you. Love this recipe.

  5. dinnerthendessert July 10, 2015

    I love bruschetta! It has to be my favorite appetizer!

  6. Janalyn K Salhaney July 10, 2015

    I am a HUGE fan of garlic, too!! But I try to eat it only on certain days when I know I won’t be around too many people :) You must be getting the heat we normally have in Michigan, our July feels like April this year!

  7. Cyndi - My Kitchen Craze July 10, 2015

    It’s very warm here in CA too! This bruschetta looks delicious! I love anything bruschetta and garlic, so this is right up my alley! :) Stay cool!!

  8. Chandra Lane Sirois July 10, 2015

    I think that Seattle and Kansas City have traded weather! We have been sooooo rainy! Everyday for 2 months! These bruschetta will wipe away the clouds for sure.

  9. Kathy Hester July 10, 2015

    I just got some gorgeous tomtoes in my CSA today. Thanks for the great summer dinner idea!

  10. Marlynn [UrbanBlissLife] July 10, 2015

    I love this bruschetta and I, too, enjoy eating raw garlic! I love garlic in almost everything, and always put more than most people would in recipes :)

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