Cherry Tomato Sauce with Lemon
Brighten up your meals with this irresistible Cherry Tomato Sauce with Lemon, a vibrant medley of sweet, tangy, and zesty flavors! This quick and easy recipe combines juicy, simmered cherry tomatoes with the citrusy punch of fresh lemon zest and juice, creating a light yet flavorful sauce that’s perfect for pasta, roasted veggies, or a dip for crusty bread. Infused with garlic and a hint of heat from optional red pepper flakes, this sauce is elevated further with a sprinkle of fresh basil for an herby finish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this fresh and fragrant dish is a go-to for weeknight dinners or effortless entertaining.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and stir to coat them in the garlic oil.
Cook the tomatoes over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to break down and release their juices.
Using a wooden spoon, gently mash some of the tomatoes to create a thicker sauce while leaving some whole for texture.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped fresh basil.
Serve the cherry tomato sauce warm over pasta, grilled vegetables, or use as a dipping sauce for crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
122 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 7.4 g | 9% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.9 g | 5% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 258 mg | 11% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13.8 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.4 g | 16% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.3 g | ||
| Protein | 3.0 g | 6% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 42 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 765 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
