Brighten up your table with this vibrant and flavorful recipe for Sautéed Cherry Tomatoes with Pine Nuts, a quick and easy dish that effortlessly combines simplicity and sophistication. Sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes are sautéed with fragrant garlic and rich olive oil, then finished with a sprinkle of golden, toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch. Fresh basil adds a burst of herbal freshness, while a pinch of red pepper flakes (if desired) gives the dish a subtle kick. With just 20 minutes of total prep and cook time, this versatile recipe works beautifully as a warm side dish, a topping for crusty bread or pasta, or an elegant accompaniment to grilled proteins. Packed with Mediterranean-inspired flavors and summer vibes, this recipe is the perfect blend of easy preparation and gourmet taste.
Wash and pat dry the cherry tomatoes. Slice them in half and set aside.
Peel the garlic cloves and finely mince them.
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pine nuts and toast for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden and fragrant. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until aromatic, being careful not to let it burn.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir to coat them in the olive oil and garlic, and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to release their juices.
Season the tomatoes with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using), and stir well.
Roughly tear the fresh basil leaves and scatter them over the cooked tomatoes. Stir gently to combine.
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the toasted pine nuts over the top just before serving.
Serve warm as a side dish or as a topping for bread, pasta, or grilled proteins.
Calories |
490 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 46.1 g | 59% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.7 g | 29% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 11.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1200 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 17.6 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.1 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.7 g | ||
| Protein | 6.7 g | 13% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 58 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 2.9 mg | 16% | |
| Potassium | 903 mg | 19% | |
*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.