recipes

It's Tomato Season in South Florida

Last Updated March 04, 2021

Heirloom tomatoes and onion salad

Every winter it's South Florida's glorious tomato season

From December through April, South Florida farmers markets and backyard gardens are filled with colorful tomatoes – from candy-sweet cherry tomatoes to heavy heirlooms in a rainbow of colors. At the height of their ripeness, they're best enjoyed as is, sprinkled with salt and perhaps a few drops of your best olive oil. When you're looking for more ways to enjoy them, here are some recipe choices.

Pasta with Tomato and Onion Sauce

When Italian cooking maestra Marcella Hazan died in 2013, this was the most-shared recipe by her fans – perhaps because it captures the simple elegance and unfussiness of Italian cooking. This...

Broccoli and Tomato Salad with Avocado Dressing

Raw broccoli on its own can have a strong taste and hearty crunch. Letting the broccoli marinate in the dressing allows the flavor to mellow. A good use for our nearly year-round avocado season, this...

Tomato Basil Dressing

This dressing works well with Mediterranean dishes. Drizzle over slices of fresh mozzarella or burrata as part of an antipasti. Dressing will keep for two days.

Local Heirloom Tomato and Beet Salad with Green Beans, Blue Cheese, and Walnut Vinaigrette

From Chef Michael Schwartz of Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Miami’s Design District

Pesto Spaghetti Squash with Grape Tomatoes

Spaghetti squash is a great substitute for traditional pasta. To save time on prep, you can microwave the squash for 6 to 8 minutes face down in a microwave dish with a little water. Let stand for a...

West Florida Grouper with Heirloom Tomatoes, Mango, Blackberry Drizzle

Chef Toby Joseph of Wild Sea Oyster Bar and Grille at the Riverside Hotel in Fort Lauderdale uses grouper from the Gulf of Mexico in this colorful presentation.