13 Ways to Use Up Ripe Tomatoes Before They Go Bad

As summer draws to a close, it's time to

pick the last produce of the season. For many

backyard gardeners, that means there's probably an abundance of tomatoes.

Whether you have heirloom, cherry, plum, or yellow tomatoes, there are an endless amount of tomato recipes to try. We're talking vegan BLTs, baked feta pasta, and all the salsa your heart desires. You can even make condiments like tomato paste and ketchup to store for later use.

The next time you have tomatoes you need to use up

before they go bad, check out the tomato recipes below. There's something for everyone.

Have ripe cherry tomatoes on hand? Use them in the

TikTok-viral baked feta pasta. All you need to do is add your sauce ingredients into a baking dish and pop it in the oven.

Most of us don't associate tomatoes with puff pastries, but this savory tomato tart combines the two perfectly. These tarts are also great if you're looking for a recipe that uses all your late garden vegetables.

This classic condiment goes a long way, so why not make your own? There's no need to buy ketchup from the store (or

let your tomatoes go to waste!) when you have this easy homemade ketchup recipe on hand.

We've all heard of stuffed bell peppers, but what about stuffed tomatoes? If you have a collection of ripe, large tomatoes, you can stuff them with just about anything. (In this case, quinoa!)

Who didn't want to try these after watching the movie Fried Green Tomatoes? If you've been growing green tomatoes this season, try this classic Southern snack. It will pair perfectly with your homemade ketchup.

Switch things up and make your own sun-dried tomatoes for this recipe. Once they're ready to go (simply cut them in half, sprinkle them with sea salt, and place them in a sunny spot!), use them in this delicious pasta dish.

Fresh salsa may not be a unique tomato recipe, but it's popular for a reason. Salsa made from garden-fresh tomatoes makes the perfect late summer snack or party appetizer. As an added bonus, this is also a great recipe for using up your other vegetables or herbs.

You can't go wrong with a BLT—aka bacon, lettuce, and tomato—sandwich when you have ripe tomatoes on hand. This vegan version swaps normal bacon for a plant-based option made from coconut. You could also try

banana peel bacon.

Bread with marinated tomato. It may not sound groundbreaking, but this traditional Spanish tapa proves the simplest dishes can still be packed with flavor. The tomatoes are grated and marinated, then served over grilled bread. Plum tomatoes work best for this dish, but any tomato will do.

Another Spanish staple, gazpacho is a chilled tomato soup. But this recipe adds another element with watermelon. This soup is light, hydrating, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for late summer.

Tomato paste can be used for many things: soup, pasta, pizza sauce, and more. If you're looking to make your tomatoes last a little longer, make your own tomato paste. You can even freeze your paste into cubes, making for an easy sauce base that lasts all winter long.

While tomatoes give this sauce its great flavor, tofu gives it its creaminess. After taking your first bite, it'll be hard to believe that richness doesn't come from dairy.

Chickpeas and tomatoes share the spotlight in this light and fresh dish. The protein-packed option can be made in just 15 minutes, giving you a tasty meal that can be prepared in a flash.