There’s something about the combination of sweet, ripe tomatoes and smoky flavor that just screams “SUMMER!” louder than my kid jumping into the pool. While traditional tomato sauces are simmered low and slow, this Smoked Tomato & Basil Grilling Sauce emphasizes fresh, vibrant flavors with just enough cooking to marry everything together. The secret ingredient? A touch of smoked paprika that gives you all that wonderful smoky flavor without having to actually smoke anything (though if you have a smoker, by all means throw those tomatoes in there for even more incredible flavor!).

This sauce was born from an abundance of tomatoes and basil from my garden that all seemed to ripen at exactly the same moment – gardening always seems to go from “when will anything be ready?” to “WHAT AM I GOING TO DO WITH ALL OF THIS?!” in the blink of an eye. It’s become our favorite way to preserve that perfect summer tomato flavor, and it makes even weeknight grilled chicken feel special.

Smoked Tomato & Basil Grilling Sauce

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Garden-fresh Smoked Tomato & Basil Grilling Sauce combines sweet tomato acidity with smoky depth and aromatic basil for multi-dimensional flavor.

• Author: Amanda MacArthur
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Simmer Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 2 Cups 1x
• Category: Sides & Sauces

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 pounds ripe tomatoes (about 6–7 medium)
• 1 small red onion, roughly chopped
• 4–5 garlic cloves
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, packed, plus more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high or oven to 425°F
2. Halve tomatoes and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil
3. Grill cut-side down until charred and softened, about 5-7 minutes (or roast in oven for 25-30 minutes)
4. Transfer to food processor with remaining ingredients and pulse until desired consistency is reached – I like it a bit chunky
5. Simmer in a saucepan for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors.

Notes

• Makes about 2 cups

This versatile Smoked Tomato & Basil Grilling Sauce works wonders on practically everything that hits your grill! It’s particularly amazing on chicken – brush it on during the last few minutes of grilling for a flavorful glaze that caramelizes beautifully. It’s also fantastic on grilled fish, especially meatier varieties like swordfish or tuna that can stand up to robust flavors. For an impressive yet easy appetizer, grill thick slices of rustic bread, rub with a garlic clove, then top with ricotta cheese and a spoonful of this sauce – it’s like bruschetta that’s been sent to finishing school!

Smoked Tomato & Basil Grilling Sauce keeps in the refrigerator for about a week, and it freezes beautifully for up to 3 months – perfect for bringing a taste of summer to dreary winter days. If you’re serving this to company, finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a drizzle of your best olive oil – those little touches make everything feel fancy with minimal effort!

Has this Smoked Tomato & Basil Grilling Sauce become your grilling season MVP? Or have you discovered it’s amazing on something unexpected like scrambled eggs? Share your smoky tomato adventures in the comments – summer flavors are too good not to spread the joy!