Raw Tomato Sauce, also known as Pomodoro Crudo, is a classic Italian recipe for a simple sauce using fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic. This recipe comes together fast and is great for tossing with pasta, or topping crostini or grilled meats.
Did you know you can make the most delicious tomato sauce using fresh ripe tomatoes all while never having to turn on the stove? This authentic Italian raw tomato sauce uses simple ingredients and is the only no-cook tomato sauce recipe you need!
If you love fresh and flavorful Italian recipes, be sure to try my Zucchini Carpaccio or Whipped Ricotta Crostini. You can also use this recipe for topping bruschetta in my Ricotta Bruschetta Recipe or tossing with toasted bread in my Bruschetta Salad recipe.
Italian Raw Tomato Sauce Recipe
Raw Tomato Sauce is one of my favorite recipes for using fresh homegrown tomatoes. This fresh tomato sauce recipe comes together fast and is super versatile. You’ll want to put it on everything!
What I love about this recipe is that the flavors of the ingredients work well together and it truly pairs great with anything you put it on. Whether it’s hot pasta or grilled fish, raw tomato sauce is one recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
This recipe calls for just a few simple ingredients and it’s important to use the best quality ingredients you can. I recommend using good extra virgin olive oil and fresh basil instead of dried.
This raw tomato salad, known as Pomodoro Crudo, is the perfect recipe to have on hand for tomato season and works well with roma tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, and even cherry tomatoes. Just make sure they are fresh and smell like a tomato!
This recipe is excellent for the warmer months but I make it year round whenever I can get my hands on delicious raw tomatoes. Give it a try, you’re going to love it!
Ingredients
- Tomatoes: tomatoes are the star of this recipe and you should use the best ones you have. I like to use tomatoes on the vine or plum tomatoes when I can find them.
- Garlic: you’ll need one large clove of fresh garlic. Feel free to use multiple small garlic cloves if you like. You’ll need about a teaspoon of minced garlic total.
- Basil: fresh basil leaves add a fresh and authentic flavor. Add any other fresh herbs you enjoy.
- Oil: use good olive oil, like extra-virgin olive oil.
- Seasonings: keep it simple with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper. Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like the heat.
How to Make Raw Tomato Sauce
Raw Tomato Sauce is one of the easiest uncooked tomato sauce recipes out there. This recipe comes together fast and is the perfect way to use up garden tomatoes.
Chop the Tomatoes
The first step is to dice the tomatoes. I like to remove the seeds and core from the tomato so the sauce isn’t too runny and doesn’t have any excess tomato juices. To do so, slice the tomato in half lengthwise then use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and remove the core.
Place the tomatoes on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut into small pieces. Then, move the chopped tomatoes to a large bowl.
Toss with Remaining Ingredients
To the bowl of tomatoes, add in the diced raw garlic, chopped fresh basil, olive oil, salt and pepper. Stir well and set aside. You can use the raw tomato sauce immediately or let sit at room temperature to allow the flavors to develop.
Ways to Use Raw Tomato Sauce
- Cold Pasta: toss the raw sauce with cooled pasta, mozzarella, and more basil for a light summer dish.
- Bruschetta: spoon onto toasted bread with a drizzle of balsamic on top.
- Pizza: use as a base sauce for Margherita Pizza or on Focaccia before baking.
- Grain Bowls: drizzle over farro, quinoa, or couscous with grilled vegetables and beans.
- Fresh Topping for Meat or Fish: use it like salsa on grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
- Caprese Variation: layer with mozzarella and basil, or serve on the side for dipping.
- Soup Base: swirl into chilled gazpacho or use as a base for chilled soup.
- Egg Dishes: spoon over fried eggs or top it on an Asparagus Frittata.
- Pasta al Pomodoro: the classic way to use raw tomato sauce is tossed with cooked angel hair pasta cooked to al dente.
Recipe Tips
- Use any variety of tomatoes for this recipe, just make sure they are fresh. Look for firm tomatoes or summer tomatoes.
- Change up the flavors and use fresh mint instead of basil, or add in chopped olives or capers.
- There are so many ways to use raw tomato sauce. The most common is tossed with cooked pasta. But you can also use it as a condiment for grilled meats, topping bruschetta, or toss with grains.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
More Italian Sauce Recipes
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below and/or review in the comments section further down the page.
Raw Tomato Sauce (Pomodoro Crudo)
Ingredients
- 4-5 large ripe tomatoes (about a pound)
- 10-12 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the tomatoes in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds and remove the core. (Discard the seeds and core or save for another use.) Chop the tomatoes into small pieces and place in a bowl.
- To the bowl, add in chopped fresh basil, olive oil, and garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and let sit for at least 30 minutes for flavors to develop (optional). Sauce may also be used immediately.
- Toss the raw tomato sauce with fresh hot pasta or use it as a topping for bruschetta or any grilled meats. Add a sprinkle of parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use any variety of tomatoes for this recipe, just make sure they are fresh. Look for firm tomatoes or summer tomatoes.
- Change up the flavors and use fresh mint instead of basil, or add in chopped olives or capers.
- There are so many ways to use raw tomato sauce. The most common is tossed with cooked pasta. But you can also use it as a condiment for grilled meats, topping bruschetta, or toss with grains.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
