Tomatoes are full of antioxidants that protect against heart disease and some cancers. This recipe turns bite-size cherry or grape tomatoes into a delicious side dish. The tomatoes are tossed in olive oil and herbs and then roasted until they are tender and juicy. Serve them as a side or use them to top whole wheat pasta.

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation time: 5 minutes

Baking time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• 1/8 tsp fine-ground sea salt

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the tomatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.

2. Drizzle the tomatoes with the oil, and sprinkle them with the herbs and salt. Stir the tomatoes gently around the pan.

3. Roast for 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and stir. Roast for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until the tomatoes are warm and the skins begin to burst.

Lori Rice, M.S., is a nutritional scientist and author with a passion for healthy cooking, exercise physiology, and food photography.