Though easy to toss in salads or eat right off the vine, cherry tomatoes have far more mouthwatering culinary applications. From playing the dominant role in salsa to being the tantalizing and colorful component of a tart, cherry tomatoes can be an inspiring ingredient for many delicious dishes. Whether you pick up a pint at the market or harvest them from your own garden, here are eight tasty things to do with these little red orbs of scrumptious flavor.

1. Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Roasted cherry tomatoes are an elegant and flavorful addition to pasta and grain recipes, and, as a topping, partner well with succulent juicy steaks. Simply rub cherry tomatoes with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast in a 400 degree F. oven until they start softening and their skin begins to pucker. Use them whole or puree with roasted garlic and basil for a quick to fix roasted tomato sauce.

2. Cheese Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes

Another easy application for cherry tomatoes is to flavorfully stuff them for appetizers. Cut the top fourth off of tomatoes and use a small spoon to remove the seeds and flesh. Place a spreadable cheese like Boursin in a pastry bag and pipe into cherry tomatoes. Garnish with finely chopped pine nuts and fresh parsley.

3. Cherry Tomato Tart

Take your favorite savory tart or quiche recipe and mix a handful of halved cherry tomatoes in the filling. Not only will they add their pronouced wonderful flavor to a traditional egg and cheese dish, they will enliven it with a brilliant red hue.

4. Cherry Tomato Salsa

Cherry tomatoes tossed with minced jalapeno, orange zest, red onion and cilantro make a simple salsa with super flavor. Serve this brightly-colored chunky sauce with chips, fish tacos, roasted chicken or cheesy quesadillas.

5. Sauteed Cherry Tomatoes

Sauteed cherry tomatoes, like their roasted counterparts, become inherently sweeter – and more flavorful – when bathed in heat along with olive oil, minced shallots, garlic and herbs. Served as a scintillating side dish, sauteed cherry tomatoes are a good match with grilled meats and artisan cheese.

6. Cherry Tomato and Olive Skewers

Marinate cherry tomatoes, bite-sized cubes of mozzarella, and pitted green olives in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, lemon zest, salt, freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes overnight. When ready to serve, thread a tomato, olive and piece of cheese on a decorative cocktail toothpick. Stand skewers up on a serving platter and garnish with fresh lemon zest and oregano leaves.

7. Fresh Cherry Tomato Relish

As a pretty accompaniment for smoked salmon, goat cheese and crackers, combine quartered cherry tomatoes, a little olive oil, red wine vinegar, diced roasted yellow peppers, chopped marinated artichoke hearts, sliced green onions, and fresh lemon thyme. Refrigerate for a few hours to blend the flavors and serve on a relish tray with other tasty bites.

8. Baked Cherry Tomatoes and Feta

Luscious in taste and texture, this simple side dish melds earthy feta flavor with the sweet tartness of warm, tender tomatoes. Toss halved cherry tomatoes with a drizzle of olive oil, a couple of cloves of minced garlic, a generous handful of crumbled feta, a sprinkling of unseasoned breadcrumbs, and a healthy pinch each of dried Italian seasoning and orange zest. Season with salt and pepper. Pour into a baking dish and bake in a 375 degree F. oven until lightly browned and bubbly.