These adorable salad-stuffed Campari tomatoes are like a box of chocolates, but totally not! In any case, there’s no reason why you can’t have a bit of fun when serving these delightful bites of goodness.
Prepping the tomatoes
I start with nine Campari tomatoes – which are the size that’s in between cherry tomatoes and plum/Roma tomatoes. They basically look like over-sized cherry tomatoes.
I slice a tiny sliver off the bottom of each so that they’ll easily stand for later serving. Then, I slice off the top of each and scoop out the tomato flesh from both portions of the tomatoes. If you’ve got one, use a grapefruit spoon to make this super easy. And do make sure you reserve the tomato pulp for another use, like for making salsa; blending into hummus; whirling into a tomato vinaigrette; or whatever you wish.
I also place the scooped-out tomatoes upside down on a cooling rack to give any excess liquid a chance to drain off. After draining, I like to place those tiny slivers I cut off the bottom of the tomatoes into the scooped-out tomato to give it extra sturdiness before stuffing. This is when you can sprinkle them with a little bit of salt to bring out taste.
Stuffing the tomatoes
Now, for the really fun part … you get to stuff your campari tomatoes. And you can do it with anything you wish! I suggest grain, bean, or veggie salads. You can make them all with the same salad or make each with a different salad, like I did here. (Hint: It’s a great use for 100% edible salad leftovers!)
The salads for stuffing
What did I stuff these tomatoes with? Grilled corn and orzo salad; plant-based pesto pasta salad; grilled veggie salad w/plant-based feta; classic potato salad; spicy black bean salad; white bean and herb salad; curried chickpea salad; citrusy quinoa salad; and tabbouleh salad. Some other salads you might want to try: walnut or lentil taco salad; cole slaw; and shredded Caesar salad.
Serving the stuffed tomatoes
Now, all that’s left to do it top and serve them. After adding their tomato tops, I like to add a tiny drop of balsamic glaze (reduction) to each and then top with tiny basil or mint leaves. The balsamic glaze helps make the herb leaves stick – and it provides bonus flavor. You could also match the ingredient to the salads, like drops of tahini if you’re filling these with middle eastern-style salad. You can now serve these on a platter or, for bonus fun, serve them like a box of chocolates. (Great for a party!) To enjoy, pop into your mouth as is (if you’ve got a big mouth!) – or use a tiny cocktail fork or spoon.
Bonus tip
By the way, you can do this same thing with cherry tomatoes or plum tomatoes, too. Stuff cherry tomatoes with thick dips, like baba ghannoush, hummus, black bean dip, and guacamole. And fill plum tomatoes with heartier salads, like panzanella, tofu “egg” salad, or plant-based caprese salad.
These adorable salad-stuffed Campari tomatoes are like a box of chocolates, but totally not! In any case, there’s no reason why you can’t have a bit of fun when serving these delightful bites of goodness.
Ingredients
UnitsScale
9 Campari tomatoes
Sea salt, to taste
1 1/2cups salad(s) of choice (see Notes below for ideas!)
1 teaspoon balsamic glaze/reduction
9 tiny sprigs fresh basil or mint
Instructions
Cut a sliver off the bottom of each tomato. Cut tops off the tomatoes. Scoop the pulp out of the insides of tomatoes—both the top and bottom portions. Try a grapefruit spoon for this. (Reserve tomato flesh for another use, like making salsa.)
Drain tomatoes of excess liquid on a cooling rack set on a rimmed sheet pan. (Or pat tomato insides with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to soak up moisture.) Place the tomato slivers into the scooped-out tomatoes for extra sturdiness. Add a pinch of salt to each.
Firmly stuff each tomato with salad. Place on the tomato tops. Add a tiny drop of balsamic glaze and basil or mint on top of each stuffed tomato. And serve.
For other clever party food ideas, try my plant-based “deviled eggs” (see recipe HERE), strawberry-walnut lollipops (see recipe HERE), food scrap hummus garden (see recipe HERE), and ss’mores-style plant-based caprese (see recipe HERE).
Very clever! And so cute for an hors d’oeuvres party.
Thanks so much, Valentina! Yes, they definitely make cute hors d’oeuvres!
Made for a Bridal Shower, Absolute Hit!!!
Awesome!!! Thrilled to hear it!!!