Menu

Like Recipes?

Sign up to receive Jackie’s recipes right in your inbox!

salad-stuffed campari tomatoes

by Jackie Newgent  |  July 14, 2022  |  5 Comments

Salad-Stuffed Campari Tomatoes served like a box of candy

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. Salad-Stuffed Campari Tomatoes_on a white plate

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.Salad-Stuffed Campari Tomatoes with scooped tomato pulp

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.Salad-Stuffed Campari Tomatoes_scooped out tomatoes on marble

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!)Salad-Stuffed Campari Tomatoes_nine stuffed tomatoes on marble

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.Salad-Stuffed Campari Tomatoes_with herb garnish

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.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Salad-Stuffed Campari Tomatoes served like a box of candy

salad-stuffed campari tomatoes


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Jackie Newgent
  • Yield: 9 stuffed tomatoes 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

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

Units Scale
  • 9 Campari tomatoes
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • 1 1/2 cups salad(s) of choice (see Notes below for ideas!)
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze/reduction
  • 9 tiny sprigs fresh basil or mint


Instructions

  1. 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.)
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Notes

Salad ideas: grilled corn & orzo salad; plant-based pesto pasta salad; grilled veggie salad w/plant-based feta; classic potato salad; spicy black bean salad; white bean & herb salad; curried chickpea salad; citrusy quinoa salad; or tabbouleh salad.

Nutrition info is approximate.

  • Category: hors d'oeuvres
  • Cuisine: American; Mediterranean; Italian; International

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed tomato (as hors d'oeuvres
  • Calories: 45
  • Sugar: 2g includes 0g added sugars
  • Sodium: 135mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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).Salad-Stuffed Campari Tomatoes_taking one by hand

Share Your Thoughts

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star