Mediterranean Tuna & Pistachio Stuffed Tomatoes
Brighten your lunch with these Mediterranean Tuna & Pistachio Stuffed Tomatoes! This vibrant dish isn't just your regular tuna salad; it bursts with fresh flavors reminiscent of summer, especially when made with vine-ripened tomatoes from the garden. The succulent tomatoes act as edible bowls, filled with a delightful blend of tender tuna, crunchy pistachios, and colorful bell peppers, all tossed in a zesty olive oil and balsamic dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a nutritious snack, these stuffed tomatoes can be prepared in advance, making them a convenient option for busy days. Pair them with crunchy breadsticks and seasonal fruit for a refreshing meal. Created for RSC #6 Contest.
N/A
Servings
240
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tuna in water
2 (6 ounce) cans (well drained)
Medium tomatoes
4 (hollowed out)
Green pepper
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Red pepper
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Pistachios
1/3 cup (coarsely chopped)
Capers
1 1/2 tablespoons (well drained)
Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (grated)
Purple onion
1/8 cup (finely chopped)
Parsley flakes
1 1/2 teaspoons
Olive oil
1/8 cup
Balsamic vinegar
4 tablespoons
Onion powder
1/2 teaspoon
Basil
1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/2 teaspoon
Sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons (optional)
Rosemary
1/4 teaspoon
Garlic clove
1
Oregano
1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the well-drained tuna, finely chopped green and red peppers, coarsely chopped pistachios, drained capers, parsley flakes, and finely chopped purple onion.
2
In a blender or mini chopper, add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, onion powder, basil, black pepper, sugar (if using), rosemary, garlic clove, and oregano. Blend or pulse until the mixture is well emulsified.
3
Pour the dressing over the tuna mixture and gently mix until everything is thoroughly combined.
4
Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the filling. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Prepare the tomatoes by slicing off the tops and carefully hollowing them out to create bowls without breaking their walls. Leave the tomatoes stem-side down.
6
Generously fill each tomato with more than 1/2 cup of the tuna stuffing, pressing lightly to fit and ensure a hearty filling.
7
Serve each stuffed tomato on a bed of fresh leaf lettuce for an appealing presentation.
Nutrition Information
13g
Fat
5.5g
Carbs
17g
Protein
2g
Fiber
0.75g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Tuna & Pistachio Stuffed Tomatoes?
It is a vibrant, summer-inspired dish featuring vine-ripened tomatoes filled with a blend of tender tuna, crunchy pistachios, and bell peppers in a zesty balsamic dressing.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 240 calories.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
This recipe provides 17g of protein per serving.
Is this a low-carbohydrate meal?
Yes, with only 5.5g of carbohydrates per serving, it is a low-carb option.
What kind of tuna should I use?
The recipe calls for two 6-ounce cans of tuna in water, well drained.
What gives the stuffing its crunch?
The crunch comes from coarsely chopped pistachios and finely chopped green and red bell peppers.
How do I prepare the tomatoes for stuffing?
Slice off the tops and carefully hollow them out to create edible bowls without breaking the walls.
What type of dressing is used?
A homemade emulsified dressing made of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and various herbs.
How long should the tuna mixture chill before serving?
It is recommended to chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Is there cheese in the recipe?
Yes, 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese is folded into the tuna mixture.
What herbs and spices are in the dressing?
The dressing includes onion powder, basil, black pepper, rosemary, garlic, and oregano.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, these stuffed tomatoes can be prepared in advance, making them a convenient option for meal prep.
What is the fat content?
There are 13g of fat per serving in this dish.
How much fiber is in this dish?
There are 2g of fiber per serving.
Does the recipe contain sugar?
The recipe includes an optional 1.5 teaspoons of sugar, resulting in approximately 0.75g of sugar per serving.
What kind of onion is best for this recipe?
Finely chopped purple onion is recommended for its flavor and color.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 18 ingredients in this recipe.
What should I serve these stuffed tomatoes on?
Serve each stuffed tomato on a bed of fresh leaf lettuce for an appealing presentation.
What size tomatoes should I use?
The recipe recommends using 4 medium-sized tomatoes.
Are capers included in the recipe?
Yes, 1.5 tablespoons of well-drained capers are added to the tuna mixture.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
It was created for the RSC #6 Contest and inspired by Mediterranean summer flavors.
How much stuffing goes into each tomato?
Each tomato should be filled with more than 1/2 cup of the tuna mixture.
What type of vinegar is used for the dressing?
Balsamic vinegar is used to provide a zesty flavor.
Is the garlic fresh or powdered?
The recipe uses one fresh garlic clove, which is blended into the dressing.
Should I use a blender for the dressing?
Yes, using a blender or mini chopper helps to emulsify the olive oil and balsamic mixture.
Can I use green and red peppers?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of each to provide color and crunch.
Is rosemary used in this dish?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of rosemary is included in the dressing.
What is the recommended serving suggestion?
Pair the tomatoes with crunchy breadsticks and seasonal fruit for a refreshing meal.
How much Parmesan cheese is used?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan.
Are there any specific tags for this recipe?
Common tags include tuna, Mediterranean, healthy lunch, and meal prep.