Mediterranean Tuna-Stuffed Tomatoes with Capers and Parsley
Experience the vibrant flavors of summer with these Mediterranean Tuna-Stuffed Tomatoes. This no-cook dish is not only a refreshing meal perfect for scorching days, but also a visually appealing starter that brings a taste of the coast right to your table. Juicy, ripe tomatoes serve as the canvas for a delectable filling of tender tuna, tangy capers, and aromatic parsley, brightened with zesty lemon. It's a delightful combination that showcases the bright, fresh ingredients of the Mediterranean, making it ideal for light lunches, picnics, or even as a starter for an elegant dinner party.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
large ripe tomatoes
6 (stems removed and hollowed out)
canned tuna
3 (6 ounce) cans (drained)
capers
3 tablespoons (roughly chopped)
fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 cup (roughly chopped)
lemon
1 (zested and juiced)
extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
Using a paring knife, carefully cut off the stem end of each tomato to create a small opening.
2
Scoop out the seeds and pulp from the inside of the tomatoes and transfer them to a medium bowl. Be gentle to avoid breaking the tomato walls.
3
To the bowl, add the drained tuna, chopped capers, freshly chopped parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that all ingredients are well mixed and seasoned to taste.
4
Fill each hollowed tomato with the tuna mixture, packing it gently but firmly to prevent spillage. You should have enough filling to generously stuff each tomato.
5
Arrange the stuffed tomatoes on a platter and serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors meld. Enjoy these refreshing bites as a light main dish or an elegant starter.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Tuna-Stuffed Tomatoes?
Mediterranean Tuna-Stuffed Tomatoes are a refreshing, no-cook dish featuring juicy tomatoes filled with a mixture of tuna, capers, fresh parsley, and lemon.
Is this recipe a no-cook meal?
Yes, this is a no-cook recipe, making it perfect for hot summer days when you want to avoid using the stove.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to make 6 servings.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 large ripe tomatoes that are firm enough to hold the stuffing.
How do I prepare the tomatoes for stuffing?
Use a paring knife to cut off the stem end, then gently scoop out the seeds and pulp while being careful not to break the tomato walls.
Do I throw away the tomato pulp?
No, you should save the scooped-out pulp and mix it into the tuna filling for extra moisture and flavor.
What type of tuna is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses three 6-ounce cans of tuna, which should be drained before mixing.
How many capers are needed?
You will need 3 tablespoons of capers, which should be roughly chopped.
What kind of parsley is best for this dish?
Fresh flat-leaf parsley is recommended; you will need about 1 cup, roughly chopped.
How is the lemon prepared for the filling?
You should use both the zest and the juice from one whole lemon.
What kind of oil should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil.
Is there any black pepper in this recipe?
Yes, it includes 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Can I serve this dish immediately?
Yes, you can serve the stuffed tomatoes immediately or refrigerate them for an hour to let the flavors meld.
Is this dish suitable for a picnic?
Absolutely, these stuffed tomatoes are described as ideal for light lunches, picnics, or as an elegant starter.
How should I pack the filling into the tomatoes?
Fill each hollowed tomato gently but firmly with the tuna mixture to prevent it from spilling out.
What is the primary category of this recipe?
The recipe falls under the Tuna category.
What are the key flavors of this Mediterranean dish?
The dish features tender tuna, tangy capers, aromatic parsley, and zesty lemon.
How do I mix the filling ingredients?
Stir the tuna, capers, parsley, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, and tomato pulp together in a medium bowl until well combined.
What tool is best for removing the tomato stem?
A paring knife is the best tool for carefully cutting off the stem end.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as healthy eating and features fresh, nutritious ingredients.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it can be served as a light main dish or as an elegant starter for a dinner party.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The serving size information is not specified, but the recipe makes 6 stuffed tomatoes.
Does the recipe include salt?
The recipe does not list salt as a separate ingredient, likely because the tuna and capers already provide significant sodium.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 7 ingredients.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include tuna, stuffed tomatoes, Mediterranean, no-cook recipe, light summer meal, appetizer, and healthy eating.
Can I refrigerate the tomatoes before serving?
Yes, refrigerating for an hour is recommended if you want the flavors to meld together.
Are the capers used whole?
No, the capers should be roughly chopped before being added to the tuna mixture.
Should the parsley be finely minced?
The recipe suggests roughly chopping the parsley rather than mincing it finely.
What is the visual appeal of this dish?
The bright red tomatoes and green parsley make it a visually appealing starter that looks great on a platter.
Is there a specific way to stir the mixture?
The instructions suggest stirring gently to combine the ingredients so the tuna maintains some texture.