Campari tomatoes are deep red, round tomatoes that are usually sold on the vine. They’re sweet and juicy and I think they taste a lot like cherry tomatoes (they also look similar to cherry tomatoes, only larger). Campari tomatoes are the perfect tomatoes for stuffing because in addition to their great flavor, they’re big enough to get a decent amount of filling inside.
The filling I use in this recipe is a combination of three cheeses (mozzarella, Parmesan, and cottage cheese), which I puree until smooth. The end result is a cheesy mixture with a consistency similar to ricotta, but much more flavorful. If you’re pressed for time, feel free to just use ricotta instead.
Paired with thick-sliced multigrain bread or garlic toast this makes a delicious summer lunch!
Stuffed Tomato Salad
(Yield: 2 servings)
Small handful fresh parsley
Small handful fresh chives
2 c baby spinach, lightly packed
2 TB toasted pine nuts
2 oz mozzarella cheese
½ oz fresh Parmesan cheese
½ c low-fat cottage cheese
⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper
6 campari tomatoes
1 teaspoon olive oil
½ teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Finely mince 1 TB parsley and 1 TB chives and set aside. Coarsely chop 1 TB parsley and 1 TB chives and toss with the baby spinach. Arrange the spinach mixture on a large serving plate or 2 smaller plates. Sprinkle the pine nuts on top.
In a food processor, process the mozzarella until finely shredded, then pulse in the Parmesan; add the cottage cheese and process until smooth (it will look like ricotta cheese). Transfer the cheese mixture to a small bowl and stir in the garlic powder, reserved minced parsley and chives, and salt and pepper to taste.
Cut off a small slice from the bottom of each tomato so they stand straight up. Slice the tops off of each tomato, then remove the seeds and pulp from inside. Spoon the cheese mixture into each and put their tops back on.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Place the tomatoes on top of the spinach, drizzle the balsamic dressing on top, and serve immediately.
CJ @ Morsels of Life says
These tomatoes look really good! I especially like how you blended the cheeses for more flavor. :)
Emily says
Faith, I made this tonight - loved it! And will be posting it later this week! Thanks again for sharing this delicious recipe!
admin says
Emily, I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for letting me know, you made my night! :)
Nicole, RD says
I've never heard of that tomato variety, but it sounds delicious! These sound wonderful, Faith! Beautiful, too!
Reeni says
How lovely! They just scream summer! And the triple combo of cheese sounds tasty.
grace says
those're some cheese-happy maters, faith, which means it'd be a happy grace who'd be eating them--well done!
FOODESSA says
Faith...I'm loving the blend of cheeses you put in my favourite variety of tomatoes. I could only wonder how you get away with making so many lovely cheese based recipes with Hubby not being such a fan?!?
Photos are just so inviting and beautiful ;o)
Ciao for now,
Claudia
Heavenly Housewife says
These are positively exquisite. This would look amazing on the table if you had guests coming over.
Blond Duck says
Are you a zumba queen too?!?!
deana@lostpastremembered says
I just love those colors, Faith. COmbining all the cheeses is a great idea. Great photo.
Dana says
These look so amazing! I am obsessed with tomatoes right now (or maybe always lol). I bet these would make great appetizers if made with cherry tomatoes also. Thanks for sharing!
Lazaro says
Campari tomatoes on the vine are my favorites. So full of flavor. As is the wonderful recipe for your filling.
Katerina says
I love the herbs that you used. These tomatoes look really cute. I am sure they are tasty as well.
chaya says
Hi, these are so attractive. I love the idea of filling them with the pureed cheeses. I am sure it makes a big difference.
This would be a great lunch for me, one of these days, I remember to eat lunch.
5 Star Foodie says
Beautiful! I love this filling with three cheeses!
MaryMoh says
These look so cute and delicious. They bring smiles :D
Chiara says
I love stuffed tomatoes, no matter what they are stuffed with! These sound very refreshing and I always enjoy a no-cook recipe in the summer.
Barbara Bakes says
Love how you've arranged them on the platter. Looks like a summer feast.
Anna Johnston says
Beautiful pictures and my mouth is watering for some of these tasty morsels Faith. You've inspired me to bring this dish along to a 'bring a plate' do I'm going to on the weekend. Love it. Cheers Anna
Mo says
How elegant! Cheese-stuffed tomato sounds amazing right now. ;) I also love how summery and fresh it is. :)
Fitness Surfer says
Oh, i love this site. Every single photo makes my mouth water. I also love tomatoes when they are done right and this looks delicious and love the way it's presented. If only i hosted dinner parties. When i do throw a party it's always hot dogs, and brats or Italian. This falls into the Italian category. I may just give it a whirl.
BeadedTail says
Those look so fresh, light and tasty!
kalli@fitandfortysomething says
gosh what a great way to use tomatoes! these look so good.....
Betty says
Beautiful tomatoes! Almost too pretty to eat- but too delicious not to!
Krista says
Great idea! My tomatoes are all getting red at once so I'll be needing as many recipes as I can get my hands on!
Joanne says
Tomatoes stuffed with cheese just sound dreamy to me. I mean they are stuffed. with. Cheese.
kim says
What a coincidence! I'm about to put a post on some heirloom tomatoes I bought from the greenmarket! Yours look lovely and 'cheesy'. :) Healthy and indulgent.
Veronica M. says
I'm sick with a fever and feeling very yucky but I have to say, your stuffed tomatoes actually made me salivate despite my lack of appetite! I can just imagine the wonderful flavors here. I have never seen those tomatoes but I'm so desperate for this I will have to use regular vine-ripened ones.
Louanne says
What a beautiful photo! I love campari tomatoes - they always taste like "real" tomatoes. This looks so delicious and perfect for a light lunch.
swathi says
Faith,
Stuffed tomato looks awesome. I love the filling. with all the cheese they are too good.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says
That looks so beautiful Faith! I love the contrasting colours with the red and a white that always look so strikingly beautiful together! :D
Emily says
Oh man these look so incredibly good. I must admit, I haven't experimented with different types of tomatoes enough to compare one to another. I normally just grab a couple for a recipe without much thought. Maybe I ought to pay closer attention.
One thing is for sure, though, and that is that I am going to try this recipe in the near future!
Blond Duck says
I love the vibrant colors!
Nicole @ Geek Turned Athlete says
This looks to die for! So beautiful, and so filling! I have no idea how I could make this dairy free since lactose hasn't been loving me as much as I love it lately, but I'm figuring it out ASAP!