Cold Stuffed Tomatoes
Chilled stuffed tomatoes filled with a creamy pea, celery, bacon, and cashew mixture offer a refreshing appetizer with savory and crunchy flavors, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut stem ends off the tomatoes.
- Discard seeds and scoop out pulp.
- Sprinkle inside of tomatoes with salt and turn upside down on paper towels to drain for about 10 minutes.
- Chop the pulp and press out as much liquid as possible.
- Combine the chopped pulp, drained peas, sour cream, chopped green onion, chopped celery or water chestnuts, black pepper, dill weed, crumbled bacon, and cashews in a bowl.
- Dry the insides of the tomatoes and stuff them with the mixture.
- Chill until serving time.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy twist. If you want a vegetarian option, omit the bacon and replace it with smoked paprika for a similar smokiness. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also be added for extra freshness. Ensure the tomatoes are firm to hold the filling well.
Serving Suggestions
These cold stuffed tomatoes make a delightful appetizer or side dish, perfect for summer gatherings. Pair them with a refreshing salad or serve alongside grilled meats for a complete meal. They also complement dishes like Pork Steaks With Apple Stuffing beautifully, adding a fresh contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The stuffed tomatoes can be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the tomatoes will change. If reheating, gently warm in the oven to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cold Stuffed Tomatoes contains roughly 359 calories, with 14g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (54% of the Daily Value), iron (51% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1355mg per serving (59% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
What other fillings can I use for the tomatoes?
Feel free to get creative with fillings! You could add diced bell peppers, shredded cheese, or even cooked quinoa for a heartier option. For a Mediterranean twist, consider adding feta cheese and olives to the mix for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).