Tuna 'N Pasta Stuffed Tomato
A vibrant, savory stuffed tomato dish featuring tuna, pasta, and fresh vegetables, perfect for a light lunch or summer dinner loved by seafood and salad enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 8 oz. shell macaroni, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cheese cubes (Swiss, Mozzarella, Cheddar or Jack) ⓘ
- 2 tbsp. minced onion ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 cup minced celery ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped sweet pickle
- 1/2 cup salad dressing or mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream ⓘ
- 2 tsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- pepper to taste ⓘ
- 4 tomatoes ⓘ
- lettuce leaves ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine tuna, cooked and drained shell macaroni, cheese cubes, minced onion, minced green pepper, minced celery, and chopped sweet pickle in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix together salad dressing or mayonnaise, plain yogurt or sour cream, lemon juice, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing mixture over the tuna and pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Chill the mixture for at least one hour.
- Remove stems from the tomatoes and place each on a bed of lettuce.
- Cut each tomato through to within 1/4-inch of the bottom to form six equal sections.
- Spread the sections apart and scoop in the tuna mixture.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using flavored tuna, such as lemon or herb. If cheese cubes are unavailable, shredded cheese can be substituted. You can also replace the salad dressing with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. To enhance the crunch, try adding diced radishes or bell peppers. If you're short on time, use pre-cooked pasta from the store.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Tuna 'N Pasta Stuffed Tomato as a light lunch or dinner option. Accompany it with a crisp green salad or a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with a chilled glass of white wine. For more seafood delights, browse more American recipes featuring tuna and other seafood.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover tuna mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the mixture in a microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the mixture seems dry, add a little more yogurt or dressing before serving. Tomato shells can be kept separate until serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tuna 'N Pasta Stuffed Tomato contains roughly 191 calories, with 9g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (155% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 523mg per serving (23% 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
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tuna, but it will require cooking beforehand. Poach or grill the fresh tuna until fully cooked, then flake it and mix it with the other ingredients. This will give you a fresher taste and texture.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To make Tuna 'N Pasta Stuffed Tomato healthier, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and choose whole-grain pasta. You can also add more vegetables, such as spinach or carrots, to increase the nutritional value while keeping the flavor vibrant.
What kind of tomatoes are best for stuffing?
Roma or beefsteak tomatoes work best for stuffing due to their firm texture and larger size. They hold up well when cut and allow you to fill them without falling apart. Ensure they are ripe but still firm to avoid any mushiness.
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).