Imagine biting into a vibrant, juicy tomato filled with a creamy, herb-infused white bean salad that bursts with Mediterranean flavors! This elegant yet incredibly simple dish transforms ordinary ingredients into a stunning appetizer that will make your guests wonder if you've secretly trained as a gourmet chef. Perfect for summer gatherings, health-conscious eaters, and anyone looking to impress with minimal effort, these stuffed tomatoes are about to become your new culinary secret weapon.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 large tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped basil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Carefully wash the tomatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Using a sharp knife, slice the top off each tomato, creating a lid. Gently scoop out the inner seeds and pulp, creating a hollow tomato "cup" using a spoon. Set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, drain and rinse the white beans thoroughly under cold water. Shake off excess moisture.
- Add diced red onion to the beans, then incorporate chopped fresh basil leaves.
- Pour olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the bean mixture. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring beans are evenly coated with dressing and herbs are well distributed.
- Carefully spoon the white bean salad mixture into each hollowed tomato, filling them to the top.
- Arrange stuffed tomatoes on a serving platter. If desired, garnish with additional fresh basil leaves.
- Serve immediately at room temperature as a refreshing appetizer or light lunch.
Tips
- • Choose firm, ripe tomatoes with thick walls to ensure they hold the bean salad without collapsing • Use fresh basil for maximum flavor - the difference is remarkable • For extra richness, consider adding crumbled feta cheese to the bean mixture • Chill the bean salad for 30 minutes before stuffing to let flavors meld • If preparing in advance, stuff tomatoes just before serving to prevent soggy bottoms • Select high-quality balsamic vinegar for a more complex, sophisticated taste • For a protein boost, add diced grilled chicken or tuna to the white bean salad
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
