Do Share Recipe

Bite-Sized Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes with Tuna Salad Recipe

I recently made these stuffed cherry tomatoes with tuna salad for a family get-together, and they were an absolute hit! They vanished from the platter in minutes. The juicy sweetness of the tomatoes perfectly complements the savory tuna filling, creating a refreshing and satisfying bite.

They look so elegant yet are surprisingly simple to prepare. If you enjoy creative appetizers, you should also explore our guide to making a Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Phyllo Cups Recipe for another impressive dish.

Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes with Tuna Salad Recipe

Ingredients You Will Need

Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to create these delicious bite-sized appetizers.

1 pint cherry tomatoes – Choose firm, ripe tomatoes that are similar in size for a uniform look.
1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained – Use tuna packed in water for a lighter salad or in oil for a richer flavor. Ensure it’s well-drained.
2 tablespoons mayonnaise – This creates the creamy base for the salad. For a tangier taste, use a high-quality, full-fat mayo.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that cuts through the creaminess of the mayonnaise.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the flavors of the tuna salad.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley – Provides a fresh, herby note and a pop of color.
Salt and pepper, to taste – Season according to your preference to enhance all the flavors.
Optional: capers or chopped olives – These can be added for a briny, savory kick.

Note: This recipe yields approximately 20-24 stuffed tomatoes, serving about 4 people as an appetizer.

Cooking Time

This appetizer comes together quickly, making it ideal for last-minute preparations.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus optional chilling time)

How to Make Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes with Tuna Salad

Follow these simple steps to assemble your beautiful and tasty appetizers. The process is straightforward, requiring no cooking and minimal effort, resulting in a dish that is sure to impress your guests with its fresh flavors and appealing presentation.

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

First, wash the cherry tomatoes under cool water and pat them completely dry. Using a small, sharp knife, carefully slice a thin layer off the top of each tomato. Then, use a small spoon or a melon baller to gently scoop out the seeds and pulp, creating a hollow little cup. Be careful not to puncture the sides.

Step 2: Mix the Tuna Salad Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, add the drained tuna. Use a fork to flake it into fine pieces. Next, add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Mix everything together until it is well combined and has a creamy, consistent texture. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 3: Fill the Cherry Tomatoes

Now it’s time to stuff your tomatoes. Using a small spoon or a piping bag for a cleaner look, carefully fill each hollowed-out cherry tomato with the tuna salad mixture. You can fill them generously, letting the mixture mound slightly over the top for a more abundant appearance. Arrange the filled tomatoes on your serving platter.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

For a final touch, you can garnish the stuffed tomatoes. A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley, a single caper on top of each, or a small piece of an olive adds visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor. Serve them immediately, or cover and chill them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving for a more refreshing taste.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Having made these a few times now, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make them even better.

I found that chilling the hollowed-out tomatoes for about 10-15 minutes before filling helps them stay firm and cool.
To add a bit of crunch, I like to mix in a tablespoon of finely diced celery or red onion into the tuna salad. It provides a great textural contrast.
If you’re making these ahead of time, prepare the tuna salad and hollow out the tomatoes, but store them separately. I recommend filling them no more than an hour before serving to prevent the tomatoes from becoming watery.
For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of dill or a dash of hot sauce to the tuna mixture.

Variations to Try

This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit different tastes or dietary needs.

Dairy-Free: Simply use a vegan or dairy-free mayonnaise substitute. The flavor profile will remain just as delicious.
Flavor Add-ins: Get creative by adding other ingredients like chopped pickles, sweet relish, shredded carrots, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
Protein Swap: Not a fan of tuna? This recipe works wonderfully with canned salmon, shredded chicken, or even mashed chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Explore our other dinner recipes for more creative meal ideas.

Equipment You Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, just a few kitchen basics.

Sharp Knife: For slicing the tops off the tomatoes cleanly.
Melon Baller or Small Spoon: To easily scoop out the tomato pulp and seeds.
Mixing Bowl: For combining the tuna salad ingredients.
Serving Platter: To present your beautifully stuffed tomatoes.
Piping Bag (Optional): For a neater, more professional look when filling the tomatoes.

How to Serve Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes with Tuna Salad

These bites are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving them.

Arrange them on a platter with fresh herbs for a simple, elegant appetizer.
Serve them alongside crackers, cucumber slices, or pita bread for a more substantial snack.
Include them as part of a larger appetizer spread or charcuterie board.
For a sweet finish to your gathering, consider serving our Condensed Milk Lemonade Recipe for dessert.

Calories Count

This is a light and healthy appetizer choice.

Calories per serving (approx. 5-6 tomatoes): 150 kcal
Protein: 10g
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 3g

How to Store Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes with Tuna Salad

Proper storage is key to keeping these fresh, though they are best enjoyed the day they are made.

Storing: Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The tomatoes may soften over time.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the tomatoes will become mushy upon thawing and release too much water.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons why these stuffed cherry tomatoes will become a new favorite.

Incredibly Easy: This no-cook recipe comes together in just 15 minutes.
Perfect for Parties: They are a beautiful, crowd-pleasing appetizer for any event.
Light and Healthy: It’s a low-carb, high-protein snack that is both satisfying and guilt-free.
Highly Customizable: You can easily change the filling to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

More Recipe Details

When selecting your tomatoes, look for ones that are firm to the touch and have a vibrant, uniform red color. Cherry or grape tomatoes work best because of their size and sturdy walls. Avoid any tomatoes that are overly soft or have blemishes.

For the tuna, any canned variety works, but draining it thoroughly is the most important step to prevent a watery filling. This simple step ensures your tuna salad is creamy and holds together well inside the delicate tomato shells.

Ben Carraoli