Cold Stuffed Tomatoes! Inspired by the classic BLT sandwich, these stuffed tomatoes have the addition of orzo and peas to give them a pop of springtime flavor. Great for an Easter brunch or any spring occasion.
Imagine all the irresistible flavors of a classic BLT sandwich transformed into a delightful salad, then served up in an an eye-catching way.
That’s exactly what these Cold Stuffed Tomatoes bring to the table! Juicy tomatoes are stuffed to the brim with savory orzo pasta tossed with crispy bacon and peas. A delicious, creamy dressing ties everything together with just the right amount of herby notes and tangy flavor.
Whether you’re craving a taste of summer or simply looking to shake up your meal routine, this recipe delivers the perfect blend of comfort and freshness.
Experience the essence of a BLT in a whole new way!
Looking for more delicious ideas? Check out my Zesty Pasta Salad, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, or Healthy Pasta Salad!
Ingredients
- Tomatoes – I like larger tomatoes on the vine for this.
- Orzo pasta
- Canned sweet peas
- Bacon
- Plain yogurt
- Mayonnaise
- Red wine vinegar
- Dried dill
- Garlic powder
- Sea salt
- Chopped parsley or herbs
Instructions
Start by bringing a medium pot of salted water to a boil on high heat. Then, cook the orzo pasta according to the instructions on the package.
While the orzo is cooking, whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing in a small bowl until they are well combined. Once done, set the dressing aside for later use.
After the orzo is cooked, rinse and drain it using a colander under cold water. Then, either return the orzo to the pot it was cooked in or transfer it to a large bowl.
Next, add the sweet peas and crumbled bacon to the orzo, gently mixing everything together to ensure even distribution.
Drizzle the prepared dressing over the mixture and toss everything carefully until the orzo pasta is fully coated. You can add the dressing gradually, adjusting to your preferred consistency and taste.
Once the orzo salad is dressed to your liking, carefully spoon it into the hollowed-out tomatoes.
For an extra touch, garnish with chopped parsley and additional bacon crumbles if desired.
Video
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or small macaroni, or use couscous or quinoa.
Absolutely! I prefer the canned peas because of their softer texture, but you can use fresh peas that are cooked until tender.
You can assemble the stuffed tomatoes up to a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate them until you’re ready to enjoy.
Variations & Substitutions
Try these variations!
- Mediterranean Inspired: Replace the bacon with diced grilled chicken breast and add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the orzo salad. For the dressing, use lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and dried oregano.
- Caprese Style: Skip the peas and bacon. Instead, toss cooked orzo with fresh mozzarella balls, and chopped basil leaves. Toss with Italian dressing & finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Tex-Mex Twist: Substitute orzo with cooked quinoa or couscous. Mix in black beans, corn kernels, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro. For the dressing, use lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and a touch of honey.
Cold Stuffed Tomatoes
