Can you believe that it is already July?! Craziness! But truthfully, I’m already counting down the days until fall. It is so hot here and for some awesome reason the air conditioner works perfectly in every single room of the house except for the bedroom. I also have a weird thing where I can’t sleep very well unless I have a heavy blanket on me, so I’ve been sweating profusely under my big down blanket every night for the past few weeks.
There is, however, a silver lining on the hot Arizona summers. Everyday around 4:00 PM we get heavy torrential downpours, or monsoons as they call them here. You definitely don’t want to get stuck out in one, but they are really enjoyable if you are cuddled up safe inside, although Cheeto has been known to get scared and hide under the bed when the thunder gets loud!
Another thing I do really love about the summer is all the fresh tomatoes I get to eat! Tomatoes just aren’t the same when they aren’t in season so I make sure to eat a bunch while they are in their prime. I love having tomatoes of all sizes around to snack on or throw into salads, but I thought these Quinoa and Chickpea Stuffed Tomatoes would really highlight the tomatoes themselves and who doesn’t love food served in an edible bowl?!
These stuffed tomatoes are really fresh and light and are perfect for a summer lunch or a fun side dish. Although I did break down yesterday and turn the oven on to make some roasted sweet potato and broccoli tacos (apparently I was thinking it was winter) I have been really loving eating quick, easy and light summer recipes lately. If you are enjoying them too, this one is perfect for you!
Quinoa and Chickpea Stuffed Tomatoes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dry quinoa
- 1 –15 ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and drained – or 1 1/2 cups
- 1/2 cup small diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup corn kernels
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 2 radishes, small diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 lemon
- 6–8 large tomatoes
- salt
- pepper
Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon herbs de provence or dried oregano
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa according to package directions. In a large bowl, mix together the quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, corn, onion, radishes, garlic, dill and parsley. Squeeze the lemon over the salad and mix again.
- In a small bowl, mix together all of the dressing ingredients. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix until combined. Add salt to taste, if desired. Using a sharp knife, cut the tops of the tomatoes off on an angle and then scoop out the insides using a spoon.
- Lightly salt and pepper the insides of the tomatoes and then spoon the quinoa and chickpea mixture in.
- Category: Lunch, Side, Gluten Free, Vegan
These stuffed tomatoes are so cute! I love chickpeas.
Thanks Nicole!! I’ve been putting chickpeas in everything lately š
I love these, Izzy. My tomatoes are all starting to turn red at once so definitely pinning this to try as soon as the tomatoes are ready. I’m with you on easy meals in the summer – this one just makes a salad look a bit more special. Thanks!
Thanks Geraldine! Yah for homegrown tomatoes š
These stuffed tomatoes look delicious! I absolutely love quinoa – it’s one of my favourite grains. Excited to give these a try!
Thank you Jess! Quinoa is one of my favorite grains too š
This is such a creative recipe, Izzy! I’ve never thought to stuff tomatoes before, so I’m loving this combination. Quinoa and chickpeas sound absolutely delicious. So perfect for the summer!
Thank you so much, Gayle! You should totally stuff tomatoes!!
I can’t imagine the heat in Arizona! The humidity is horrible in Arkansas during the summer, I’m sure you know what I mean too haha. These stuffed tomatoes look so delicious I love that you stuffed them with quinoa and chickpeas! I’m always look for different ways to use both!
My mom was just telling me how humid it is there! I’m not sure I could handle that! This recipe is a perfect way to use quinoa and chickpeas š
These are so colorful and delicious! Tomatoes, quinoa, and chickpeas are all some of my ultimate faves š
I can see why you’re ready for fall weather — I don’t think I could make it through an AZ summer! Tomatoes taste so good right now — they’re not the same any other time! I love the idea of stuffing a juicy, sweet tomato with a delicious quinoa salad. I definitely need to try this!
I really can’t believe it is July. Where has this year gone?
I grew up on stuffed tomatoes, but usually with tuna in them, so I am loving this vegetarian version.