Campari Tomato Recipes: Sweet, Juicy, and Versatile

Posted On February 14, 2024

Campari tomatoes are a delightful addition to any kitchen. Their natural sweetness and low acidity make them perfect for a variety of dishes. Whether you’re roasting them for a savory side or tossing them into a fresh salad, these tomatoes bring a burst of flavor that’s hard to beat.

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What Are Campari Tomatoes?

Campari tomatoes are small, round, and known for their deep red color and juicy texture. They’re larger than cherry tomatoes but smaller than plum varieties. Often sold on the vine, these tomatoes are prized for their:

• Sweetness: A higher sugar content gives them a naturally sweet flavor.

• Low Acidity: Makes them gentle on the stomach and perfect for raw consumption.

• Juiciness: Their succulent nature enhances the texture of any dish.

• Versatility: Suitable for salads, sauces, roasting, and more.

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Nutritional Benefits

Campari tomatoes aren’t just tasty—they’re also packed with nutrients:

• Vitamins A & C: Support immune health and vision.

• Lycopene: An antioxidant linked to heart health.

• Low Calories: Approximately 25 calories per 85g serving.

• Fat-Free: A healthy addition to any diet.

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Are Campari Tomatoes Cherry Tomatoes?

While they share similarities, Campari tomatoes are distinct from cherry tomatoes. They’re slightly larger and offer a different flavor profile—sweeter and less acidic. This makes them a unique choice for recipes that require a balance of sweetness and tang.

How to Cook Campari Tomatoes (The Easy Way)

Roasting Campari tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness and creates a rich, savory flavor that works well in many recipes. Here’s my favorite method for preparing them at home.

Simple Roasted Campari Tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 10 Campari tomatoes, halved

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Optional: grated parmesan cheese or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar

Step-by-step Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Cut the Campari tomatoes in half and place them cut-side up on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

3. Drizzle the tomatoes with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, oregano, and minced garlic.

4. Roast the tomatoes in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are soft, wrinkled, and slightly browned on the edges.

5. Serve warm as a side dish, spooned over toast, tossed into pasta, or cooled and added to salads.

Easy Variations to Try

• Sprinkle parmesan before roasting for a cheesy finish.

• Use fresh thyme or rosemary for a more fragrant version.

• Add a few chili flakes if you like heat.

• Serve over couscous or quinoa for a quick lunch.

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Campari Tomato Pasta Toss

Perfect for a weeknight dinner. Just toss everything together and go.

Ingredients:

• 8 Campari tomatoes, quartered

• 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or spaghetti works well)

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Fresh basil, chopped

• Salt and black pepper

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.

3. Add tomatoes and cook for 5–7 minutes until soft.

4. Toss in cooked pasta and fresh basil.

5. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

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Simple Campari Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

A refreshing, no-cook recipe that works for lunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients:

• 5 Campari tomatoes, sliced

• 1 ball fresh mozzarella, sliced

• Fresh basil leaves

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Layer tomato and mozzarella slices on a plate.

2. Tuck in basil leaves between slices.

3. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

4. Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately.

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Are Campari Tomatoes Good for Sauce?

Yes. Campari tomatoes are naturally sweet and juicy, which makes them perfect for quick tomato sauces that don’t need hours to simmer.

Quick Campari Tomato Sauce

To make a simple sauce:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan.

2. Add chopped garlic and onions. Cook until soft.

3. Stir in chopped Campari tomatoes.

4. Let them simmer for about 15 minutes until they break down.

5. Add salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. Blend if you want a smoother texture.

This sauce pairs well with pasta, gnocchi, grilled chicken, or zucchini noodles.

Health Benefits of Campari Tomatoes

Campari tomatoes aren’t just flavorful — they’re also good for you. Here are a few reasons why I include them in my weekly meals.

Nutritional Highlights

Why They’re a Healthy Pick

• Low in calories: Great for light meals or snacks.

• High in antioxidants: Lycopene helps fight inflammation.

• Good for digestion: Thanks to their fiber content.

• Heart-friendly: The mix of potassium and antioxidants supports heart health.

Plus, they’re naturally sweet, so you don’t need to add sugar when making sauces or roasting them.

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Common Cooking Questions Answered

Here’s where I noticed other articles fell short — they don’t always explain the basics. So let me clear up a few things:

Are Campari tomatoes cherry tomatoes?

No. While both are small and sweet, Campari tomatoes are larger and rounder than cherry tomatoes. They’re also less acidic and juicier.

Are Campari tomatoes determinate or indeterminate?

Most Campari tomato varieties are indeterminate, which means they produce fruit continuously throughout the season instead of all at once.

Can I grow them at home?

Yes, if you have a warm, sunny space and support for the vines. Just make sure to choose a known indeterminate Campari seed type and prune regularly for the best yield.

Final Thoughts

Campari tomatoes are a staple in my kitchen for one reason: they’re incredibly easy to work with and always deliver on flavor. Whether I’m roasting them with garlic and herbs, tossing them into a salad, or blending them into a creamy sauce, they never let me down.

Their size, low acidity, and naturally sweet taste make them a better pick than most other small tomatoes, especially when I want a dish that feels fresh without much effort. Plus, knowing they’re full of antioxidants and nutrients just makes eating them even better.

So next time you see a box of Campari tomatoes at the store, grab them. You’ll find dozens of ways to use them in your meals — and your taste buds will thank you.

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FAQ: Campari Tomato Recipes

Q: What’s the best way to store Campari tomatoes?
A: Keep them at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Don’t refrigerate unless they’re getting too ripe, as cold can dull their flavor.

Q: Can I use Campari tomatoes in sauces?
A: Absolutely. They’re juicy and sweet, making them ideal for a smooth, flavorful sauce.

Q: What’s the difference between Campari and Roma tomatoes?
A: Campari tomatoes are round, sweeter, and juicier. Roma tomatoes are more oblong, firmer, and less sweet, better for thick sauces.

Q: Can I freeze roasted Campari tomatoes?
A: Yes, once cooled. Store them in an airtight bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. They work well in pasta or soups after thawing.

Q: Are Campari tomatoes good for people with acid reflux?
A: They’re lower in acid compared to many other varieties, so some people find them easier to digest. However, always check with your doctor if you have concerns.