Description
Caprese Stuffed Avocado is a fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make summer dish combining creamy ripe avocados with classic Italian Caprese salad ingredients: juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil. Enhanced with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze, this nutrient-rich appetizer or light lunch offers a refreshing, colorful, and customizable flavor experience perfect for warm weather.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados (firm but slightly soft)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bite-sized pieces)
- 10 fresh basil leaves (torn or chopped)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- 1 tablespoon basil pesto (for added herbaceous richness)
- 100 g grilled chicken, shrimp, or ½ cup chickpeas (for protein boost)
- Vegan mozzarella or tofu cubes (for a dairy-free version)
- Crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños (to add spice)
- Fresh lemon or lime juice (for a citrus twist)
Instructions
- Prepare the Avocados: Cut ripe avocados in half, carefully remove the pits, and gently scoop out a small portion of the flesh to create a deeper cavity for the filling. Set aside the scooped avocado pieces if you want to mix them in for extra creaminess.
- Chop the Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Slice cherry tomatoes into halves or quarters based on their size. Cut fresh mozzarella balls into bite-sized pieces to ensure a balanced texture.
- Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, mozzarella, torn or chopped fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, balsamic glaze, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Toss gently to blend all vibrant Caprese flavors.
- Stuff the Avocados: If saved, fold the scooped avocado flesh into the Caprese mixture for extra creaminess. Then, carefully spoon the mixture into the avocado cavities, mounding it slightly to create a generous, eye-catching presentation.
- Final Touch: Drizzle additional olive oil and balsamic glaze on top of the stuffed avocados. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure to ensure creamy texture while maintaining shape.
- Use the freshest tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella to enhance flavor quality.
- Serve immediately to prevent avocado browning or toss avocado flesh with lemon juice if prepping ahead.
- Taste and adjust olive oil, salt, or balsamic glaze to balance flavors before stuffing.
- Present stuffed avocados in shells or on a bed of greens for an elegant look.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed avocado half
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Caprese Stuffed Avocado, Summer Recipe, Avocado Recipe, Caprese Salad, Healthy Snack, Easy Appetizer, Gluten Free, Vegetarian
