If you’re looking for the perfect blend of creamy, juicy, and fresh, let me introduce you to Caprese Stuffed Avocados. This dish brings together all the best flavors of a classic Caprese salad—mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil—but nestles them right in the heart of buttery avocado halves. It’s the ultimate appetizer or light meal for any time you want something quick, vibrant, and positively bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a longtime Caprese fan or just love creative, beautiful dishes, you’ll find this recipe irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Caprese Stuffed Avocados is their simplicity: just a handful of super-fresh ingredients that deliver big on taste, texture, and color. Each component has a role to play, so choose high-quality, ripe ingredients for the best results.
- Avocados: Choose ones that yield gently to pressure for a buttery base, and scoop out a little extra flesh to give plenty of room for the filling.
- Cherry tomatoes: Their bite-sized, juicy sweetness balances perfectly with creamy avocado and mozzarella.
- Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine): These bring a mild milky richness and perfect bite-sized texture to the salad.
- Fresh basil leaves: Chopped basil adds an aromatic, peppery freshness that is the soul of any Caprese-inspired dish.
- Balsamic glaze: A tangy-sweet drizzle that ties everything together and brings out the tomatoes’ natural flavor.
- Olive oil: Just a touch boosts the richness and enhances the flavor of all the other ingredients.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential to pull out and lift every flavor in the bowl.
- Lemon juice (optional): A quick squeeze helps prevent the avocado from browning and adds an extra touch of bright flavor.
How to Make Caprese Stuffed Avocados
Step 1: Prepare the Avocados
Carefully slice your avocados in half and remove the pits. Using a spoon, scoop out a small amount of flesh from the center of each half to create extra space for the filling. Don’t throw away that beautiful avocado! Chop it up and set it aside; it’ll be added right back into the Caprese mix for even more creamy goodness.
Step 2: Make the Caprese Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, gently combine the halved cherry tomatoes, halved mozzarella balls, those little chunks of chopped avocado, and the freshly chopped basil. Drizzle in the olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper. Use a gentle hand to toss everything together until well mixed—this keeps the mozzarella from tearing and the tomatoes from getting squished.
Step 3: Fill the Avocado Boats
Spoon the vibrant Caprese mixture evenly into the hollowed-out avocados, letting it pile up a bit for that generous, inviting look. Don’t worry if a little spills over—it just adds to the rustic, summery feel! If you’re prepping ahead, hold off on filling until just before serving to keep everything fresh.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
Just before serving, drizzle those gorgeous Caprese Stuffed Avocados with balsamic glaze. Add a squeeze of lemon juice over the top if you like—it not only helps keep the avocado from browning but also gives each bite a sprightly citrus note. And feel free to finish with an extra scatter of fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Serve Caprese Stuffed Avocados
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can turn Caprese Stuffed Avocados from simple to spectacular! Try a finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a twist of cracked black pepper, or a few whole basil leaves for that lush visual appeal. A little sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds gentle heat, and a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil makes everything glisten.
Side Dishes
Pair Caprese Stuffed Avocados with a crisp green salad, a slice of rustic sourdough bread, or a side of grilled vegetables for a satisfying lunch. For a heartier meal, these beauties are an excellent starter before a bowl of pasta, or you can serve them with a chilled soup like gazpacho when the weather is warm.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the avocados on a platter as individual servings for a brunch buffet or picnic. You can also scoop some Caprese filling into endive leaves for a fun, bite-sized appetizer version. For an Instagram-ready effect, use a balsamic glaze bottle to create decorative zigzags over the plate and sprinkle extra basil around the edges.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
While Caprese Stuffed Avocados are definitely best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers by pressing plastic wrap tightly against the surface of the avocados to protect them from air and placing them in an airtight container. They’ll hold up well for up to 24 hours in the fridge, but some browning may occur.
Freezing
Avocados don’t take kindly to freezing, as their texture can become watery and mushy after thawing. Since the Caprese filling includes tomatoes and cheese, freezing isn’t recommended, but you could prep the non-avocado ingredients a day ahead and chill them separately.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Caprese Stuffed Avocados, as they’re meant to be served cool, crisp, and refreshing. If you’ve refrigerated leftovers, just let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to take away the chill and bring out the flavors.
FAQs
Can I make Caprese Stuffed Avocados ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the filling a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Wait to cut and fill the avocados until just before serving, as this keeps them from browning and helps them look their freshest.
What kind of mozzarella works best?
Fresh mozzarella balls like bocconcini or ciliegine are best for Caprese Stuffed Avocados because of their delicate texture and mild flavor. If you can’t find those, you can dice up a fresh mozzarella log instead.
Can I use a different cheese?
While mozzarella is classic for a Caprese-inspired dish, feel free to experiment! Try small cubes of feta for a salty kick or goat cheese for tanginess—just keep the cheese mild enough not to overpower the tomatoes and basil.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
A squeeze of lemon juice on the cut avocado flesh helps slow down browning. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface if you’re storing them for later to reduce contact with air.
Are Caprese Stuffed Avocados gluten-free?
Absolutely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this a safe and delicious option for anyone avoiding gluten. It’s also vegetarian and low-carb, so it fits a variety of diets.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Caprese Stuffed Avocados enough—you get creamy, juicy, tangy, and herby flavors all in one stunning package. Give this recipe a try the next time you crave a light meal or want to impress friends at your next get-together; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
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Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 avocado halves per person)
- Category: Appetizer, Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Caprese Stuffed Avocados are a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, combining creamy avocados with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all drizzled with balsamic glaze. It’s a perfect appetizer or light meal for a quick and healthy bite.
Ingredients
Avocados:
- 2 ripe avocados (halved and pitted)
Caprese Filling:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine, halved)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: a drizzle of lemon juice to prevent browning
Instructions
- Scoop out avocado flesh: Remove a small amount of flesh from each avocado half to create space for the filling. Chop the removed avocado flesh into small pieces.
- Prepare filling: In a medium bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, chopped avocado, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Toss gently to combine.
- Fill avocados: Spoon the Caprese mixture evenly into each avocado half. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving. Add lemon juice if desired.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes.
- This dish is best served immediately but can be chilled for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed avocado half
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
