If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant, and utterly delicious dish that feels like a celebration of summer’s best flavors, you have to try this Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe. It’s a beautiful marriage of creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tender mozzarella, all seasoned with fragrant basil and a tangy balsamic glaze. This recipe is effortless to whip up yet feels fancy enough to impress guests or simply brighten up an ordinary day. Plus, it’s packed with nutrients and bursts with textures that make every bite a delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe comes from its straightforward but carefully balanced ingredients. Each one plays a vital role, bringing color, texture, and flavor that blend into a harmonious dish.
- 2 ripe avocados (halved and pitted): Creamy and buttery, they provide the perfect vessel and base for the filling.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Juicy and sweet, adding a refreshing pop with every bite.
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine, halved): Soft and mild, their tender texture complements the avocado beautifully.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped): Herbaceous and fragrant, basil is essential for that classic Caprese flavor.
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze: Sweet and tangy, it brings a shiny finish and depth to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps meld the flavors together.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Basic but indispensable seasonings to enhance every ingredient.
- Optional: a drizzle of lemon juice: Helps keep the avocado looking fresh and vibrant.
How to Make Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Avocados
Start by slicing your ripe avocados in half and removing the pits. Then scoop out a small portion of the flesh from each half—this creates room for the Caprese filling. Don’t toss the removed avocado; chop it into small pieces since it will be mixed with the other ingredients to add creamy texture throughout the filling.
Step 2: Combine the Filling
In a medium bowl, bring together the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, chopped avocado pieces, and freshly chopped basil. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Gently toss everything together to combine without mashing the ingredients—keeping their individual textures is key to that delightful mouthfeel.
Step 3: Stuff and Garnish
Carefully spoon the Caprese mixture into each avocado half, filling the hollowed-out spaces generously. Right before serving, drizzle the balsamic glaze over the filled avocados. If you want an extra touch of freshness and to slow down browning, add a light drizzle of lemon juice on top.
How to Serve Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes can elevate the finished dish with an herbal or spicy kick. Fresh basil leaves laid on top add visual appeal and boost the aroma, making your Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe as beautiful as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a slice of hearty whole-grain bread. For a summer picnic, serving alongside grilled chicken or a light pasta salad creates a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve these Caprese stuffed avocados on a bed of mixed greens or arugula for extra color and texture. Plating them on a wooden board with some extra cherry tomatoes and basil sprigs scattered around turns the dish into an eye-catching centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because avocado browns quickly, squeeze a little lemon juice over the exposed avocado before sealing. Consume within 24 hours for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this recipe, as the fresh avocado and mozzarella texture do not hold up well after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh to savor the creamy and juicy contrast.
Reheating
This dish is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Just take leftovers out of the fridge about 15 minutes before eating to let the flavors shine without the chill dulling the taste.
FAQs
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely! If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, you can dice Roma or vine tomatoes into small pieces. Just keep in mind that cherry tomatoes provide a nice bite-sized sweetness that complements the dish perfectly.
What’s the best way to prevent avocado from browning?
Drizzling a little fresh lemon juice over the avocado surfaces helps slow down oxidation. Also, storing the stuffed avocados tightly covered in the fridge minimizes their exposure to air.
Can I substitute fresh mozzarella with a different cheese?
Fresh mozzarella is ideal due to its mild flavor and soft texture, but if you want a twist, small cubes of mild feta or burrata can work well, bringing their own unique creaminess and tang.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
Yes, this Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe is wonderfully low-carb and keto-friendly. The ingredients are naturally low in carbohydrates and rich in healthy fats and protein, making it a perfect snack or appetizer for those diets.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes from start to finish—making it an excellent quick and nourishing option when you need something fresh and flavorful in no time.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe enough if you want a refreshing, colorful, and healthy dish that’s effortless to prepare yet impressively elegant. Whether for a light lunch, an appetizer at your next get-together, or a snack that makes you feel like you’re enjoying summer all year round, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, tangy, and herb-kissed bite!
Print
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: Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Low Carb
Description
Delight in this fresh and vibrant Italian-inspired appetizer featuring ripe avocados stuffed with a colorful medley of cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for a quick, nutritious snack or a light starter, this Caprese Stuffed Avocados recipe blends creamy textures and bold flavors with no cooking required.
Ingredients
Avocado Base
- 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
- chopped flesh scooped from avocados
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: a drizzle of lemon juice to prevent browning
Instructions
- Prepare Avocados: Scoop out a small amount of flesh from each avocado half to create room for the filling. Chop the scooped-out avocado flesh into small pieces and set aside.
- Mix Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, halved mozzarella balls, chopped avocado flesh, and chopped basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything gently to combine without mashing the ingredients.
- Stuff Avocados: Spoon the Caprese mixture evenly into each avocado half, filling the cavities generously.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the stuffed avocados just before serving. Optionally, add a light drizzle of lemon juice to maintain the avocado’s vibrant color if not serving immediately.
Notes
- For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes on top.
- This recipe is best served immediately for optimal freshness.
- You can chill the stuffed avocados for up to 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
