Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe
If you love classic Caprese salad and creamy avocados, get ready for your new obsession: Caprese Stuffed Avocados. This vibrant dish is where Italian sunshine meets California cool — ripe avocados overflowing with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and bright basil, all tied together with a luscious drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze. It’s the kind of quick, no-cook meal that tastes like summer in every bite and looks stunning enough to wow at any gathering, but is simple enough for a Tuesday lunch at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in Caprese Stuffed Avocados plays a starring role — from creamy avocados to the punch of fresh basil. With this handful of simple, vibrant items, you’ll create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful!
- Avocados: Choose ripe but firm avocados so they’ll hold their shape while still being deliciously creamy.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems burst with color and sweetness; halving them helps them nestle perfectly into the avocado cups.
- Fresh Mozzarella Balls (Bocconcini): Creamy, mild, and milky, these pair beautifully with avocado; halve them to distribute throughout the filling.
- Fresh Basil: Chopped basil adds garden-fresh aroma and that classic Caprese flavor.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle brings everything together, making the filling shine and adding a silky richness.
- Balsamic Glaze or Reduction: Just a touch will add tangy-sweet complexity and an eye-catching finish.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors — don’t skip these!
How to Make Caprese Stuffed Avocados
Step 1: Prep the Avocados
Begin by halving the avocados and carefully removing the pits. Scoop out a small amount of flesh from each half to create a generous well for your filling — you want enough space to pile in all those delicious caprese flavors. Dice the scooped-out avocado and set it aside; it becomes part of the filling, adding even more creamy goodness to every bite.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, halved mozzarella balls, and the chopped fresh basil. Drizzle everything with the olive oil and season to taste with salt and black pepper. Toss gently to combine, being careful not to mash the delicate avocado pieces — you want a colorful, chunky salad.
Step 3: Fill the Avocado Halves
Now, spoon that gloriously fresh mixture into each avocado half, piling it high so every bite is packed with flavor and color. Aim for an equal share of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in each half to keep things balanced and visually stunning.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Just before serving, drizzle the Caprese Stuffed Avocados with balsamic glaze. This final flourish adds a pop of sweetness and a beautiful glossy finish. If you’re preparing these in advance, you can brush the avocado flesh with a little lemon juice to keep them vibrant and green until serving time.
How to Serve Caprese Stuffed Avocados
Garnishes
A sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a shower of extra chopped basil, or even a grind of cracked black pepper right before serving will elevate your Caprese Stuffed Avocados from lovely to extraordinary. For dramatic flair, add a few whole small basil leaves on top — they look gorgeous and add even more aroma.
Side Dishes
Caprese Stuffed Avocados are fantastic on their own, but serve them alongside crusty Italian bread or a simple green salad for a light lunch or supper. For a more substantial meal, pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a chilled pasta salad. These stuffed avocados complement so many different flavors and courses.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the avocados thinly and fanning them out on a platter, then topping with the filling for a shareable party appetizer. Or, serve them in individual ramekins for elegant starters at a dinner party. However you present them, Caprese Stuffed Avocados are sure to steal the spotlight with their color and freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extras, place the stuffed avocados in an airtight container and sprinkle a bit of lemon juice over the exposed avocado flesh to help prevent browning. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, although the avocados are always at their creamiest and brightest when served fresh.
Freezing
Unfortunately, avocados don’t freeze well in this recipe, as their texture becomes mushy once thawed and the tomatoes release water. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy your Caprese Stuffed Avocados right after making them.
Reheating
Since this dish is served cold and relies on crisp, fresh textures, there’s no need to reheat Caprese Stuffed Avocados. If you’ve prepared the filling ahead of time, simply let it come to room temperature for a few minutes before spooning into the avocado halves and finishing with balsamic glaze.
FAQs
Can I make Caprese Stuffed Avocados vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap out traditional mozzarella balls for your favorite plant-based mozzarella or cubed firm tofu for a dairy-free spin that still delivers on texture and taste.
What’s the best way to keep avocados from browning?
For the brightest presentation, brush the cut surfaces of the avocados with a little lemon or lime juice. This slows down oxidation and keeps your Caprese Stuffed Avocados fresh and green for longer.
Can I add protein to this recipe?
Definitely. Grilled chicken or shrimp are both wonderful additions — just chop and toss them into the filling, or slice and serve them alongside for a more filling meal.
Are Caprese Stuffed Avocados keto-friendly?
Yes, they’re a fantastic option for low-carb and keto diets. The healthy fats from avocado, plus protein-rich mozzarella, make them nourishing and totally satisfying without excess carbs.
Can I use a different type Appetizer, Salad
Yes! While bocconcini are traditional for Caprese, any fresh mozzarella works beautifully. Cut larger balls or slices into bite-sized cubes so they distribute evenly in the filling.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Caprese Stuffed Avocados before, you’re in for such a treat — they’re the perfect blend of simplicity, flavor, and flair. Grab a handful of fresh ingredients and give this gorgeous dish a try. You just might find it becoming your go-to appetizer or lunch all summer long!
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Caprese Stuffed Avocados Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 avocado halves per person) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Caprese Stuffed Avocados are a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, combining creamy avocados with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, all drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
Avocado:
- 2 large ripe avocados, halved and pitted
Filling:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or reduction
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Scoop Avocado: Scoop a small amount of avocado flesh from each half to create more space for the filling and dice the scooped avocado.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine the diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently to combine.
- Fill Avocado Halves: Spoon the mixture into the avocado halves.
- Drizzle Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.
Notes
- For added protein, top with grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Use heirloom cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
- Serve immediately to prevent browning or brush the avocado flesh with a little lemon juice to slow oxidation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed avocado half
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
