This Easy Caprese Stuffed Avocado is a tasty treat! It blends creamy avocado with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella for a colorful and healthy meal. Yum!
I love how quick this dish is to make—just scoop, mix, and fill! It’s perfect for lunch or a snack. You’ll feel like a chef, but without all the fuss! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Avocados: Use ripe avocados for that creamy texture. If avocados are too hard, let them sit at room temperature for a couple of days. If you’re allergic, try substituting with a scoop of hummus or a chickpea mix for creaminess.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add a sweet burst of flavor. If you don’t have cherry tomatoes, any other small tomatoes will do. Even diced regular tomatoes can work in a pinch!
Fresh Mozzarella: Mozzarella balls are classic, but goat cheese or feta can make great alternatives for a different taste. You could even use vegan cheese for a plant-based version!
Basil: Fresh basil gives that fresh, aromatic flavor. If basil isn’t available, a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs will still add great flavor, though it won’t be quite the same.
Balsamic Glaze: The glaze adds a lovely sweetness. If you don’t have it, a splash of balsamic vinegar will work, or you can make a quick reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens.
How Do I Prepare the Avocado Properly?
Getting the avocado ready is easy but does need some care! Here’s how to do it:
- Use a sharp knife to cut the avocado in half lengthwise. Twist gently to separate the halves.
- Remove the pit by carefully hitting it with the knife and twisting it out. Be cautious with the knife!
- If needed, scoop a little extra flesh from the sides to make room for your filling, but be sure not to scoop too much.
Keep the avocado halves from browning by drizzling them with a little lemon juice before adding the filling. This also adds a nice flavor! Enjoy your fresh Caprese creation!
Easy Caprese Stuffed Avocado
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Avocado Base:
- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
For the Filling:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze or reduction
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of preparation. It’s a quick and easy dish that doesn’t require any cooking. Just chop, mix, and assemble!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Avocados:
Slice the avocados in half and carefully remove the pits. If the holes where the pits were are a bit small, scoop out a little more avocado flesh to create a larger cavity for your tasty filling.
2. Combine the Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, and chopped basil leaves. This mix is the perfect burst of flavor!
3. Dress the Mixture:
Drizzle the olive oil over the tomato and mozzarella mixture. Season it to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything gently to ensure it’s well mixed but be careful not to squish the tomatoes.
4. Stuff the Avocados:
Now it’s time to fill the avocado halves! Spoon the Caprese mixture into each avocado half, making sure to divide it evenly. You want each half to be packed with that delicious filling!
5. Add the Finishing Touch:
Drizzle some balsamic glaze on top of each stuffed avocado. This adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
6. Garnish and Serve:
If you’d like, sprinkle extra chopped basil on top as a fresh garnish. Serve these delightful stuffed avocados immediately for the best taste and presentation!
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Easy Caprese Stuffed Avocado! Perfect for a light meal or an impressive appetizer!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella is traditional, you can substitute it with goat cheese, feta, or even vegan cheese if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Each will give your stuffed avocado a unique flavor!
How Do I Keep Avocados From Browning?
To keep your avocados looking fresh, it’s best to serve them immediately after preparing. If you need to prepare them in advance, drizzle a bit of lemon or lime juice on the exposed flesh to slow down browning. Cover tightly with plastic wrap if storing in the fridge.
What Can I Serve with Caprese Stuffed Avocado?
These stuffed avocados make a great stand-alone dish, but you can pair them with a light salad, serve them on a bed of greens, or even enjoy with crusty bread or pita chips for a complete meal or appetizer!
How Do I Store Leftover Stuffed Avocados?
If you have leftovers, store the stuffed avocado halves in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to eat them within a day to enjoy the freshest taste. The filling may cause the avocado to brown slightly, but it’s still safe to eat!
