Caprese Stuffed Avocados

$- 2 ripe avocados - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste To make Caprese stuffed avocados, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Start with ripe avocados. They should feel soft but not mushy. Next, gather juicy cherry tomatoes. Halve them for easy mixing. Fresh mozzarella balls add creaminess. You can find these in the cheese section. Fresh basil leaves bring a bright flavor. Chop them finely for best results. Balsamic glaze adds a sweet touch. You can make your own or buy it at the store. Extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor. Finally, don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. These ingredients combine for a fresh and tasty treat. Each bite offers a mix of flavors and textures. You will enjoy this light dish, whether for lunch or a snack. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Halving and Pitting Start by taking your ripe avocados. Carefully slice them in half lengthwise. Gently twist the halves apart. Use a spoon to remove the pit. Be cautious not to damage the flesh. - Scooping Out Avocado Flesh With a spoon, scoop out a small amount of avocado flesh from each half. This creates space for your filling. Place the scooped flesh into a separate bowl. This flesh adds creaminess to your dish. - Mixing Cherry Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Basil In a medium bowl, combine your halved cherry tomatoes, halved mozzarella balls, and finely chopped basil leaves. This mix gives a fresh taste. - Seasoning with Olive Oil and Balsamic Glaze Drizzle two tablespoons of balsamic glaze into the bowl. Add one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil as well. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently to coat all the ingredients. - Incorporating Reserved Avocado Flesh Gently fold the reserved avocado flesh into the Caprese mixture. Be careful not to mash the ingredients. You want a nice mix of flavors and textures. - Filling Each Avocado Half Use a spoon to fill each avocado half with the Caprese mixture. Press down slightly to pack it well. This ensures each bite is full of flavor. - Ripe vs. Overripe Choose avocados that feel slightly soft but not mushy. Press gently on the skin. If it gives a little, it’s ripe. If it feels too soft, it’s overripe. Overripe avocados can taste bitter and will not hold their shape when sliced. - Storing Avocados for Optimal Freshness Keep unripe avocados at room temperature until they ripen. Once ripe, store them in the fridge to slow down further ripening. This helps them stay fresh longer, usually up to a week. If you cut an avocado, sprinkle lemon juice on it to prevent browning. - Adjusting Seasoning to Taste Always start with a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste the filling before stuffing the avocados. You can add more salt, pepper, or even herbs like oregano or thyme to enhance the flavor. - Additional Ingredients to Consider Want to mix it up? You can add diced red onion for crunch or sliced olives for a briny kick. For a spicy twist, try adding crushed red pepper flakes. This will give your Caprese stuffed avocados a fresh and unique spin! Pro Tips Choose Ripe Avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for the best flavor and texture. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest mozzarella and basil possible to enhance the overall taste of the dish. Customize the Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced cucumbers or olives for extra flavor and texture variation. Presentation is Key: For an elegant touch, serve the stuffed avocados on a bed of mixed greens or with a side of crusty bread. {{image_4}} You can switch the cheese in this recipe. Instead of fresh mozzarella, try feta or goat cheese. These cheeses add a sharp, tangy taste. This change can brighten up the dish. You will enjoy the creaminess of the avocado with these flavors. You can also add protein to your stuffed avocados. Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. This adds a nice texture and makes the dish more filling. You can mix the cooked protein into the Caprese filling. It’s a simple way to turn this appetizer into a meal. Try using different herbs to change the flavor. Instead of basil, use parsley or cilantro. Each herb brings a unique taste to the dish. You can even mix herbs for a more complex flavor. Using flavored balsamic glaze is another fun idea. You can find balsamic glazes infused with flavors like garlic or chili. This will add depth to your dish. Don't be afraid to experiment! Each tweak can make your Caprese stuffed avocados even more exciting. - Refrigeration Tips: Store leftover Caprese stuffed avocados in the fridge. This keeps them fresh. Place them in a cool spot, and consume them within two days. The flavors stay bright if stored well. - Container Recommendations: Use an airtight container to avoid browning. Wrap each avocado half in plastic wrap for extra protection. This method helps maintain the taste and texture. - Maintaining Texture and Flavor: Reheat gently if needed. Use a low heat setting in the microwave for a few seconds. This helps keep the avocados creamy and the filling fresh. Avoid overheating, as this can make the dish mushy. Enjoy your Caprese stuffed avocados at room temperature, as they taste best fresh! To make Caprese stuffed avocados vegan, I swap out fresh mozzarella for a plant-based cheese. You can use vegan mozzarella or even cashew cheese. This keeps the creamy texture while making it dairy-free. Add a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost. Yes, you can prepare the filling in advance. Mix the cherry tomatoes, plant-based cheese, and basil, then store it in the fridge. I recommend stuffing the avocados right before serving. This keeps them fresh and prevents browning. Caprese stuffed avocados pair well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Recipe for Pairing Suggestions - Grilled chicken or shrimp adds protein. - A fresh green salad with lemon dressing is light and bright. - Serve with crusty bread to soak up the extra balsamic glaze. - Side Dish Ideas - Roasted vegetables bring out rich flavors. - Quinoa salad adds a nutty texture. - Pasta with a light olive oil sauce complements the dish well. This blog post covered a delicious recipe for Caprese Stuffed Avocados. We detailed every ingredient needed, like ripe avocados, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. You learned how to prepare the avocados and create a tasty filling. We also shared tips on selecting the best avocados and suggested fun variations. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best taste. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and serving your stuffed avocados. This dish is not just healthy—it's a great way to impress your friends and family!$

A fresh and delicious dish featuring ripe avocados stuffed with a classic Caprese salad mixture.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

2 whole ripe avocados
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved
0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Carefully slice the avocados in half lengthwise. Gently twist the halves to separate them and remove the pit using a spoon or knife.
With a spoon, carefully scoop out a small amount of avocado flesh from each half, creating space for the filling. Place the scooped avocado flesh in a separate mixing bowl.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, halved mozzarella balls, and finely chopped basil leaves.
Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the mixture in the bowl. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
Gently fold the reserved avocado flesh into the Caprese mixture, being careful not to mash the ingredients. Stir until the mixture is just combined.
Use a spoon to generously fill each avocado half with the Caprese mixture, pressing it down slightly to ensure they are well packed.
For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, drizzle any remaining balsamic glaze over the top of the stuffed avocados before serving.

Notes

Arrange the stuffed avocados on a decorative platter. For an appealing presentation, sprinkle additional chopped basil around the plate and drizzle a little olive oil on top for a fresh touch.

Keyword appetizer, avocado, Caprese, healthy, salad