Caprese Stuffed Avocados

$- 2 ripe avocados - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste To keep your ingredients fresh, choose ripe avocados. They should yield slightly when you press them. For cherry tomatoes, look for bright colors and firm skins. Fresh mozzarella should feel soft and moist. Store basil in a jar of water, like a bouquet. This helps it stay fresh longer. You can swap ingredients based on your taste. Try using larger tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes. If you don’t have mozzarella, use feta or goat cheese. For a twist, use pesto instead of basil. You can also add nuts like pine nuts for a crunch. If you want a vegan version, skip the cheese or choose a plant-based option. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab your ripe avocados. Cut each one in half. Be careful not to cut too deep. Remove the pit with a spoon. Keep the halves intact for filling later. Set them aside on a plate. Now, let’s make the Caprese mixture. In a mixing bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Next, toss in the fresh mozzarella balls. Then, add the chopped basil leaves. Drizzle the olive oil over this mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Use a spoon to gently toss the mixture. Ensure everything blends well together. It’s time to fill the avocados! Take a spoon and scoop the Caprese mixture into each avocado half. Pack it in, but don’t overfill. Once filled, drizzle balsamic glaze on top for added flavor. You can serve them right away. If you prefer, chill them in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes. This will make them extra refreshing! To pick the best avocados, look for a few signs. First, choose avocados that feel slightly soft when you press them gently. This means they are ripe. Next, check the color. A darker green or almost black skin often indicates ripeness. Avoid avocados with large dark spots or dents. These may be overripe. Finally, if the stem is still on, pop it off. If it comes off easily and is green underneath, the avocado is ready to eat. Caprese stuffed avocados are great as a snack or meal. Serve them as a light lunch with crusty bread. You can also pair them with a green salad for a full meal. For a fun twist, add some grilled chicken or shrimp on top. This adds protein and makes the dish heartier. You can also serve them at parties. They make a great appetizer that everyone will love. To impress your guests, think about how you plate the avocados. Place them on a colorful plate or a wooden board. Drizzle some extra balsamic glaze around the plate for a fancy touch. You can also add a sprinkle of extra chopped basil on top. This makes the dish look fresh and inviting. For added color, include some edible flowers or lemon slices on the side. This makes your dish pop and adds a fun element. Pro Tips Choose Ripe Avocados: Make sure your avocados are ripe for the best flavor and texture. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh mozzarella and basil for the most vibrant flavors. Fresh ingredients elevate the dish and make it more enjoyable. Customize Your Fillings: Feel free to add other ingredients like diced red onion or a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick, depending on your taste preferences. Drizzle Just Before Serving: To prevent sogginess, drizzle the balsamic glaze just before serving rather than in advance. {{image_2}} You can switch up the flavors in Caprese stuffed avocados. Instead of mozzarella, try feta cheese for a tangy taste. You can also use roasted red peppers. They add a nice sweetness. For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños. You can mix in olives for a briny touch too. Each change gives you a new twist on this dish. Want a vegan version? Skip the mozzarella and use avocado cream instead. Just blend ripe avocado with lemon juice and a bit of garlic. You can also add nuts like cashews for creaminess. They give a nice texture and flavor. Use a balsamic reduction that has no dairy. This keeps your dish fresh and tasty while being dairy-free. Using seasonal ingredients makes this dish even better. In spring, add fresh peas or asparagus for a bright touch. In summer, try diced peaches or nectarines for a sweet burst. Fall calls for roasted butternut squash or cranberries for a warm flavor. In winter, consider pomegranate seeds for a juicy, tart contrast. These add-ins keep the dish lively all year round. To store leftover Caprese stuffed avocados, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh longer. You can add a bit of lemon juice to stop browning. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. The avocados may lose some texture but will still taste great. To keep avocados fresh, store them whole at room temperature if they are not ripe. Once ripe, put them in the fridge. If you cut an avocado, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge to slow down browning. You can also sprinkle lemon juice on exposed flesh for extra protection. Caprese stuffed avocados are best served cold or at room temperature. They do not need reheating. If you prefer warm avocados, place them in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes. Avoid the microwave; it can make the texture mushy. Enjoy the fresh flavors of this dish! Yes, you can prepare the Caprese mixture ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for a few hours. However, I recommend filling the avocados just before serving. This keeps them fresh and prevents browning. Hass avocados are the best choice for this recipe. They are creamy and have a rich flavor. Make sure they are ripe but firm. You can gently squeeze them to check for ripeness. To make more servings, simply double or triple the ingredients. For example, use 4 avocados and increase the mozzarella and tomatoes. This way, you keep the same tasty flavor while serving more people. This blog post covered how to make delicious Caprese stuffed avocados. We discussed fresh ingredients, preparation steps, and helpful tips for perfect results. I shared ways to store leftovers, keep avocados fresh, and answered common questions. Try these ideas for a tasty twist. You can customize the flavors and serve these fun, healthy bites any time. Enjoy your cooking and impress your friends with this simple yet impressive dish!$

A refreshing and delicious dish featuring ripe avocados filled with a Caprese salad mixture.

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Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 whole ripe avocados
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Cut the avocados in half and carefully remove the pit.
In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil.
Drizzle the olive oil over the mixture and season with salt and pepper. Gently toss until everything is well combined.
Using a spoon, fill each avocado half with the Caprese mixture.
Drizzle balsamic glaze over the stuffed avocados for an extra kick of flavor.
Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes for a refreshing touch.

Notes

Serve immediately or chill for a refreshing touch.

Keyword avocado, caprese, healthy, salad, vegetarian