Description
Creamy Italian Caprese stuffed avocado merges classic salad ingredients with rich, buttery avocado. Mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil create a delightful Mediterranean-inspired appetizer you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ripe avocados (peeled, seeded, and halved)
- 4 oz (120 g) baby mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- ½ cup grape or cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 tbsps basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsps fresh basil (chopped)
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- Salt and pepper (to season)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsps balsamic glaze reduction (to drizzle)
- Fresh basil leaves (to serve, optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Craft a zesty Caprese mixture by combining diced tomatoes, mozzarella spheres, pesto, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, gently folding to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Avocado Preparation: Halve ripe avocados, removing pits and creating hollowed boats for the Mediterranean-inspired filling. Arrange on a serving platter alongside whole basil leaves.
- Filling and Garnishing: Carefully spoon the Caprese mixture into avocado cavities, allowing ingredients to nestle within the creamy flesh. Drizzle with balsamic glaze in an artistic pattern, then sprinkle with additional chopped basil leaves.
- Serving: Present immediately to maintain the vibrant textures and temperatures, transforming this simple appetizer into a visually stunning and flavor-packed dish that celebrates fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Notes
- Prevent Browning: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over avocado halves to prevent oxidation and maintain vibrant green color.
- Perfect Ripeness: Select avocados that yield gently to light pressure but aren’t mushy, ensuring creamy texture and best flavor.
- Serving Temperature: Consume immediately after preparation to enjoy optimal taste and prevent ingredients from becoming soggy or wilted.
- Flavor Balancing: Adjust pesto and balsamic glaze quantities to personal taste, creating a harmonious blend of tangy, herbal, and sweet notes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 436
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 442 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg