This Caprese stuffed avocado is a fresh and tasty dish that combines ripe avocado, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella. It’s like a salad that’s ready to eat right out of the skin!
It’s so quick to make! Just scoop out some avocado, mix in the fillings, and enjoy. I love having it for a light lunch or as a fun snack. Plus, it’s a perfect way to make yourself feel fancy! 🥑🍅
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Avocados: Ripe avocados are crucial! Look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure. If avocados are hard, just let them sit at room temperature for a few days. If you’re avoiding avocados, you could use cucumber as a base.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a sweet burst of flavor. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, any small tomato variety will work, or even diced regular tomatoes. Consider using sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist.
Mini Mozzarella Balls: These are fun and bite-sized! If you don’t have them, feel free to cube regular mozzarella. For a dairy-free option, use marinated tofu or dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Fresh Basil: Basil brings freshness to the dish. If you’re out, try substituting with parsley or even arugula for a peppery kick. Dried basil can work too but use less since it’s more concentrated.
How Do You Perfectly Scoop Avocados for Stuffing?
Scooping avocados can be tricky but here’s how to do it without ruining them. First, cut the avocado in half and twist to separate the halves. Use a spoon to gently scoop out some flesh, leaving an edge of about half an inch so the avocado maintains its shape.
- Start at the top and gently slide the spoon beneath the flesh and lift it out in a circular motion.
- Be careful not to scoop too deep to avoid breaking through the skin.
- Use the extra avocado to add creaminess to a salad or sandwich.
This way, you’ll have perfect little boats ready for stuffing! Enjoy making your Caprese stuffed avocado look as delicious as it will taste.
Easy Caprese Stuffed Avocado
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick and easy — perfect for a light lunch, snack, or appetizer that looks and tastes gourmet without a lot of effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Avocados:
Start by slicing the avocados in half and removing the pits. Be gentle! Using a spoon, scoop out a small amount of flesh from the center of each half to create a little bowl. Leave a nice edge so that the avocados hold their shape and can contain all the delicious toppings!
2. Mix the Caprese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, toss together the halved cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls, and chopped fresh basil. This mixture is flavorful and colorful — a perfect pairing for the creamy avocado!
3. Dress the Filling:
Drizzle the olive oil over your tomato and mozzarella mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated. This adds a lovely richness to the salad!
4. Stuff the Avocados:
Using a spoon, carefully fill each avocado half with the Caprese mixture. Make sure to pack it in nicely so you get a good bite with each spoonful!
5. Add the Finishing Touch:
Drizzle balsamic glaze generously over the stuffed avocados. This sweet and tangy touch enhances the flavors beautifully.
6. Garnish and Serve:
If you have any extra basil left, sprinkle it on top for an added touch of freshness and color. Serve the stuffed avocados right away and enjoy this bright, vibrant dish!
These Caprese stuffed avocados are sure to impress and are wonderfully fresh and satisfying — perfect for any occasion!
FAQ for Easy Caprese Stuffed Avocado
Can I Use Different Types of Tomatoes?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are ideal for their sweetness and bite, you can also use grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes. Just make sure they are ripe for the best flavor!
What If My Avocados Are Not Ripe Yet?
If your avocados aren’t ripe, leave them at room temperature for a few days until they yield slightly to gentle pressure. You can also place them in a brown paper bag with a banana or apple to speed up the ripening process!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store the stuffed avocados in an airtight container in the fridge. They are best enjoyed within a day for optimal freshness, but you can keep them for up to 2 days. Note that the avocado may brown slightly.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Sure! To make it vegan, simply swap the mini mozzarella balls for your favorite dairy-free cheese or use marinated tofu for a different texture. The dish will still be delicious and satisfying!