Caprese Stuffed Avocado Recipe

Quick & Zesty Caprese Stuffed Avocado Recipe for Lunch Lovers

Fresh avocados revolutionize into a culinary canvas when paired with classic Caprese ingredients.

Mediterranean flavors dance across this vibrant dish, creating a sensory experience that delights the palate.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with bright, tangy notes that awaken your taste buds.

Summer’s most beloved ingredients come together in a simple yet elegant preparation that feels both indulgent and light.

Nutritious and colorful, this recipe celebrates the harmony of complementary flavors and textures.

The combination promises a delightful twist on traditional appetizers that elevates everyday ingredients.

Unexpected and irresistible, this dish will become your new favorite way to enjoy fresh produce.

Flavor Appeal of Caprese Stuffed Avocado

  • Burst of Fresh Mediterranean Flavors: This recipe transforms classic Caprese salad ingredients into a creamy, luxurious avocado vessel, blending the bright, tangy notes of tomatoes and mozzarella with the rich, buttery texture of ripe avocados.
  • Super Quick Gourmet Appetizer: Prepared in just minutes, this dish offers a restaurant-quality presentation that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for impromptu gatherings or elegant summer entertaining.
  • Nutrient-Packed Flavor Explosion: Combining heart-healthy avocados, protein-rich mozzarella, and antioxidant-loaded tomatoes creates a nutritionally balanced bite that delivers incredible taste and wellness benefits in every delicious spoonful.
  • Elegant No-Cook Summer Delight: Requires zero cooking, leverages fresh ingredients, and can be assembled in mere moments, making it an ideal choice for hot days when turning on the stove feels impossible.

Caprese Stuffed Avocado Ingredient Lineup

Fresh Produce:
  • Avocado: Creamy base for the dish, choose ripe but firm avocados with no brown spots.
  • Tomatoes: Adds bright, fresh flavor, use ripe cherry or grape tomatoes for best taste.
  • Fresh Basil Leaves: Provides aromatic herb element, bright green and fragrant leaves preferred.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Mozzarella Balls: Soft, mild cheese that complements other ingredients, fresh pearl-sized balls work best.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Pesto: Provides herbal and nutty depth, store-bought or homemade works well.
  • Garlic: Adds sharp, robust flavor, fresh minced garlic recommended.
  • Olive Oil: Helps blend ingredients and adds richness, extra virgin preferred.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing flavors, freshly ground black pepper ideal.
  • Balsamic Glaze: Adds sweet and tangy finish, store-bought or homemade reduction works great.

Steps to Make Caprese Stuffed Avocado

Step 1: Prep Avocado Base

Slice avocados in half, carefully remove the pit, and create a slight hollow in each half to hold the filling.

Step 2: Create Caprese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Diced cherry tomatoes
  • Torn mozzarella balls
  • Minced fresh garlic
  • Chopped basil leaves
  • Pesto sauce
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Gently mix ingredients to distribute flavors evenly.

Step 3: Fill Avocado Boats

Generously spoon the Caprese mixture into each avocado half, ensuring a hearty and colorful filling.

Step 4: Drizzle and Garnish

Elegantly drizzle balsamic glaze over the stuffed avocados.

Sprinkle additional fresh basil on top for a vibrant finish.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Present immediately as a stunning appetizer or light meal. Best enjoyed fresh and at room temperature.

Serving Suggestion: Perfect for summer gatherings, brunch, or as a quick gourmet snack.

Tips for Assembling Caprese Stuffed Avocado

  • Prevent Browning: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over avocado halves to keep them bright green and prevent oxidation.
  • Select Perfect Avocados: Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly when gently pressed but aren't mushy or overly soft.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh mozzarella for a more authentic and rich Caprese experience.
  • Enhance Presentation: Use a sharp knife to create clean, even avocado halves and arrange them symmetrically on the plate.
  • Serve Immediately: Enjoy this dish right after preparation to maintain the fresh texture of avocados and the vibrant colors of tomatoes and basil.

Storage and Freshness for Caprese Stuffed Avocado

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover Caprese stuffed avocados in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days. Cover tightly to prevent browning and oxidation.
  • Prevent Browning: Splash a bit of lemon juice on avocado surfaces to maintain fresh color and slow down discoloration.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm stuffed avocados briefly in the microwave for 30 seconds or enjoy cold directly from the refrigerator to preserve the fresh Caprese flavors.

Ideal Pairings with Caprese Stuffed Avocado

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Elevate the creamy avocado and bright Caprese flavors with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These light, refreshing wines complement the dish's herbal pesto and tangy balsamic notes perfectly.
  • Serve with Crusty Bread: Grab a rustic Italian ciabatta or baguette to soak up the delicious olive oil and balsamic glaze. The bread's crispy texture contrasts beautifully with the smooth avocado and soft mozzarella.
  • Add a Fresh Salad Side: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy avocado. The peppery greens and zesty dressing cut through the dish's richness, creating a harmonious and refreshing meal.
  • Complement with Sparkling Water: Enhance the Mediterranean flavors with a citrus-infused sparkling water. The bubbles and subtle citrus notes cleanse the palate between bites, highlighting the fresh ingredients.

New Takes on Caprese Stuffed Avocado

  • Mediterranean Fusion: Replace pesto with tapenade and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version that brings tangy Mediterranean flavors to the classic Caprese combination.
  • Spicy Summer Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños and sprinkle red pepper flakes into the Caprese filling to create a zesty, heat-enhanced variation that adds excitement to the creamy avocado base.
  • Protein Power Boost: Incorporate diced grilled chicken or crispy pancetta into the Caprese mixture, transforming the light appetizer into a more substantial and protein-rich meal option that satisfies hunger.
  • Herb Garden Remix: Swap fresh basil with a blend of chopped chives, parsley, and dill to introduce a fresh, aromatic profile that elevates the traditional Caprese ingredients with an herbaceous complexity.
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Caprese Stuffed Avocado Recipe

Caprese Stuffed Avocado Recipe


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4.5 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Caprese stuffed avocado delivers Mediterranean magic with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil nestled inside creamy avocado halves. Italian-inspired ingredients create a perfect harmony of flavors that brings summer’s essence directly to your plate.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 ripe avocados, peeled, seeded, and halved
  • 4 ounces (120 grams) baby mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
  • ½ cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

Seasoning and Herbs:

  • 2 tablespoons basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • Salt and pepper to season
  • Fresh basil leaves to serve (optional)

Dressing:

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze reduction to drizzle

Instructions

  1. Create a vibrant Caprese mixture by gently mixing diced tomatoes, petite mozzarella spheres, aromatic pesto, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and freshly cracked pepper in a medium mixing bowl.
  2. Carefully fold the ingredients together, ensuring each component is evenly distributed and coated with the fragrant herbs and oil.
  3. Slice ripe avocados in half and remove the pit, creating a natural vessel for the Mediterranean-inspired filling.
  4. Delicately place the avocado halves on a serving platter, surrounding them with a few whole fresh basil leaves for visual appeal.
  5. Generously spoon the prepared Caprese mixture into each avocado cavity, allowing the colorful ingredients to nestle perfectly within the creamy green flesh.
  6. Enhance the presentation by drizzling a rich balsamic glaze over the stuffed avocados, creating an elegant zigzag pattern.
  7. Garnish with additional chopped fresh basil leaves, adding a final burst of bright green color and herbaceous aroma.
  8. Present immediately to preserve the fresh texture and temperature of the dish, inviting diners to enjoy this elegant appetizer.

Notes

  • Quickly prepare this dish in just 15 minutes for a fresh, elegant appetizer or light lunch.
  • Ensure ripe avocados are used to create a creamy, smooth base for the vibrant Caprese filling.
  • Opt for high-quality fresh mozzarella balls and ripe cherry tomatoes to maximize flavor and texture.
  • Drizzle balsamic glaze right before serving to add a tangy, sweet contrast to the rich avocado and cheese.
  • Serve immediately to maintain the perfect temperature and prevent avocado from browning.
  • Customize the recipe by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial protein-packed meal.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 538
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 238mg
  • Fat: 48g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 36g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 12g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 22mg

Liam O'Brien

Liam O’Brien

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Traditional Irish Dishes
  • Farm-to-Table Cooking
  • Recipe Creation
  • Teaching Cooking Skills
  • Sustainable Food Practices

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (now Technological University Dublin)

  • Program: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in cooking techniques, kitchen management, and exploring both Irish and international cuisines.

Ballymaloe Cookery School, County Cork, Ireland

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Farm-to-table cooking, emphasizing the use of fresh, local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.

Liam O’Brien is the co-founder and kitchen soul behind Good Tasting Meals, a chef who believes that cooking shouldn’t feel stressful or complicated.

He earned his culinary stripes at Technological University Dublin and polished his farm-to-table skills at Ballymaloe Cookery School. With over 15 years flipping pans and stirring up stories, Liam has worked in family cafés, bustling bistros, and everything in between.

At Good Tasting Meals, Liam brings you recipes that feel like home: cozy, simple, and full of flavor.

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