Caprese Stuffed Avocados

$To make Caprese stuffed avocados, gather these fresh ingredients: - 2 ripe avocados - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, either halved or diced - ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Salt and black pepper to taste When choosing avocados, look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure. The skin should be dark green or black. Avoid any avocados with large dents or dark spots. For cherry tomatoes, pick ones that are firm and bright. They should have a nice shine. Fresh basil leaves should be vibrant green and fragrant. Look for leaves without brown spots or wilting. Freshness is key for a great taste. For this dish, fresh mozzarella is a must. It adds a creamy touch. You can use mozzarella balls or diced pieces. If you want to try something different, consider burrata. It has a rich, creamy center that will impress. Feta cheese is another option, offering a tangy flavor. Just remember, the cheese should pair well with the fresh produce for the best taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, grab two ripe avocados. Cut each avocado in half lengthwise. Make sure to slice carefully. Remove the pit from each half. If needed, scoop out a tiny bit of the flesh. This step gives you more space for the filling. Set the avocado halves aside on a plate. Next, take a medium mixing bowl. Add one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Then, add one cup of fresh mozzarella balls. You can either halve or dice them. Now, chop ¼ cup of fresh basil leaves finely. Toss the basil into the bowl with the other ingredients. Now, drizzle two tablespoons of balsamic glaze over the mixture. Then, add one tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste. Gently toss everything together. Ensure each ingredient gets coated in the flavors. Now it's time to fill the avocados. Use a spoon to take the Caprese mixture. Carefully fill each avocado half. Make sure to pack in the filling well. This helps create a beautiful presentation. For a final touch, drizzle a bit more balsamic glaze on top. You can also add whole basil leaves for color. Serve the stuffed avocados on a bright plate. This will make your dish look even more inviting! To pick the best avocados, look for ones that feel slightly soft. Press gently; it should yield a bit under your fingers. Dark green to black skin often means it’s ripe. Avoid hard avocados, as they need more time to ripen. If you find unripe ones, store them at room temperature. They should ripen in a few days. Once ripe, store them in the fridge if you’re not using them right away. Adding flavor is key to making your Caprese stuffed avocados shine. Use fresh herbs like basil for a bright taste. A pinch of salt brings out the flavors in your ingredients. Black pepper adds a nice kick. Drizzling more balsamic glaze on top gives a sweet and tangy touch. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to match your taste. Experiment with garlic powder or red pepper flakes for an extra boost. A beautiful presentation makes your dish more appealing. Serve the stuffed avocados on a bright plate to catch the eye. Scatter fresh basil leaves around them for color. Drizzle some extra balsamic glaze in a zigzag pattern across the plate. This adds a fancy touch and highlights the flavors. Use a spoon to serve, making it easy for guests to dig in. The goal is to make your dish look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Choose the Right Avocados: Select avocados that are ripe but still firm to the touch. This ensures they will hold their shape and not turn mushy when filled. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest mozzarella and basil possible for maximum flavor. Fresh ingredients can elevate this dish from good to extraordinary. Customizable Fillings: Feel free to add other ingredients such as diced red onion, olives, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick, making the dish your own. Perfect Presentation: To impress, serve the stuffed avocados on a colorful platter and drizzle with balsamic glaze in an artistic pattern for an eye-catching display. {{image_4}} You can swap mozzarella for other cheeses. Burrata is creamy and delicious. Feta adds a salty kick. Goat cheese brings a tangy twist. Each cheese gives a new taste to your dish. Choose what you like best! While balsamic glaze is great, you can try other dressings. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten flavors. Pesto adds a fresh, herby note. For a spicy touch, drizzle some hot sauce. Each option brings something special to your stuffed avocados! If you want more protein, add cooked chicken or shrimp. Grilled chicken works well with the fresh flavors. Shrimp pairs nicely with the creamy avocado. You can also use chickpeas for a plant-based option. Each choice makes a filling meal! Store any leftover Caprese stuffed avocados in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can also squeeze a little lemon juice on top. This helps slow browning. Place them in the fridge. They will stay good for about a day. If you notice browning, just scoop off the top layer. The filling will taste great. To keep avocados fresh longer, choose ripe ones. A ripe avocado feels slightly soft when you press it. If you have unripe avocados, leave them at room temperature. They will ripen in a few days. To slow down the ripening of ripe avocados, store them in the fridge. You can also place cut avocado halves in water. This prevents oxidation and keeps them green longer. Caprese stuffed avocados are best eaten fresh. However, if you need to reheat, do it gently. Use low heat in a pan. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the avocado mushy. If you want to warm the filling, take it out and heat it separately. Then, stuff the avocado again before serving. This keeps the taste fresh and enjoyable. Yes, you can prep the filling ahead. Mix the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Store this mix in the fridge. However, cut avocados brown quickly. To avoid this, fill them just before serving. If you must, sprinkle lemon juice on the cut sides to slow browning. Caprese stuffed avocados shine on their own. Pair them with a light salad or grilled chicken. Serve with crusty bread for a fun dip. You can also enjoy them with a refreshing drink, like iced tea or lemonade. Absolutely! For a vegan twist, swap mozzarella for vegan cheese. You can use marinated tofu or chickpeas as a protein boost. The flavors from tomatoes and basil still shine bright. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty without any animal products. Caprese stuffed avocados are simple and tasty. We explored ingredients, from fresh produce to cheese options. I shared how to prepare, mix, and assemble your dish. I offered tips on choosing ripe avocados and enhancing flavors. Variations help you customize your meal, whether adding protein or trying different dressings. Lastly, I discussed storage and answered common questions. Enjoy making this healthy meal that is fun to share!$

A fresh and vibrant dish featuring creamy avocados stuffed with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Begin by cutting the avocados in half lengthwise. Remove the pit with care, and if necessary, scoop out a small portion of the avocado flesh to create extra room for the filling.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and finely chopped basil leaves.
Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic glaze over the mixture. Season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, then gently toss until all the ingredients are well coated in the dressings.
Use a spoon to generously fill each avocado half with the Caprese mixture. Ensure each half is packed for a delightful presentation.
For an extra touch, drizzle a little more balsamic glaze over the top of the stuffed avocados. You may also garnish with a few whole basil leaves for an added pop of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve on a vibrant plate with extra balsamic glaze for an elegant touch.

Keyword avocado, caprese, healthy, salad