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 (bocconcini), halved - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste You can use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. However, if you want alternatives: - Cherry tomatoes can be swapped with grape tomatoes. - Use mozzarella cheese cubes if you can’t find balls. - Fresh basil gives the best taste, but dried basil works in a pinch. - Avocados: High in healthy fats. They help keep your heart strong. - Tomatoes: Full of vitamins, especially vitamin C. They support skin health. - Mozzarella: A good source of protein and calcium. It helps build strong bones. - Basil: Contains antioxidants. It can help reduce inflammation. - Balsamic glaze: Adds flavor without many calories. It can help enhance the dish. Enjoy this healthy and tasty dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by cutting each avocado in half. Use a sharp knife for this. Remove the pit carefully. Take a spoon and scoop out some flesh from the center. This makes room for the filling. You can save the scooped avocado for later use. If you like, mash it for a tasty dip. In a bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Add the torn basil leaves for freshness. Drizzle in the olive oil. This adds flavor and helps blend the ingredients. Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything gently. You want the flavors to meld without breaking the cheese. Now, take the avocado halves. Spoon the tomato and mozzarella mixture into each half. Fill them generously, so they look inviting. Drizzle balsamic glaze on top. This adds a sweet and tangy kick. Serve your Caprese stuffed avocados right away. They make a great appetizer or light meal. Enjoy the fresh flavors! To get the best avocados, look for smooth skin and a slight give when pressed. Ripe avocados should feel soft but not mushy. If you find hard avocados, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a brown bag. This traps ethylene gas, which helps them ripen faster. Check them daily until they reach the right softness. To boost flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the filling. This adds brightness and keeps the avocado from browning. You can also mix in some minced garlic for a bolder taste. Consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. These small changes can elevate the dish and surprise your guests. For a beautiful presentation, use a large platter. Arrange the stuffed avocados in a circle or a line. Drizzle extra balsamic glaze on the plate for a fancy look. You can also garnish with whole basil leaves or cherry tomatoes for a vibrant touch. The visual appeal makes the dish even more inviting. Pro Tips Choose Perfect Avocados: Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure, indicating they are ripe and ready for stuffing. Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add ingredients like diced cucumbers, olives, or even grilled chicken to the tomato and mozzarella mixture for additional flavor and texture. Make It Ahead: Prepare the filling in advance, but wait to stuff the avocados until just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent browning. Elevate with Seasoning: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick to your Caprese stuffed avocados. {{image_2}} You can make Caprese stuffed avocados even more filling. Just add grilled chicken or shrimp. For chicken, grill or sauté it first. Cut it into small pieces and mix it with the tomatoes and mozzarella. For shrimp, grill or sauté until pink. Then, chop and add it to your mix. This twist gives you extra protein and flavor. You can easily make this dish vegan or dairy-free. Replace mozzarella with vegan cheese or leave it out. Instead, add diced cucumbers for crunch. You can also use avocado or chickpeas for added texture. The balsamic glaze will still add great flavor and keep it fresh. While balsamic glaze is tasty, try other dressings too. A lemon vinaigrette adds a bright flavor. Simply mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. You can also use a pesto drizzle for a herby twist. Experiment with different flavors to find what you love best. To store leftover Caprese stuffed avocados, place them in an airtight container. Cover the container tightly to keep air out. You can keep them in the fridge for up to two days. This helps keep the avocados from browning too quickly. If you notice browning, squeeze a little lemon juice on the exposed flesh. I do not recommend freezing stuffed avocados. The texture of both the avocado and the cheese changes when frozen. If you want to make some parts ahead, you can freeze the tomato and mozzarella mix. Just store it in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw it in the fridge before mixing it with fresh avocados. To keep your Caprese stuffed avocados fresh, follow these tips: - Use ripe avocados but not overripe ones. - Only stuff the avocados when you are ready to serve. - If you must store them, keep the stuffing and avocado halves separate. - Always use fresh ingredients. This will help maintain flavor and texture. Yes, you can make Caprese Stuffed Avocados ahead of time, but they taste best fresh. If you prepare them in advance, store the filling separately from the avocado. This keeps the avocado from browning. When ready to serve, simply scoop the filling into the avocado halves. Caprese Stuffed Avocados pair well with many dishes. You can serve them with crusty bread or crackers. A light salad adds freshness, too. Grilled chicken or shrimp can make it a full meal. You can also enjoy them with a glass of crisp white wine. Yes, Caprese Stuffed Avocados are healthy. They contain good fats from avocados and protein from mozzarella. The tomatoes and basil add vitamins and flavor. This dish is low in carbs, making it a smart choice for many diets. Enjoy as a light meal or snack that is both tasty and nutritious. Caprese stuffed avocados blend fresh ingredients with easy steps. We explored the best options for your filling and toppings. You learned how to pick ripe avocados and enhance flavors. Plus, we discussed protein options and storage tips for leftovers. In short, these stuffed avocados are tasty, healthy, and fun to make. You can impress your friends and enjoy a delicious meal. Use this guide to create your own Caprese concoctions!$

A refreshing appetizer or light meal featuring avocados stuffed with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

2 whole ripe avocados
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Cut each avocado in half lengthwise and remove the pit. Use a spoon to scoop out some of the flesh gently, creating a larger cavity for stuffing. Save the scooped avocado for another use or mash it for a dip.
In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and torn basil. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently to coat the ingredients evenly.
Spoon the tomato-mozzarella mixture into the avocado halves, filling them generously.
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the stuffed avocados for an added flavor kick.
Serve immediately as a refreshing appetizer or a light meal.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Keyword avocado, Caprese, stuffed