Caprese Stuffed Avocados

$- 2 ripe avocados - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved or diced - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste If you can't find fresh mozzarella, you can use feta cheese. It adds a different flavor but still tastes great. For a dairy-free option, try using avocado or cashew cheese. If you want a bit more crunch, add some diced cucumber or bell pepper. You can switch cherry tomatoes for regular tomatoes, just chop them up smaller. If you love spicy food, add some red pepper flakes to kick up the heat. You need a sharp knife to cut the avocados and tomatoes. A mixing bowl helps to combine the filling. Use a spoon to scoop out the avocado and fill it. A small measuring spoon makes it easy to drizzle olive oil and balsamic glaze. Lastly, having a cutting board is useful for chopping the ingredients. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by cutting the avocados in half lengthwise. Be careful with the knife. Remove the pit with a spoon or knife safely. If you want more filling space, scoop out a bit of the flesh. This makes room for the tasty Caprese filling. Place the avocado halves on a plate, cut side up. This helps keep them steady. In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. You can use diced mozzarella if you prefer. Add in the chopped basil leaves. This gives the filling a fresh taste. Drizzle the mixture with olive oil and balsamic glaze. The glaze adds a sweet touch. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Gently toss everything together until well mixed. Be careful not to mash the tomatoes. Now, it's time to fill the avocados. Spoon the Caprese mixture into each half. Fill them generously for a hearty bite. After that, drizzle a little more balsamic glaze on top. This adds extra flavor and a pretty look. If you have more basil leaves, use them to garnish. This gives your dish a fresh pop of color. Enjoy your creation; it looks and tastes amazing! Choosing the right avocado is key. Look for avocados that feel slightly soft when you press them. If they feel hard, they are not ripe yet. If they feel very mushy, they might be overripe. Dark skin often means ripeness, but check for softness too. A ripe avocado should have a slight give but not feel squishy. If you find one that is not ripe, place it in a paper bag. This helps it ripen faster. Presentation matters when serving Caprese stuffed avocados. First, use a colorful plate. It makes the dish pop! Place the stuffed avocados on the plate with room between them. Add fresh basil leaves around them for a green touch. Drizzle extra balsamic glaze over the plate for flair. This creates a nice contrast with the green and red from the tomatoes. If you want, you can sprinkle a bit of salt on top for a finishing touch. There are a few mistakes to watch out for. First, don’t use avocados that are too hard or too soft. This affects the taste and texture. Second, be careful not to overfill the avocado halves. They can spill over and make a mess. Third, don’t skip seasoning! Salt and pepper enhance the flavors of the dish. Lastly, avoid cutting the avocados too early. They can brown quickly once cut. Prepare them just before serving for the best look and taste. Pro Tips Choosing Ripe Avocados: Ensure your avocados are ripe by gently pressing them; they should yield slightly to pressure. This will give a creamy texture to your stuffed avocados. Balsamic Glaze Alternatives: If you don't have balsamic glaze, you can reduce balsamic vinegar over low heat until it thickens or use a store-bought version for convenience. Add Extra Flavor: For an additional flavor kick, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes to the Caprese mixture. Serving Suggestions: Pair your stuffed avocados with a side of crusty bread or tortilla chips for a delightful appetizer or light meal. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your Caprese stuffed avocados. Cooked chicken or shrimp works great. If you use chicken, shred it and mix it with your Caprese filling. For shrimp, cook them until they are pink, then chop and add them. This change makes the dish heartier. Plus, it adds more flavor and nutrition. If you want a vegan option, swap out the mozzarella. Use vegan cheese or leave it out. You can also add cooked quinoa or chickpeas for protein. These ingredients help keep the dish filling and tasty. Don't forget to use balsamic glaze that is vegan-friendly. You can enhance the flavors in your stuffed avocados with spices and nuts. Add a pinch of garlic powder or red pepper flakes for heat. Chopped nuts like pine nuts or walnuts add crunch and richness. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. These small changes can make a big difference in taste. To keep your Caprese stuffed avocados fresh, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. This helps stop air from getting in and turning them brown. Place the wrapped avocados in an airtight container. This extra layer keeps them safe and fresh for your next meal. Freezing stuffed avocados isn’t the best idea. The texture will change, and they may become mushy. However, you can freeze the filling. Store it in a sealed bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and fill fresh avocados later. In the fridge, your Caprese stuffed avocados can last about one day. They taste best when fresh, so try to eat them soon. If you only have leftover filling, it can last up to three days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can prepare some parts ahead. You can chop the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Mix them with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Store this mix in the fridge. Cut the avocados just before serving to keep them fresh. If you prep ahead, the flavors meld nicely, but the avocados should stay bright and green. Caprese stuffed avocados are great on their own. You can pair them with a simple green salad or garlic bread. They also work well as a side with grilled chicken or fish. For a fun twist, serve them with tortilla chips for crunch. You can even add a light soup for a full meal. Absolutely! Avocados are full of healthy fats that are good for your heart. They also provide fiber and nutrients. The tomatoes and basil add vitamins and antioxidants. Fresh mozzarella gives you protein and calcium. Overall, this dish is a tasty and healthy choice for a snack or meal. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious Caprese Stuffed Avocados. We covered key ingredients, their alternatives, and tools you need. I shared steps for preparing, filling, and assembling the avocados. You learned tips for choosing ripe avocados and how to present your dish nicely. I also suggested variations, storage tips, and answered common questions. Enjoy this dish's fresh flavors, and don't hesitate to experiment. With a few tweaks, you can make it your own.$

A fresh and delicious dish featuring ripe avocados filled with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.

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Course Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Cut the avocados in half lengthwise and carefully remove the pit. Scoop out a small amount of avocado flesh to create more space for the filling if necessary.
In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and chopped basil.
Drizzle the mixture with olive oil and balsamic glaze. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then gently toss until everything is well coated.
Spoon the Caprese mixture evenly into each avocado half, filling them generously.
Drizzle a bit more balsamic glaze over the top for added flavor and garnish with additional basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Serve the stuffed avocados on a colorful plate, alongside additional basil leaves, for a fresh and appealing look. Drizzle some extra balsamic glaze artistically over the plate for a restaurant-quality presentation.

Keyword avocado, caprese, healthy, salad