Caprese Stuffed Avocado

This is one of those recipes that looks fancy but takes almost no effort. It’s basically a caprese salad nestled right into a ripe avocado, and somehow, that combo is even better than you’d expect. You get creamy avocado, bursts of juicy tomatoes, soft mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and a sweet, slightly tangy balsamic drizzle. It’s healthy, naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and totally meal-prep friendly.

I started making these during a stretch of really hot weather when the last thing I wanted to do was turn on the oven. They’ve been on repeat ever since. The best part? You can scale the ingredients up or down for a snack, lunch, or dinner party appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Caprese Stuffed Avocado

No Cooking Required
Literally zero heat needed. Just slice, scoop, fill, and enjoy.

Fast and Easy
Ready in 10 minutes with just a few simple, fresh ingredients.

Healthy but So Satisfying
Avocado brings healthy fats and fiber, while tomatoes and basil keep it fresh and vibrant.

Low-Carb and Gluten-Free
Naturally fits into keto, paleo, or whole-food diets.

Perfect for Summer
This is the dish you’ll want when it’s too hot to cook but you still want something beautiful and flavorful.

Prep Time and Servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2–4 (as a main or side)
Calories per serving: 280
Protein: 9g
Carbs: 9g (Net Carbs: 5g)
Fat: 23g

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (plus extra leaves for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade*)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes, lemon juice, pine nuts

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Avocados

• Slice the avocados in half and remove the pits.
• Scoop out a small amount of flesh from the center of each half to create room for the filling.
• Lightly brush or squeeze a little lemon juice on the cut sides to prevent browning (optional but helpful!).

2. Make the Caprese Filling

• In a bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, mozzarella halves, chopped basil, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Toss gently to coat everything in the olive oil and seasonings.

3. Fill the Avocados

• Spoon the caprese mixture into each avocado half, piling it high and letting a few pieces spill over—it’s rustic and beautiful that way.

4. Drizzle and Garnish

• Drizzle each stuffed avocado with balsamic glaze.
• Garnish with a few extra basil leaves and, if you like a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.

How to Serve

• As a light lunch with a side of mixed greens or quinoa
• As a starter or side for grilled chicken, fish, or kebabs
• As an appetizer on a platter with crostini or lettuce cups
• As part of a brunch spread with egg dishes and fresh fruit

Tips for Success

1. Use ripe but firm avocados
   They should give slightly to pressure but not be mushy. This keeps them from falling apart under the filling.
2. Fresh ingredients = better flavor
   Fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and good-quality mozzarella make all the difference here.
3. Scoop some avocado into the filling
   That extra avocado you remove? Dice it and stir it into the caprese mix for even more creaminess.
4. Serve immediately
   These are best fresh. If you need to prep ahead, keep everything separate and assemble just before serving.
5. Make your own balsamic glaze
   Simmer ½ cup balsamic vinegar with 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup until reduced by half—cool and drizzle.

Recipe Variations

Caprese Chicken Avocado
Top the stuffed avocados with grilled, sliced chicken breast for a protein-packed meal.

Vegan Option
Use vegan mozzarella or skip the cheese and add marinated tofu cubes or chickpeas.

Greek Twist
Swap basil for oregano, mozzarella for feta, and add kalamata olives.

Spicy Caprese
Add thinly sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the caprese mixture.

Crunchy Finish
Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

With:

• Grilled shrimp or salmon
• Toasted pita or gluten-free crackers
• Chilled cucumber soup or gazpacho
• Lemon herb rice or cauliflower rice

For Drinks:

• Sparkling water with lime or cucumber
• Iced herbal tea or lemonade
• Light mocktail with mint and berries

For Kids:

• Dice everything up and serve as a salad-style bowl
• Leave out the glaze and add a tiny drizzle of honey for sweetness
• Pair with pita chips or sliced veggies

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Make-Ahead Option:

• Mix the tomato, mozzarella, and basil in advance and store covered in the fridge for up to 1 day.
• Slice and fill the avocados just before serving.

Storage:

• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a few hours, but the avocado may brown slightly.
• To minimize browning, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and squeeze lemon juice over the top.

Special Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Spoon or melon baller for scooping
• Small bowl for tossing the filling
• Optional: squeeze bottle or spoon for the balsamic drizzle

FAQ

Can I use regular mozzarella?
Yes! Just cut it into small cubes so it blends well with the tomatoes.

What kind of balsamic glaze should I use?
You can buy pre-made glaze near the vinegar section or make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar with a little sweetener.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use dairy-free cheese or add diced avocado, olives, or chickpeas instead of mozzarella.

Can I add protein?
Yes—grilled chicken, shrimp, tuna, or even hard-boiled eggs work great here.

What’s the best way to keep avocados from browning?
Lemon or lime juice on the exposed flesh helps slow oxidation. Keep wrapped tightly and refrigerated if prepping ahead.

Do I need to peel the tomatoes?
Not at all—cherry or grape tomatoes are perfect just sliced in half.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh is strongly preferred for the best flavor, but in a pinch, use just ¼ teaspoon dried.

How can I make this more filling?
Serve with grilled protein, a slice of whole grain toast, or some quinoa on the side.

Conclusion

Caprese Stuffed Avocados are the kind of dish that proves simple can be spectacular. They’re fresh, flavorful, gorgeous on the plate, and ready in minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a crowd-pleasing brunch bite, or something healthy and satisfying after a long day, this recipe checks every box.

Try them once and you’ll see why they’re on constant rotation around here. And if you make them, tag me—I’d love to see your version!

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