Mediterranean Caprese Stuffed Avocado
This recipe takes the classic Caprese salad and serves it in a creamy, nutrient-rich avocado half. Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil are dressed with olive oil and balsamic glaze for a refreshing, no-cook Mediterranean dish that works as a light lunch, appetizer, or snack. It’s quick to prepare, beautiful to serve, and loaded with healthy fats and protein.
Time:
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Total: 10 minutes
Yield: 2–4 servings (depending on size of avocados)
Ingredients
Avocados: 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
Tomatoes: 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or diced
Mozzarella: 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine), halved, or diced fresh mozzarella
Basil: ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
Olive Oil: 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Balsamic Glaze: 1–2 tbsp balsamic glaze (or balsamic vinegar, reduced)
Seasoning: Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 tbsp basil pesto, 1 clove garlic (minced) for extra flavor
Instructions
Prepare the avocados: Slice the avocados in half, remove the pits, and if needed, scoop out a small extra portion of flesh to make room for the filling. Place halves on a serving plate.
Make the Caprese mixture: In a bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. If using pesto or garlic, stir them in.
Dress the filling: Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and black pepper, and toss gently to combine.
Assemble: Spoon the Caprese mixture into each avocado half, filling generously.
Finish: Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving. Garnish with extra basil leaves if desired.
Serve immediately as a light lunch, appetizer, or side dish.
Tips
Choose ripe avocados: They should yield slightly when pressed but not feel mushy. Too firm and they’ll be bland, too soft and they won’t hold the filling.
Prevent browning: If not serving right away, brush the avocado halves with a little lemon juice or lime juice to slow oxidation.
Balance the flavor: Use a pinch of flaky sea salt to really bring out the sweetness of the tomatoes and creaminess of the mozzarella.
Smaller servings: For bite-sized appetizers, scoop out avocado flesh, dice it, and mix it directly into the Caprese salad. Serve the mixture in small cups or lettuce leaves.
Variations
Protein boost: Add shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or chickpeas for a more filling meal.
Nutty twist: Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or sunflower seeds for crunch.
Extra Mediterranean flair: Add chopped olives, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes.
Cheese swap: Try crumbled feta or goat cheese instead of mozzarella for a tangier bite.
Low-carb bruschetta: Dice the avocado flesh and mix it with the tomato-mozzarella filling, then serve over cucumber slices instead of bread.
Herb mix: Swap basil for fresh mint or parsley, or use a combination for a more layered flavor.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: It’s best served fresh because avocado browns quickly. If prepping ahead, mix the Caprese filling separately and stuff the avocados just before serving.
Q: Can I use regular mozzarella instead of small balls?
A: Yes, just dice fresh mozzarella into small cubes. It works the same way.
Q: What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?
A: Reduce balsamic vinegar on the stove until it thickens, or just drizzle plain balsamic vinegar for a lighter dressing.
Q: How can I make this vegan?
A: Replace mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese or cubes of marinated tofu.
Q: Is this a meal or appetizer?
A: It can be either. Two stuffed avocado halves make a light meal, while one half per person works well as an appetizer.
Nutrition
(per stuffed avocado half, approx.)
(based on avocado, tomato, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, balsamic glaze)
Calories: ~210 kcal
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sodium: 120 mg
Adding pesto, garlic, or extra toppings will adjust values slightly.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Caprese Stuffed Avocado is a fresh, flavorful twist on the classic Caprese salad. With creamy avocado as the base, juicy tomatoes, and mozzarella balanced by basil and balsamic glaze, it’s a light yet satisfying dish. Simple to prepare, nutrient-rich, and customizable, it’s perfect for a quick lunch, elegant starter, or healthy snack. A true go-to recipe for warm days or whenever you’re craving something Mediterranean and refreshing.