Caprese Stuffed Avocado Boats

$- 2 ripe avocados - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Choosing the right avocados When picking avocados, look for ones that yield slightly to pressure. This means they are ripe and ready to eat. Avoid avocados with dark spots or blemishes. Freshness of mozzarella and tomatoes Always choose fresh mozzarella balls. They should feel soft and moist. For tomatoes, bright, firm cherry tomatoes work best. Their sweetness adds a great flavor to the dish. Importance of quality balsamic glaze A good balsamic glaze balances sweetness and acidity. Look for a glaze that is thick and syrupy. This adds depth to your dish and enhances the overall taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, slice each avocado in half. - Carefully remove the pit using a spoon or knife. - Next, scoop out a small portion of the flesh. - Set aside the scooped avocado for later. - In a mixing bowl, add halved cherry tomatoes. - Then, include halved mozzarella balls. - Toss in chopped basil leaves for flavor. - Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze. - Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Gently mix everything until combined. - Spoon the tomato and mozzarella mixture into each avocado half. - Press down slightly to pack it in well. - Take the reserved avocado and dice it up. - Add the diced avocado on top for creaminess. - Finally, drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the filled avocados for garnish. Caprese Stuffed Avocado Boats are great with a crisp salad. Try serving them with arugula or mixed greens. The fresh greens balance the rich avocado. You can also pair these boats with crusty bread. A nice baguette works perfectly. For a drink, serve chilled white wine or sparkling water. This adds a refreshing touch to your meal. For a beautiful display, use a wooden board or a colorful plate. Place the filled avocado halves neatly. Add whole basil leaves for a pop of color. Drizzle extra balsamic glaze on top for flair. You can make this dish even better by adding protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp fits nicely in the mix. This addition turns the dish into a filling meal. For a vegan version, swap mozzarella for vegan cheese or tofu. This keeps the creamy texture while staying plant-based. If you're low-carb, skip the tomatoes or use fewer. This keeps your meal light and delicious. To save time, prep some ingredients ahead. You can cut the avocados and tomatoes earlier in the day. Store them in airtight containers to keep fresh. Mix the filling but wait to fill the avocados until serving. This prevents browning. The best way to store them is in the fridge. Keep the avocado halves in a lemon-water mix to slow browning. Enjoy these easy tips for a hassle-free cooking experience! Pro Tips Choose the Right Avocados: Look for ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure. This ensures a creamy texture for your stuffed boats. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest mozzarella and basil for the best flavor. Freshness elevates the taste of this simple dish. Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add other ingredients like olives, red onion, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for an extra kick! Serve Immediately: These stuffed avocados are best enjoyed right after preparation to maintain their freshness and prevent browning. {{image_2}} You can easily change the cheese in this dish. Try using goat cheese or feta. These will add a new taste. You can also mix in different fresh herbs. Try dill, parsley, or mint for fresh flavors. Want to make it spicy? Add chili flakes to the filling. This will bring a nice kick. You can also switch the vinegar. Try using red wine vinegar or lemon juice for a bright twist. For a fun twist, make a Caprese salad. Chop the avocado, tomatoes, and mozzarella. Toss them in a bowl with basil and dressing. Serve it alongside crispy bread. You could also make Caprese skewers. Use toothpicks to stack avocado, tomato, and mozzarella. This makes a great party snack. These variations keep your meal exciting and delicious! To keep leftovers, place them in the refrigerator. Use an airtight container. This helps stop air from changing the taste. You can also cover the avocado halves with plastic wrap. This gives extra protection from browning. Freezing avocados is a great way to save them. First, mash the avocado or cut it into chunks. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as you can. This keeps the avocado fresh longer. If you plan to use it later, add a squeeze of lemon juice. This helps keep the color bright. Most ingredients last well in the fridge. Ripe avocados stay fresh for about 2-3 days. Cherry tomatoes can last up to a week. Fresh mozzarella is best used within 5 days. Basil leaves stay fresh for about 4 days. Balsamic glaze lasts for months if stored well. Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time. Mix the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil and store it in the fridge. Scoop the avocado and fill it just before serving. This keeps it fresh and tasty. If you prepare it too early, the avocado may brown. If you don't have balsamic glaze, you can use regular balsamic vinegar. Just drizzle a little over the filling. You can also mix vinegar with honey for a sweet touch. This gives a similar flavor without a glaze. The main allergens in this recipe are dairy and avocados. If you are sensitive to dairy, be careful with the mozzarella. Always check labels for any other allergens or cross-contamination when cooking. To make this dish vegan, simply swap the mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese. You can also use marinated tofu for a creamy texture. The rest of the ingredients, like tomatoes and basil, are already vegan-friendly. Yes, larger avocados work fine. Just adjust the filling amount to fill the space. Larger avocados may even hold more delicious ingredients. Make sure they are ripe for the best flavor! In this post, we explored how to make Caprese Stuffed Avocado Boats. We covered essential ingredients, preparation steps, and storage tips to keep everything fresh. Customizing your dish adds variety and fun. Enjoy pairing it with different proteins or spices. Remember, these boats can be made ahead for convenience. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a delicious and visually striking meal. Get creative and enjoy your cooking!$

Caprese Stuffed Avocado Boats

A fresh and vibrant dish combining creamy avocados 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, halved
0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Slice each avocado in half and carefully remove the pit.
Using a spoon, gently scoop out a small portion of the avocado flesh to create more space for the filling. Keep the scooped avocado for later use.
In a mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and chopped basil leaves.
Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic glaze, and season the mixture with salt and pepper. Toss everything gently to combine.
Spoon the tomato and mozzarella mixture into each avocado half, pressing down slightly to pack it in.
Top with the reserved scooped avocado, diced or sliced, for added creaminess.
Drizzle a little extra balsamic glaze over the top for garnish if desired.

Notes

Place the filled avocado halves on a rustic wooden board or a vibrant-colored plate. Garnish with a few whole basil leaves for an eye-catching finish.

Keyword avocado, caprese, healthy, salad