🥗 Caprese Stuffed Avocado
🧡 A Refreshing, No-Cook Low-Carb Delight!
📖 Description
Caprese Stuffed Avocados combine the creamy richness of ripe avocados with the fresh, tangy-sweet flavors of a traditional Caprese salad. This dish is light, nutritious, and ridiculously easy to put together—no cooking required! Perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
📝 Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled, seeded, and halved
- ½ cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 oz (120g) baby mozzarella balls (bocconcini), halved if large
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to season
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze, to drizzle
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Make the Caprese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the tomatoes, mozzarella balls, minced garlic, chopped basil, olive oil, and pesto. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Prep the Avocados:
Cut the avocados in half and remove the seeds. If needed, scoop out a bit of the center to create a larger cavity for filling. - Assemble:
Spoon the Caprese mixture generously into each avocado half. - Garnish:
Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with whole basil leaves (optional but highly recommended!). - Serve Immediately:
Serve fresh with a fork or spoon. Can be eaten as-is or paired with crusty bread for a non-low-carb option.
📝 Notes
- Best served fresh. Avocados brown quickly, so assemble right before serving.
- Make the Caprese filling up to a day ahead and refrigerate—just add it to the avocado when ready.
- Want more flavor? Add a splash of red wine vinegar or a pinch of red chili flakes.
💡 Tips
- Use a melon baller to scoop a perfect space for the filling.
- For more protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Swap mozzarella for feta or burrata for a twist.
- To slow browning of the avocado, brush the flesh with lemon or lime juice.
🍽️ Servings
Makes 4 stuffed avocado halves (serves 2–4 people depending on appetite or whether it’s a main or side).
🧮 Nutritional Info (Per stuffed half – Approximate)
- Calories: ~330
- Fat: ~29g (mostly healthy fats!)
- Carbs: ~6g
- Fiber: ~5g
- Protein: ~8g
- Sugar: ~1.5g
(Values may vary based on ingredients used)
✅ Health Benefits
- Heart-Healthy Fats: Avocados and olive oil are rich in monounsaturated fats.
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Ideal for those watching carbs.
- Calcium & Protein: Mozzarella adds bone-strengthening calcium.
- Lycopene & Antioxidants: Tomatoes and basil are rich in disease-fighting compounds.
- Gut-Friendly Fiber: Avocados are a great source of digestive fiber.
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can prep the filling in advance, but assemble just before eating to avoid browning.
Q: What’s the best balsamic glaze to use?
A: Store-bought is fine, or simmer balsamic vinegar until thickened to make your own.
Q: Can I use regular mozzarella instead of balls?
A: Absolutely—just dice it into small chunks.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Best eaten fresh, but you can store extra filling separately for 1–2 days in an airtight container.
Let me know if you want a visual recipe card, vegan version, or printable layout! 🧾✨