Description
These Caprese Avocado Boats offer a fresh, colorful, and healthy twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad. Creamy avocado halves are filled with a vibrant mix of diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, and basil, all dressed with extra virgin olive oil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a perfect balance of flavors. This no-cook, quick-to-assemble appetizer or light meal is ideal for summer or whenever you want a delicious and nutritious dish ready in minutes.
Ingredients
Fresh Produce
- 2 large avocados
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3–4 thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
Dairy
- 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
Pantry
- 2.5 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the avocados: Slice the avocados in half lengthwise and carefully remove the pits without breaking the skin.
- Scoop out the flesh: Using a spoon, carefully scoop out most of the avocado flesh from each half, leaving a small ‘wall’ intact to create an edible boat shape that can hold the filling.
- Dice the avocado: Cut the scooped avocado into bite-sized chunks ready for mixing.
- Prepare other ingredients: Halve the cherry tomatoes and stack the basil leaves, then roll them tightly and thinly slice to create delicate ribbons.
- Combine the filling: In a mixing bowl, toss the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella pearls, basil slices, and extra virgin olive oil to coat everything evenly and create a glossy, flavorful mixture.
- Fill the avocado boats: Spoon the combined mixture evenly into each avocado half, filling the hollow centers.
- Finish with balsamic glaze: Drizzle a generous amount of balsamic glaze over the filled avocado boats for a sweet and tangy finishing touch.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm avocados to ensure the boats hold their shape well.
- Fresh mozzarella pearls can be substituted with small mozzarella balls or diced mozzarella if unavailable.
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes to the filling.
- Balsamic glaze can be purchased pre-made or easily reduced at home by simmering balsamic vinegar until thickened.
- This dish is best served immediately to prevent avocado browning; if needed, squeeze a little lemon juice onto the avocado flesh before filling.
