- Prep the avocados: Cut avocados in half and remove pits. If you want more space for filling,
scoop out a little extra avocado from the center and save it for toast or guacamole. - Mix the caprese filling: In a bowl, combine tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil, balsamic glaze,
(and balsamic vinegar if using), salt, pepper, and optional garlic/red pepper flakes. - Fill: Spoon the caprese mixture into each avocado half.
- Finish: Drizzle with a little extra balsamic glaze and olive oil. Add flaky salt and more basil on top.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately for the freshest flavor and best avocado texture.
Serving & Storage
Serving Ideas
- As an appetizer with crusty bread or garlic crostini
- As a light lunch with grilled chicken or shrimp on the side
- On a summer dinner board with olives, prosciutto, and fruit
- Turn it into a meal: serve over mixed greens as an avocado-caprese salad bowl
Storage
- Best fresh: Avocados brown after cutting, so this is best eaten right away.
- If you must store: Keep filling and avocados separate. Store filling up to 2 days.
Store avocado halves wrapped tightly with lemon/lime juice and plastic wrap up to 24 hours.
Tips
- Choose ripe avocados: They should give slightly when pressed, but not feel mushy.
- Use basil last-minute: Basil stays brighter if mixed in right before serving.
- Pat tomatoes dry: If tomatoes are very juicy, blot them to avoid watery filling.
- Balsamic glaze shortcut: Store-bought glaze is easiest, but you can reduce balsamic vinegar until syrupy.
- Make room for filling: Scoop a little avocado from the center to create a deeper “cup.”
- Balance flavors: Taste your filling—add salt to enhance, add glaze for sweetness, add vinegar for tang.
Variations
- Caprese + Chicken: Add chopped rotisserie chicken for extra protein.
- Caprese + Bacon: Sprinkle crispy bacon crumbles for salty crunch.
- Caprese + Pesto: Stir 1–2 tbsp pesto into the filling instead of olive oil.
- Spicy Caprese: Add diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes.
- Vegan: Use plant-based mozzarella or replace with chickpeas and extra basil.
- Mediterranean: Add cucumber, olives, and a little feta (not classic Caprese, but delicious).
FAQ
How do I keep the avocado from turning brown?
Acid helps. Brush the avocado with lemon or lime juice and wrap tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface.
Even then, it’s best within 24 hours.
Can I make these ahead?
You can prep the caprese filling ahead and store it covered in the fridge, but cut and stuff the avocados right before serving.
What if I don’t have balsamic glaze?
Use balsamic vinegar and a tiny bit of honey. Or simmer balsamic vinegar in a small pan until reduced and syrupy.
Can I use regular mozzarella instead of pearls?
Yes—just dice fresh mozzarella into small cubes. Pearls are convenient and look pretty, but both work great.
Is this an appetizer or a meal?
Both. As written it’s a light appetizer. Add chicken, shrimp, or serve with bread/salad to make it a full meal.
