Mediterranean Avocado Caprese Delight
This Mediterranean Avocado Caprese Delight is a fresh and vibrant twist on classic Caprese salad, perfectly complimented by creamy avocados. Bursting with the flavors of ripe tomatoes, rich mozzarella, and fragrant basil, this dish is not only visually stunning but also a nutritious choice for gatherings. Ideal for summer barbecues, light lunches, or as a healthy appetizer, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of Italian and Californian cuisine. With a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to add a touch of acidity, this dish offers the perfect balance of flavors that everyone will love.
6
Servings
133
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
1 pint (Cut in halves)
Mozzarella Cheese
8 ounces (Pears or diced)
Olive Oil
1/2 cup (None)
Garlic
1 clove (Grated)
Fresh Basil
2 teaspoons (Julienned)
Avocados
4 (Halved and peeled)
Balsamic Vinegar
4-6 tablespoons (To drizzle, adjust to taste)
Salt
To taste (None)
Pepper
To taste (None)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved tomatoes, mozzarella, julienned basil, grated garlic, and olive oil. Toss gently until all ingredients are well coated and flavors meld together.
2
Allow the mixture to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to enhance the flavors.
3
While the caprese filling is marinating, carefully cut each avocado in half lengthwise and remove the pits. Gently peel the avocados to keep them intact.
4
Arrange the avocado halves on a serving platter, optionally over a bed of lettuce or mixed salad greens for added freshness.
5
Spoon generous amounts of the marinated tomato and mozzarella filling into each avocado half, letting it spill over for a beautiful presentation.
6
Finish by drizzling with balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle with salt and pepper according to your taste.
7
Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful and healthy dish!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
7g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Avocado Caprese Delight?
It is a fresh and vibrant twist on the classic Caprese salad, combining tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil inside creamy avocado halves.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
There are 133 calories per serving.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include cherry or grape tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, olive oil, garlic, fresh basil, avocados, and balsamic vinegar.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish as it contains no meat products.
How long should I marinate the caprese filling?
You should marinate the mixture for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for enhanced flavor.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 pint of cherry or grape tomatoes, cut into halves.
How many avocados do I need?
You will need 4 avocados, which are halved and peeled.
What type of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese, either in pearl form or diced.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10g of fat.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 3g of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 7g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the best way to prepare the basil?
The fresh basil should be julienned (cut into thin strips).
How much olive oil is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of olive oil for the marinade.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can marinate the filling up to 2 hours in advance, but it is best to assemble and serve immediately once the avocados are cut to prevent browning.
What should I drizzle on top for the finishing touch?
Finish the dish with 4-6 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
How do I prepare the garlic for this recipe?
You should use 1 clove of garlic and grate it before adding it to the marinade.
Can this be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it is ideal as a healthy appetizer, a light lunch, or a side dish for barbecues.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
With 7g of carbs and 10g of healthy fats, it can fit into many keto or low-carb meal plans.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Cheese dishes.
How should I present the avocado halves?
Arrange them on a serving platter, optionally over a bed of lettuce or mixed salad greens for added freshness.
Do I need to peel the avocados?
Yes, the instructions suggest gently peeling the avocado halves to keep them intact for a beautiful presentation.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It offers a balance of creamy avocado, acidic balsamic vinegar, fragrant basil, and rich mozzarella.
Can I use balsamic glaze instead of vinegar?
Yes, a balsamic glaze can be used for a thicker, sweeter finish.
Is this a good summer recipe?
Absolutely, it is described as a fresh and vibrant dish ideal for summer barbecues.
How many ingredients total are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients total.
Should I add salt and pepper?
Yes, sprinkle salt and pepper at the end according to your personal taste.
What cultures influence this dish?
The recipe is a fusion of Italian (Caprese) and Californian (Avocado) cuisines.
What is the recommended serving temperature?
It should be served immediately at room temperature or slightly chilled for the best experience.