When the sun is high and the days are long, no one wants to turn on the oven. That’s where this vibrant, refreshing, and incredibly easy Caprese Stuffed Avocados recipe comes in.
With just a handful of simple ingredients and 10 minutes of prep time, this dish is everything summer meals should be—cool, light, and bursting with flavor.
Whether you’re planning a backyard BBQ, a picnic lunch, or just a quick weeknight dinner, these stuffed avocado boats bring together creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and milky mozzarella for the perfect warm-weather dish.
Why Caprese Stuffed Avocados Are Perfect for Hot Days
Summer meals should feel effortless, and these Caprese Avocado Boats are precisely that—no need for cooking or heating up your kitchen. Everything comes together in one bowl and is served fresh, straight out of the fridge or at room temperature.
Each stuffed avocado offers:
- A cooling, creamy base (thanks to ripe avocados)
- Fresh and hydrating cherry tomatoes
- Soft, luscious mozzarella pearls
- A herby balsamic drizzle that adds zing without any heaviness
The result? A satisfying, nutrient-rich snack or meal that’s perfect for sweltering afternoons or evenings when you’re just not in the mood to cook.
Fresh Ingredients, Big Flavor
Here’s what you’ll need to create Caprese Salad Stuffed Avocados:
Avocados
Cherry or Grape tomatoes
Mozzarella pearls
Fresh basil
Balsamic vinegar
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
All of these ingredients are readily available and require no special equipment or preparation skills. Just slice, scoop, mix, and fill.
How to Make Caprese Stuffed Avocados
This recipe is so simple, it’s ideal for busy weekdays or last-minute entertaining. Here’s how to bring it all together:
1. Prepare the Avocados: Slice each avocado in half and remove the pits. If you’d like a larger space for stuffing, you can gently scoop out a bit more of the center and save that avocado to mix into the salad.
2. Mix the Caprese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine & Toss: Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and mozzarella and toss gently until everything is coated.
5. Stuff & Serve: Spoon the mixture into the avocado halves. Drizzle any remaining dressing on top.
And that’s it. You’ve got yourself an Instagram-worthy dish in under 10 minutes. Feel free to garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired.
Easy Variations on Stuffed Caprese Avocados
Looking to change things up? This recipe is super versatile. Here are a few ideas:
1. Make It Sweet
If you enjoy a hint of sweetness in your salad, add 1–2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the balsamic dressing. Or finish with a balsamic glaze for a thicker, sweeter drizzle.
2. Add a Protein Boost
Complete the meal by adding shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or thinly sliced prosciutto to the mix.
3. Go Vegan
Swap out mozzarella pearls for vegan cheese or seasoned chickpeas for a dairy-free version that still packs plenty of flavor.
4. Switch Up the Tomatoes
No cherry tomatoes? No problem. Use firm Roma tomatoes—remove the soft center and seeds, and chop them into bite-sized pieces for the perfect texture.
5. Turn It Into a Salad
Not in the mood for avocado boats? Dice the avocados and mix everything together into a Caprese Avocado Salad—perfect as a side dish or picnic offering.
Hosting Tip: Make Caprese Stuffed Avocados the Star of Your Summer Spread
These Stuffed Avocados with Caprese Salad are a surefire hit at summer gatherings. Here’s how to make them party-ready:
- Serve them on a chilled platter with extra basil garnish.
- Offer a variety by filling some avocados with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and others with a dash of chili flakes for a spicy twist.
- Consider setting up a DIY bar and let guests build their own boats with fun add-ins, such as pine nuts, grilled corn, or sliced olives.
They’re not just delicious—they’re also visually stunning and naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making them a crowd-pleaser for guests with dietary needs.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
While Caprese Stuffed Avocados are best served fresh, you can prep components ahead:
- Make the filling a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- Wait to cut and fill the avocados until just before serving to prevent browning.
- Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that avocados may brown slightly, but will still be safe to eat.
If browning is a concern, a squeeze of lemon juice over the avocado flesh before storing can help.
Nutritional Benefits of Avocados and Caprese Salad
This dish isn’t just pretty, it’s also good for you. Here’s why:
- Avocados are packed with heart-healthy fats, potassium, and fiber.
- Tomatoes offer antioxidants like lycopene.
- Mozzarella provides calcium and protein.
- Basil and olive oil add anti-inflammatory compounds and healthy fats.
Together, they create a light yet nourishing meal that keeps you satisfied without weighing you down.
Caprese Stuffed Avocados: The Best No-Cook Meal for Summer
Let’s face it: when the temperatures spike past 90°F, the last thing anyone wants is a hot kitchen. That’s what makes Caprese Avocado Boats the ultimate summer recipe.
They’re:
- Fast and fuss-free
- Perfect for meal prep or spontaneous snacks
- Beautiful enough for entertaining
- Customizable to suit your taste and dietary needs
Plus, they make eating vegetables and healthy fats feel like a treat rather than a chore. Winning!
Try These Caprese Avocados Today
If you’re craving something fresh, satisfying, and easy to throw together, this is your sign to give Caprese Stuffed Avocados a try.
Whether you’re enjoying them by the pool, on the patio, or as a quick lunch between Zoom meetings, they’re sure to become a seasonal favorite.
Caprese Stuffed Avocados
Ingredients
- 4 large avocados, halved and pitted
- 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella pearls
- 3 tbspns Fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbspns balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Slice each avocado in half and remove the pits. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the chopped basil, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and mozzarella and toss gently until everything is coated.
- Spoon the mixture into the avocado halves. Drizzle any remaining dressing on top. and
- Garnish with additional fresh basil, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Cherry or grape tomatoes work best, but firm Roma tomatoes can be used as an alternative if needed. If using Roma tomatoes, remove the soft centers and seeds to avoid a mushy texture. Dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Scoop out a little extra from the center of each avocado half to create a deeper “boat.” Chop up the scooped avocado and mix it into the Caprese salad filling.
Variations
- For a hint of sweetness, add 1–2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the dressing.
- Alternatively, use balsamic glaze (thicker and sweeter) as a finishing drizzle on top of the filled avocados.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Best enjoyed the same day, but can be stored for up to 2 days.
Other Recipes with Avocados:
Zesty Shrimp Avocado Salad
BLTA Sandwich 😋
Chicken Burrito Bowl
Don’t forget to snap a photo before digging in—they’re as photogenic as they’re delicious. Share your creations and tag us, we’d love to see your take on it!
Pin it for later or bookmark this post—because once you try it, you’ll want to make Caprese Stuffed Avocados again and again. Enjoy.
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Kris says
Looks yummy! I will definitely try this out. Thanks for sharing!! 🙂