The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and the scent of barbecue wafts through the air. It’s that magical time of year when we gather with friends and family to enjoy good food and celebrate life—Memorial Day! If you’re looking to impress your guests without burning a single calorie while standing over a hot grill, then let me introduce you to my favorite go-to dish: Memorial Day Caprese stuffed avocados. Imagine creamy avocado cradling fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and basil like they’re at a summer festival. Can you smell it?
I’ll never forget the first time I served this dish at our annual Memorial Day picnic. My cousin Carl took one bite and declared it “the best thing since sliced bread,” which is saying something coming from a guy who once claimed ketchup was a vegetable. This refreshing recipe is colorful enough to make your plate look like an Instagram influencer’s dream while packing in flavor that dances on your taste buds. Let’s get ready to celebrate summer with this delightful dish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Memorial Day Caprese stuffed avocados recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal cooking effort.
- The combination of fresh ingredients creates a vibrant flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
- Visually stunning, these stuffed avocados are sure to impress your guests while being versatile enough for any occasion.
- Perfect as an appetizer or healthy snack option that everyone will adore.
I still remember the look on my friend Julie’s face when she tried my Caprese stuffed avocados for the first time—pure bliss mixed with disbelief at how simple yet delicious they were!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ripe Avocados: Choose firm but slightly soft avocados for the best creamy texture when eating.
- Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Opt for smaller balls (bocconcini) that burst with flavor in each bite.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Their sweetness adds a delightfully juicy contrast to the creaminess of the avocado.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Use fragrant basil leaves to elevate the flavors; they are essential for that classic Caprese taste.
- Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle adds depth; pick a high-quality glaze or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; don’t skip them—they bring all the flavors together beautifully!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing your cherry tomatoes and basil leaves thoroughly under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel so they’re ready for assembly.
Slice Avocados in Half: Carefully cut each avocado in half lengthwise using a sharp knife. Remove the pit gently—this step can be tricky unless you have ninja skills.
Create Your Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes with cubed mozzarella balls. Chop fresh basil leaves finely before adding them into the mix along with salt and pepper.
Stuff Those Avocados: Scoop out some flesh from each avocado half (but don’t toss it!). Gently fill each half with your tomato-mozzarella mixture until they overflow slightly—like little green boats of joy.
Add Balsamic Drizzle: Once all halves are filled, finish off by drizzling balsamic glaze artistically over each avocado boat—a little goes a long way!
Serve & Enjoy!: Present your stuffed avocados on a colorful platter or directly onto plates. Watch as everyone gathers around admiring your culinary masterpiece before diving in!
These steps will have your guests singing praises about your cooking prowess—and likely asking for seconds!
Memorial Day is all about celebrating freedom and togetherness while enjoying tasty food that doesn’t weigh you down! With these Memorial Day Caprese stuffed avocados as part of your spread, you’ll be elevating ordinary gatherings into extraordinary memories—all while enjoying every bite without breaking a sweat!
You Must Know
- Fresh avocados are key; use ripe ones for the best flavor and texture.
- Avoid over-mixing your filling to maintain some chunkiness and enhance the presentation.
- For a twist, consider adding chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes to elevate your dish.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing your ingredients first; chop the tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella before scooping the avocados. This saves time and ensures everything is ready to go when you start mixing.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out mozzarella for feta cheese or add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor. You can also mix in some spicy jalapeños if you enjoy heat!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed avocados in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To prevent browning, sprinkle with lemon juice before sealing, but reheating is not recommended for this dish.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always select avocados that yield slightly to pressure for the best taste.
- Mixing fresh herbs right before serving enhances flavor without losing their freshness.
- Lastly, a touch of garlic powder can add an unexpected kick.
Every time I whip up these Memorial Day Caprese Stuffed Avocados, my friends rave about them! They’re a hit at summer barbecues and always spark joy (and hunger) in everyone’s eyes.
FAQ
What is the best way to choose ripe avocados?
Look for avocados that feel slightly soft when gently squeezed but aren’t mushy; that’s the sweet spot!
Can I prepare these stuffed avocados ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep all fillings beforehand but assemble them just before serving to keep avocados fresh.
What other fillings work well in stuffed avocados?
Try adding grilled chicken, quinoa, or even roasted vegetables for a heartier meal option!
Memorial Day Caprese Stuffed Avocados
Celebrate Memorial Day with these vibrant Caprese stuffed avocados, filled with creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fresh basil—perfect for summer gatherings!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the cherry tomatoes and basil leaves; pat dry.
- Cut each avocado in half lengthwise and remove the pit.
- In a bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, cubed mozzarella, chopped basil, salt, and pepper.
- Scoop out a bit of avocado flesh from each half and mix it into the filling.
- Stuff each avocado half with the tomato-mozzarella mixture until slightly overflowing.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top and serve on a platter.
Notes
- Use firm yet slightly soft avocados for the best texture.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in olives or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Assemble just before serving to keep the avocados fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed avocado half (140g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 170mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
