Fresh Caprese Avocado Mozzarella Salad

Preparation Details

• Preparation time: 15 minutes

• Cooking time: 0 minutes

• Total time: 15 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Difficulty: Very easy

• Cuisine: Italian-inspired

• Cooking method: No-cook

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 ripe avocados, diced

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls

• ½ cup fresh basil leaves

• ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

• ½ cucumber, diced (optional)

For the Dressing

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze

• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste

• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

1. Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly.

2. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.

3. Cut each tomato in half.

4. If using larger tomatoes, cut them into bite-sized pieces.

5. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Prepare the Avocados

1. Cut the avocados lengthwise around the pit.

2. Remove the pit carefully.

3. Scoop out the flesh using a spoon.

4. Cut into medium-sized cubes.

5. Sprinkle with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.

Tip: Use ripe but firm avocados so they maintain their shape when mixed.

Step 3: Prepare the Mozzarella

1. Drain the mozzarella pearls.

2. Pat gently with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

3. Add them to the bowl with the tomatoes.

4. Keep a few pearls aside for the final garnish if desired.

Step 4: Add Fresh Basil

1. Wash and dry the basil leaves.

2. Tear larger leaves gently by hand.

3. Add the basil to the salad.

4. Add sliced red onion or cucumber if desired.

Step 5: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine:

• Olive oil

• Balsamic vinegar

• Balsamic glaze

• Lemon juice

• Honey

• Italian seasoning

• Garlic powder

• Salt

• Black pepper

Whisk until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Combine Everything

1. Pour the dressing over the tomatoes and mozzarella.

2. Gently toss to coat.

3. Add the diced avocado.

4. Fold everything together carefully using a large spoon.

5. Avoid overmixing to keep the avocado cubes intact.

Step 7: Final Garnish

1. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl.

2. Arrange extra mozzarella pearls on top.

3. Add fresh basil leaves.

4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze.

5. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper.

Step 8: Serve

Serve immediately while the avocado is fresh and creamy.

This salad tastes wonderful chilled slightly, but avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods.

Nutrition Information

Estimated values per serving, based on 4 servings.

Nut Information (Q/S)

This recipe does not require any nuts.

Allergen information:

• Contains dairy from mozzarella cheese.

• Naturally gluten-free when using suitable ingredients.

• No peanuts or tree nuts are intentionally included.

• Check packaged dressing and glaze labels for possible cross-contamination.

Helpful Tips & Variations

1. Choose firm avocados: They hold their shape better.

2. Use colorful tomatoes: Red, yellow, and orange tomatoes make the salad beautiful.

3. Fresh mozzarella: Gives the best creamy texture.

4. Fresh basil: Provides authentic Italian-inspired flavor.

5. Add protein: Grilled chicken or shrimp makes this a complete meal.

6. Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

7. Keep it fresh: Add avocado and dressing shortly before serving.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day for best quality.

• Avoid freezing because avocado and fresh mozzarella lose their texture.

• For meal prep, keep dressing and avocado separate until serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Grilled chicken breast

• Garlic bread

• Grilled fish

• Roasted vegetables

• Grilled shrimp

• Fresh toasted baguette

Final Result

A beautiful, fresh, creamy, and colorful salad with juicy tomatoes, buttery avocado, soft mozzarella pearls, fragrant basil, and sweet-tangy balsamic glaze.

Fresh, healthy, delicious, and ready in just 15 minutes!