Avocado Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Ingredients

  • 2 large ripe avocados, sliced or scooped into wedges
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes (red and yellow), halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls (or mini mozzarella balls)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (chiffonade)
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (thick balsamic reduction)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: On a large serving platter, arrange the sliced avocados and halved cherry tomatoes in an alternating pattern or toss them gently together.
  2. Add Cheese: Scatter the fresh mozzarella pearls evenly over the top of the vegetables.
  3. Season: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil over the entire salad. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
  4. Garnish: Sprinkle the fresh sliced basil over the top.
  5. Finish: Just before serving, drizzle the balsamic glaze in a decorative zig-zag pattern across the salad.
  6. Serve: This salad is best served immediately while the avocados are fresh and bright green.

Tips for Success

  • Avocado Care: To prevent the avocados from browning if you aren’t serving right away, toss the slices in a little bit of lime or lemon juice first.
  • Balsamic Glaze: You can buy store-bought balsamic glaze or make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan until it reduces by half and becomes syrupy.

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