Insalata Caprese con Avocado (Caprese Salad with Avocado)
Insalata Caprese con Avocado
Equipment
- Equipment Needed: Knife, cutting board, salad bowl (optional)
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados sliced
- 2 large tomatoes sliced (or a mix of heirloom tomatoes for color)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella sliced (or small mozzarella balls)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Extra virgin olive oil about 2 tbsp
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Balsamic glaze or vinegar for drizzling
Instructions
- Method:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by slicing the tomatoes and avocados into thin rounds. If using mozzarella balls, slice them into halves or quarters.
- Assemble the Salad: On a large platter or in a bowl, alternate layers of tomato, avocado, and mozzarella slices. Arrange them in a circular pattern or casually place them in rows.
- Season: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the salad with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra fragrance. Serve immediately.
- Variations & Tips
- Variations: You can switch up the types of tomatoes, using heirloom varieties for a richer taste or cherry tomatoes for added sweetness. If you want to make the salad heartier, add some grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Substitutions: If you're avoiding dairy, swap the mozzarella for a non-dairy cheese like vegan mozzarella or skip it entirely. For a low-carb version, omit the tomatoes or use a lower-carb fruit like cucumbers.
From my own personal experience, Caprese salads are already incredibly fresh and satisfying, but when you add the creamy richness of avocado, it takes this dish to another level! Let me show you how I make this vibrant and nutrient-packed variation of the classic Caprese salad. This dish is a twist on the traditional, adding a buttery texture and a boost of healthy fats to the mix of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. It’s perfect for any occasion and particularly shines in the warmer months when tomatoes and avocados are in season.
Where in Italy is it from?
The Caprese Salad originates from the island of Capri, located in the Bay of Naples, Italy. This dish is a celebration of the colors of the Italian flag with its green basil, white mozzarella, and red tomatoes. The addition of avocado here is a more modern twist, popularized internationally.
Notes on What to Expect
Expect a delightful balance of creamy, fresh, and savory flavors. The avocado adds richness, while the tomatoes and mozzarella bring lightness and a touch of sweetness. The basil enhances the freshness, and the olive oil ties everything together beautifully.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 250–300 per serving
- Cost of Ingredients: Moderate (depends on the quality of mozzarella and tomatoes)
- Cuisine: Italian (Modern Twist)
- Course: Salad/Side Dish
- Equipment Needed: Knife, cutting board, salad bowl (optional)
- > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Insalata Caprese con Avocado.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, sliced
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced (or a mix of heirloom tomatoes for color)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced (or small mozzarella balls)
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Extra virgin olive oil (about 2 tbsp)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Balsamic glaze or vinegar for drizzling
- > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Insalata Caprese con Avocado.
Method:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by slicing the tomatoes and avocados into thin rounds. If using mozzarella balls, slice them into halves or quarters.
- Assemble the Salad: On a large platter or in a bowl, alternate layers of tomato, avocado, and mozzarella slices. Arrange them in a circular pattern or casually place them in rows.
- Season: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the top, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the salad with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra fragrance. Serve immediately.
Variations & Tips
- Variations: You can switch up the types of tomatoes, using heirloom varieties for a richer taste or cherry tomatoes for added sweetness. If you want to make the salad heartier, add some grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Substitutions: If you’re avoiding dairy, swap the mozzarella for a non-dairy cheese like vegan mozzarella or skip it entirely. For a low-carb version, omit the tomatoes or use a lower-carb fruit like cucumbers.
- > Go get the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Insalata Caprese con Avocado.
Nutritional Information per Serving
- Calories: ~250-300 kcal
- Fat: 22-25g (healthy fats from avocado and olive oil)
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g (mainly from tomatoes and avocado)
- Protein: 7-9g (from mozzarella)
I hope this guide has made preparing Insalata Caprese con Avocado a little less daunting! Have you tried this twist before, or is this your first time? Please be honest, and let me know in the comments below, I love hearing feedback from a real person like you, so please leave your honest thoughts!
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>