Description
This Easy Avocado Caprese Salad Platter is a fresh, vibrant twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad. Combining creamy ripe avocados, juicy cherry tomatoes, and soft fresh mozzarella, all layered beautifully with aromatic basil and drizzled with a tangy balsamic reduction and extra virgin olive oil. Perfect as a light appetizer or side dish, this no-cook salad comes together quickly with minimal prep, making it ideal for warm-weather meals or effortless entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 pieces Ripe Avocados (sliced or diced)
- 8 ounces Fresh Mozzarella (Bocconcini or sliced)
- 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 0.5 cup Fresh Basil Leaves (torn or left whole)
Dressing & Seasoning
- 0.25 cup Balsamic Reduction
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil (high-quality)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- Freshly Cracked Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients. Wash the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and set them aside.
- Slice Avocados: Cut the avocados in half lengthwise, remove the pits carefully, and scoop out the flesh using a spoon. Slice the avocado flesh into wedges or cubes depending on your preference, then optionally drizzle lightly with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Prepare Mozzarella: If using mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drain the liquid and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture on the salad. If using a larger mozzarella ball, slice it into thick rounds to match the other ingredients’ size.
- Assemble Salad: On a large serving platter, arrange the avocado slices first, then layer the halved cherry tomatoes, followed by the mozzarella slices or balls to create a colorful vibrant base.
- Add Basil and Dress: Tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces or leave them whole and scatter evenly over the assembled salad. Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic reduction evenly across the platter. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper according to taste.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh textures and flavors, or let it sit for a few minutes to allow the dressing to meld with the ingredients.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm avocados to maintain shape and texture in the salad.
- Drizzling lemon juice on avocado helps prevent discoloration if not served immediately.
- Fresh basil can be torn or left whole depending on your presentation preference.
- Balsamic reduction adds sweetness and depth; you can substitute with high-quality balsamic vinegar if unavailable, though it will be less thick.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of honey with balsamic reduction.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh as avocados tend to oxidize and soften over time.
