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Fresh Light Avocado Caprese Salad

avocado Caprese salad - featured image

A fresh and light twist on the classic Caprese salad featuring creamy avocado slices combined with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil. Quick to prepare and perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium ripe avocados, peeled and sliced
  • 3 medium vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced (heirloom or cherry tomatoes halved also work)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced (buffalo mozzarella preferred)
  • About 20 fresh basil leaves, washed and patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar (optional)
  • Sea salt to taste (preferably flaky sea salt)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon juice
  • Optional: toasted pine nuts or red pepper flakes for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and peel carefully. Slice into 1/4-inch thick slices. Optionally, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the slices to prevent browning. Handle gently to keep texture intact.
  2. Rinse the tomatoes and pat dry. Slice into 1/4-inch thick slices. If using cherry or grape tomatoes, cut them in halves or quarters.
  3. Slice the fresh mozzarella into rounds roughly the same size as the tomato slices. Drain excess liquid to avoid watery salad.
  4. On a large platter or plate, alternate slices of tomato, mozzarella, and avocado in a neat, overlapping pattern. Tuck fresh basil leaves between the slices.
  5. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil evenly over the arranged salad. Add a light drizzle of aged balsamic vinegar if using.
  6. Season with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  7. Optionally, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra texture and flavor.
  8. Check the salad for balance and freshness. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Slice avocados last and add lemon juice to prevent browning. Use fresh mozzarella for best texture. Drizzle olive oil sparingly to avoid heaviness. Add avocado and dressing just before serving if preparing ahead. For vegan option, substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese or firm tofu and use avocado oil instead of olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: avocado, caprese salad, healthy salad, fresh salad, easy recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free, quick salad