Cheesy Avocado Caprese Platter Recipe

If you love the vibrant flavors of a classic Caprese salad but crave a little twist that’s creamy, fresh, and totally irresistible, the Cheesy Avocado Caprese Platter is exactly what you need. This dish brings together ripe, buttery avocados, luscious mozzarella or burrata, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all brightened with fragrant basil and a silky balsamic glaze. It’s like summer in every bite and perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cheesy Avocado Caprese Platter lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing a starring role to create the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color on your plate.

• Ripe avocados: Choose perfectly soft avocados to bring creamy richness and smooth texture to the dish.
• Fresh mozzarella or burrata (8 oz): Opt for fresh, high-quality cheese to add a dreamy, milky flavor that melts delightfully in your mouth.
• Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Sweet and juicy, these add vibrant color and a burst of freshness with every bite.
• Fresh basil leaves: Aromatic and bright, basil lifts the flavors and adds a fragrant, green note that ties everything together.
• Extra virgin olive oil (2 tbsp): Use a fruity, peppery oil to drizzle over the platter for that luscious finish.
• Balsamic glaze (1 tbsp): This sweet and tangy drizzle elevates the dish with its glossy sheen and rich depth of flavor.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning is key for balancing and enhancing all the natural flavors here.
• Optional toasted pine nuts or walnuts: Add a delightful crunch and an extra layer of nutty flavor if you like.

How to Make Cheesy Avocado Caprese Platter

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by slicing the ripe avocados and fresh mozzarella or tearing the burrata into luscious pieces. Halve your cherry tomatoes and pluck fresh basil leaves from the stem, getting all your fresh elements ready to build the platter.

Step 2: Arrange the Platter

On a large serving dish, alternate the avocado slices, cheese, cherry tomatoes, and basil leaves in an eye-catching pattern. This technique not only looks stunning but ensures every bite includes a bit of every fresh, creamy, and zesty component.

Step 3: Drizzle the Dressing

Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over your arranged ingredients, followed by a smooth, glossy balsamic glaze. These touches add a beautiful shine and deepen the flavor profile, making each bite irresistibly tasty.

Step 4: Season and Garnish

Sprinkle lightly with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the natural flavors. If you’re feeling fancy, finish the platter with a scattering of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a delightful crunch that complements the soft textures.

How to Serve Cheesy Avocado Caprese Platter

Garnishes

Adding toasted nuts like pine nuts or walnuts gives a wonderful textural contrast, but you can also try flaked sea salt or a handful of microgreens for a fresh pop. Fresh basil leaves aren’t just for flavor—they make your platter look irresistible and invited.

Side Dishes

This platter shines as a stand-alone appetizer, but it also pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light, crisp white wine for a simple summer meal. Try serving alongside grilled chicken or a chilled pasta salad to round out a relaxed, elegant spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a modern twist, serve your Cheesy Avocado Caprese Platter in individual mason jars or on mini wooden boards. Layering the ingredients vertically or creating small stacks garnished with micro herbs will wow your guests with both flavor and style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. Because avocado browns quickly, it’s best to enjoy this dish as fresh as possible, but a squeeze of lemon juice over the avocado slices can help slow oxidation.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this platter since fresh mozzarella, avocado, and tomatoes lose their texture and flavor once thawed. Enjoy this dish fresh to savor its best qualities.

Reheating

This Cheesy Avocado Caprese Platter is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. Simply bring it out from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off.

FAQs

Can I substitute the mozzarella with another type of cheese?

Absolutely! While fresh mozzarella or burrata gives the classic creamy texture, you can try fresh ricotta or even feta for a tangier twist that complements the avocado nicely.

What’s the best way to choose ripe avocados?

Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t mushy. Their skin should be darker and without major blemishes. If they’re still firm, you can ripen them in a paper bag for a day or two.

Can I make this platter vegan-friendly?

Yes! Simply swap the mozzarella or burrata for a plant-based cheese or creamy tofu, and make sure your balsamic glaze does not contain honey. This way, you keep the spirit of the Cheesy Avocado Caprese Platter alive without dairy.

Is it okay to use regular olive oil instead of extra virgin?

Extra virgin olive oil has a richer flavor and fruity notes that really elevate the dish, but if you only have regular olive oil, it will still work. Just try to use the best quality oil you can find for the best taste.

How long does the Cheesy Avocado Caprese Platter last once assembled?

Because avocado oxidizes quickly, it’s best to serve this platter immediately after assembling. If you need to prepare in advance, arrange everything but add avocado slices and dressing right before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

Making the Cheesy Avocado Caprese Platter is a joyous way to bring fresh, vibrant flavors to your table with minimal effort and maximum impact. It’s the perfect dish for sharing with friends, a light lunch, or an elegant starter that always gets compliments. I really encourage you to try it soon and watch how the creamy avocado and melty cheese take this classic salad to a whole new level of deliciousness.

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