Avocado Tomato Mozzarella Delight

$- 2 ripe avocados, diced - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon - Serving Size: 4 - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Total Time: 10 minutes When I make this salad, I love using fresh, ripe avocados. They should feel soft but not mushy. This gives the salad a creamy texture. Cherry tomatoes add sweet and juicy bites. I always choose bright and colorful ones. Fresh mozzarella balls bring a nice, milky taste. They are fun to pop in your mouth! The basil leaves add an aromatic note. I tear them gently to release their oils. For the dressing, I whisk extra-virgin olive oil with balsamic vinegar. A pinch of salt and pepper rounds it out. Adding lemon zest brightens the flavor. This mix makes the salad shine. For serving size and timing, this salad is quick. You can prepare it in just 10 minutes. Perfect when you need a fast and tasty dish! {{ingredient_image_1}} Dicing Avocados Start by cutting your avocados in half. Remove the pit carefully. Use a spoon to scoop the flesh out. Dice the avocado into bite-sized pieces. Place the diced avocado in a large mixing bowl. Halving Cherry Tomatoes Next, take your cherry tomatoes. Rinse them under cool water. Cut each tomato in half. This adds sweetness and color to the salad. Add the halved tomatoes to the mixing bowl with the avocado. Preparing Mozzarella Now, grab your fresh mozzarella balls. These are often called bocconcini. If they are large, cut them in half. For smaller ones, leave them whole. Add the mozzarella to the bowl with the avocados and tomatoes. Combining Ingredients Gently mix the diced avocado, halved tomatoes, and mozzarella together. You want to combine them nicely without squishing the avocado. This will keep the salad fresh and appealing. Folding in Basil Leaves Tear fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces. Add the torn basil to your salad. Fold it in gently. This lets the basil blend in without bruising the leaves. Whisking Olive Oil and Balsamic In a small bowl, add your extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Use a whisk to mix them together. This forms a nice dressing for your salad. Incorporating Seasoning Next, add lemon zest, salt, and pepper to the dressing. Whisk again until everything is well mixed. This adds flavor and a bright touch to the salad. Now you are ready to dress your salad! - Presentation Ideas: Serve the salad on a big platter. Arrange each ingredient in sections. Add whole basil leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest for flair. - Best Serving Temperature: This salad shines when served fresh. You can chill it for about 15 minutes for a cool bite. - Choosing Ripe Avocados: Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure. Avoid those with dark spots or dents. - Selecting Fresh Mozzarella: Choose mozzarella balls that are firm and moist. They should smell fresh and have a slightly springy texture. - Techniques for Avocado Preservation: Use lemon juice on cut avocado. This helps slow down browning. Store any leftover avocado tightly wrapped. - Storing the Salad: Keep the salad in an airtight container. It can last in the fridge for up to a day, but it's best fresh. Pro Tips Choose Ripe Avocados: Make sure your avocados are perfectly ripe for the best flavor and creamy texture. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest mozzarella and basil for a vibrant taste. If possible, opt for buffalo mozzarella for a richer flavor. Customize the Dressing: Feel free to experiment with the dressing by adding minced garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick! Serve Immediately: To maintain the avocados' bright color and creamy texture, serve the salad immediately after tossing. If you need to chill it, limit the time to 15 minutes. {{image_2}} You can change the tomatoes if you want. Try using heirloom, grape, or even sun-dried tomatoes. Each type brings a unique flavor. Mixing colors adds to the salad's look, too. You can also add protein. Chicken or shrimp can make this salad a meal. Grilled or roasted options work best. Herbs can change the taste of your salad. Adding mint or oregano can give a fresh twist. Fresh herbs enhance the overall flavor. You might also want to add nuts or seeds. Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds add a nice crunch. This texture contrast makes every bite exciting. If you want a vegan version, skip the mozzarella. You can use vegan cheese or tofu instead. This keeps the salad creamy and tasty. For gluten-free needs, this salad is already safe. Just ensure any added ingredients are gluten-free. It’s perfect for everyone at the table! - Use an airtight container for storage. - Keep the salad in the fridge. - It lasts about two days in the refrigerator. - Look for browning avocados or mushy tomatoes. - This salad is best served cold. - Avoid reheating to prevent sogginess. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. For best taste, prepare the salad without the dressing. Store the salad mix in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 hours. Add the dressing just before serving. This keeps the avocados fresh and creamy. This salad pairs well with many dishes. Try serving it with grilled chicken or shrimp. It also goes great with crusty bread or pasta. For a light meal, enjoy it with a bowl of soup. Each of these dishes complements the flavors in the salad. Yes, this salad is good for meal prep. Keep the ingredients separate until you are ready to eat. Store the diced avocados and tomatoes in separate containers. This helps maintain their freshness. Combine them with mozzarella and basil right before serving. This blog post covered everything you need for the perfect Avocado Tomato Mozzarella Salad. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step preparation, and tips for storage. You learned how to mix flavors and keep your salad fresh. Incorporating special variations adds personal touch. Remember to choose ripe avocados and fresh mozzarella for the best taste. Enjoy creating this salad as a meal or side dish!$

Avocado Tomato Mozzarella Delight

A fresh and vibrant salad featuring creamy avocados, juicy cherry tomatoes, and soft mozzarella, dressed with a light vinaigrette.

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Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Appetizer

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

2 whole ripe avocados, diced
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
to taste salt and pepper
1 whole zest of lemon

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella balls.
Gently fold in the torn basil leaves to incorporate them evenly without bruising.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients well.
Serve immediately for the best texture of the avocados, or chill in the refrigerator for up to 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the salad on a large platter, arrange the ingredients in sections for a colorful presentation, and garnish with a few whole basil leaves and a light sprinkle of extra lemon zest on top for added flair.

Keyword avocado, fresh, mozzarella, salad, tomato