As an appetizer or as a side dish, these Italian stuffed avocados will know how to make your guests happy.

They are garnished with basil pesto, balsamic vinegar, small sweet tomatoes and mozzarella balls. And if you have fresh basil in your garden, use some leaves to garnish your avocado before serving.

Make sure you use ripe avocados. If they are not ripe enough, their flavor will be acrid and it will be hard to peel them and cut them in half.

This recipe is ultra simple to prepare in less than 10 minutes. Did you know that the omega-9 contained in the avocado help prevent cravings ? This is a very good ingredient !

The following recipe gives 4 avocado halves, containing about 341 calories each.

Ingredients :

• 1/2 cup (125 ml) grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, halved
• 4 oz (120 g) small mozzarella balls (or bocconcini)
• 2 tablespoons homemade basil pesto or bought in store
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) minced garlic
• 1/4 cup (65 ml) olive oil
• Salt and pepper to season
• 2 ripe avocados peeled, cut in half, seeded
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) balsamic glaze reduction to drizzle
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh basil, chopped

Directions :

Pour the tomatoes, mozzarella balls, pesto, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper into a bowl.

Source image : Screenshot Facebook / Cafe Delites

Stir well to combine all flavors evenly.

Source image : Screenshot Facebook / Cafe Delites

Cut the avocados, remove the stone and peel.

Source image : Screenshot Facebook / Cafe Delites

Place the avocados on a plate with fresh basil leaves.

Spoon the Caprese filling into each avocado halve and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.

Source image : Screenshot Facebook / Cafe Delites

Garnish with chopped fresh basil. Serve immediately.

Notes :

If you cannot find mini mozzarella balls or bocconcini, you can use larger balls and cut them in half.

To make a reduction of balsamic vinegar, simply pour balsamic vinegar into a saucepan and heat on medium-low heat. In this way, the vinegar will reduce by half but it's to reveal its subtle aromas and flavours! But you can also use balsamic vinegar as usual, if you wish.