This Avocado Caprese Salad is a summer favorite that brings together vibrant colors, refreshing flavors, and wholesome nutrition in just minutes.
Sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tender mozzarella pearls create a satisfying blend of textures, while fresh basil, olive oil, and balsamic glaze tie everything together with a burst of Mediterranean flair.
Beyond its irresistible taste, this salad is a nutritional powerhouse: it’s rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from avocado, offers a good dose of plant-based protein from mozzarella, and delivers plenty of fiber for digestive health.
Low in carbs and packed with antioxidants from tomatoes and basil, it’s a smart choice for light lunches, quick sides, or potluck contributions.
Since it’s ready in about 10 minutes, it’s a go-to recipe for busy weekdays or impromptu gatherings — proof that healthy eating can be quick, easy, and indulgent all at once.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Chef’s Knife
Essential for slicing tomatoes and cubing avocado cleanly. A sharp, well-balanced chef’s knife speeds up prep time and ensures precise cuts for professional presentation.
Wooden Cutting Board
Gentle on knife blades and spacious enough for prepping all your salad ingredients in one place. Also doubles as a beautiful serving platter for rustic presentation.
Mixing Bowl Set
Ideal for gently tossing salad ingredients without bruising delicate avocado. A nesting set is versatile for mixing, marinating, or storing food.
Salad Tongs
Perfect for carefully combining ingredients and serving without crushing the avocado or mozzarella balls. Adds convenience to everyday salad making.
Glass Measuring Cup
Useful for portioning olive oil and balsamic glaze with accuracy. Also handy for mixing and pouring dressings for any salad or marinade.
10 Minutes Avocado Tomato Mozzarella Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Tomatoes: Start by rinsing the cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or residue. Pat them dry gently with a clean kitchen towel to prevent excess moisture from watering down the salad. Place the tomatoes on a cutting board and carefully slice each one in half lengthwise. If any tomatoes are larger, cut them into quarters so that all pieces are similar in size for even flavor distribution.
- Cube the Avocado: Take a ripe but firm avocado and place it on the cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut it lengthwise all around until you meet the pit. Twist the two halves apart gently and remove the pit by either carefully tapping and twisting the knife or scooping it out with a spoon. Score the flesh in a crisscross grid pattern without piercing through the skin, then scoop out the cubes with a spoon, trying to keep the pieces intact for a nice presentation.
- Slice the Fresh Basil: Stack the basil leaves neatly on top of each other and roll them into a tight bundle. With a sharp knife, slice across the roll to create thin ribbons—a technique called chiffonade. This method helps release the basil’s fresh aroma and adds a beautiful texture to your salad.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large, wide mixing bowl, add the halved cherry tomatoes, mini mozzarella balls (drained if packed in liquid), avocado cubes, and chiffonade basil ribbons. Using a wide bowl allows you to toss the salad gently without crushing the delicate avocado pieces.
- Season and Dress the Salad: Sprinkle sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper evenly over the combined ingredients. Drizzle high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the salad, ensuring every bite gets a light coating of the rich oil. Follow with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, which adds a sweet and tangy flavor that perfectly balances the creamy mozzarella and avocado.
- Toss Gently and Serve: Using salad tongs or two large spoons, carefully lift and fold the salad from the bottom, tossing gently to mix everything without breaking up the avocado or mozzarella. Make sure all ingredients are lightly coated with the dressing. .Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of the basil, the creamy texture of the avocado, and the bright flavor of the tomatoes at their best.
Notes
- Always use ripe but firm avocados to prevent mushiness during tossing.
- Mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) work best for presentation, but you can cube larger mozzarella for the same taste.
- For a vegan alternative, swap mozzarella with marinated tofu cubes or plant-based mozzarella.
- Balsamic glaze offers a sweeter, richer flavor than balsamic vinegar; reduce vinegar in a saucepan if you can’t find glaze.
- Serve immediately after tossing to maintain the avocado’s bright color and texture.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Results
The magic of this salad lies in ingredient quality. Always choose vine-ripened cherry tomatoes — they offer the juiciest sweetness that pairs beautifully with creamy avocado.
For basil, use freshly picked leaves and cut them at the very last moment to keep their flavor vibrant.
When preparing the avocado, avoid using overly ripe fruit, as it can break down during mixing.
Instead, select one that yields slightly to gentle pressure.
The dressing should be kept simple — quality extra virgin olive oil and a thick, flavorful balsamic glaze are all you need to let the fresh ingredients shine. Finally, remember that gentle tossing is key; treat your ingredients delicately so they retain their shape and texture.
Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion
This salad is versatile enough for nearly any setting — from casual weekday lunches to elegant dinner parties.
Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak for a balanced meal rich in protein and healthy fats.
It also pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic crostini to soak up the dressing. For a Mediterranean-inspired platter, present it alongside olives, hummus, and pita.
If you’re hosting a summer gathering, this salad makes a refreshing starter before heavier courses. You can even turn it into a main dish by adding cooked quinoa, farro, or chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.
Storage Tips for Freshness
While this salad is best enjoyed immediately after preparation, it can be stored for short periods.
Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
To slow the browning of the avocado, press a layer of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the lid. If you know you’ll have leftovers, keep the avocado separate and add it just before serving.
Avoid freezing — the fresh produce and mozzarella will lose their texture and flavor when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, you can substitute regular tomatoes. Just choose firm, ripe ones and cut them into evenly sized wedges or chunks for a similar texture and flavor balance.
2. What’s the difference between balsamic glaze and balsamic vinegar?
Balsamic glaze is thicker, sweeter, and more concentrated because it’s reduced to remove excess water. Vinegar is thinner and more tangy, so if you use it, reduce the quantity slightly and add a pinch of sugar or honey for balance.
3. How do I prevent the avocado from turning brown?
Use a ripe but firm avocado and add it just before serving. The olive oil and acidic balsamic glaze also help slow oxidation, but for longer storage, press plastic wrap directly onto the salad’s surface.
4. Is this salad suitable for a low-carb diet?
Absolutely. This salad is naturally low in carbs, high in healthy fats, and offers a good amount of protein from mozzarella, making it keto- and paleo-friendly.
5. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prep most ingredients ahead of time — slice the tomatoes, cut the basil, and drain the mozzarella — but wait to cube the avocado and dress the salad until right before serving to maintain freshness.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by feelgoodfoodie. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.