Imagine a salad so vibrant, so deliciously fresh, that it transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy with just one bite. This Avocado Salad with Tomatoes, Mozzarella, and Basil Pesto is not just a recipe—it's a culinary experience that combines creamy avocados, juicy cherry tomatoes, and luxurious mozzarella in a symphony of flavors that will revolutionize your idea of a simple salad. Prepare to fall in love with a dish that's as easy to make as it is Instagram-worthy!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut each cherry tomato in half and set aside in a mixing bowl.
- Next, take the ripe avocado. Cut it in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh out with a spoon. Dice the avocado into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes.
- Now, take the mozzarella balls and add them to the bowl with the tomatoes and avocado. If the mozzarella balls are large, you can cut them in half or quarters for easier eating.
- Wash the fresh basil leaves under cold water and gently pat them dry. Tear the basil leaves into smaller pieces and add them to the mixing bowl. This will enhance the flavor and aroma of the salad.
- In a small bowl, combine the basil pesto with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well to mix the seasoning evenly into the pesto.
- Drizzle the basil pesto mixture over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl. Use a large spoon to gently toss everything together, ensuring that the avocado, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil are evenly coated with the pesto.
- Once everything is well mixed, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt and pepper to your liking.
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish or divide it into two individual bowls. Optionally, you can garnish with a few extra basil leaves on top for presentation.
- Serve the avocado salad immediately as a refreshing side dish or light lunch. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired salad!
Tips
- Choose Perfectly Ripe Ingredients: Select a ripe avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella for the best flavor profile.
- Pesto Power: Use high-quality basil pesto to elevate the entire dish. If possible, opt for homemade or artisanal pesto for an authentic taste.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra gourmet touch, serve this salad on a bed of mixed greens or alongside grilled chicken or fish.
- Temperature Matters: Serve the salad immediately after preparing to enjoy the optimal texture and freshness of the ingredients.
- Customization Tip: Feel free to add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a splash of balsamic glaze for additional depth of flavor.
- Storage Hack: If you must store leftovers, keep the pesto separate and add just before serving to prevent the avocado from browning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg
