Avocado caprese salad

Stylish caprese
A synergy of flavours like no other! This avocado caprese builds on the famous combination of tomatoes, basil and soft cheese. The creaminess of avocado is just perfect with the acidity of the tomatoes. A roasted tomato has a fantastic taste and aroma. The process of roasting them concentrates the flavour so that they are even sweeter. Mixing the roasted tomatoes (and their juices) with more fresh tomatoes, rosemary, basil, lemon rind and olive oil creates a showstopper. This avocado caprese can be served as a side dish and will definitely be an impressive starter for any table.

Recipe

Avocado caprese salad

Serves 6

Ingredients

Oven-dried tomatoes

200 g baby rosa tomatoes, halved lengthwise

100 g cherry tomatoes, halved

large pinch of coarse salt

Caprese

90 ml (6 tbsp) olive oil

finely grated rind of one medium lemon

3 large sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves stripped from the stalks

100 g exotic or more cherry tomatoes, quartered

1-2 medium, ripe tomatoes, cut in wedges and then halved

120 g bocconcini, halved or torn; or mozzarella, cubed; or ricotta cheese, crumbled

3 ripe avocados, halved, thinly sliced and fanned

fresh basil leaves

salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. Oven-dried tomatoes: Preheat oven to 180 °C. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Place rosa and cherry tomatoes on the baking tray in a single layer. Sprinkle coarse salt over. Roast for 15-20 minutes or until cooked and almost dried, but still holding their shape.
3. Caprese: Place oven-dried tomatoes with any pan juices, olive oil, lemon rind and rosemary in a bowl and mix through. Add fresh tomatoes and cheese to the oven-dried tomatoes and toss through gently.
4. Marinate the tomato mixture for about 10-15 minutes.
5. Place avocados cut side down on a large platter or individual plates and gently flatten with the palm of your hand to fan slightly. Top with tomato mixture and fresh basil.
6. Season with salt and a grind of black pepper and drizzle with the remaining tomato marinade. Serve as an elegant starter, salad or side dish. 

Tips

1. A lemon-flavoured olive oil will also work beautifully in this recipe.
2. This avocado caprese salad will be delicious as part of a brunch or breakfast. Enjoy with eggs and toasted ciabatta.
3. Try this recipe with any other cheese of your choice, like feta, pecorino or even a creamy goat’s cheese.

Images: Adel Ferreira.