Description
A vibrant fusion appetizer combining fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and avocado with a spicy Southwestern kick. These colorful bites are perfect for parties or as a light summer snack.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (ciliegine size), halved
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
- Wooden skewers or toothpicks for serving
Instructions
- Prep ingredients: Halve tomatoes and mozzarella balls. Dice avocado and chop cilantro.
- Make dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
- Marinate: Gently toss mozzarella halves and tomato halves in half of the dressing. Let sit 5 minutes.
- Assemble: On each skewer or toothpick, thread: 1 tomato half, 1 mozzarella half, 1 avocado cube, and optionally 1 jalapeño slice.
- Finish: Arrange on platter, drizzle with remaining dressing, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately or chill up to 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe but firm avocados
- Can substitute bocconcini for ciliegine mozzarella
- Make vegetarian by ensuring cheese uses vegetarian rennet
- For gluten-free, check skewer packaging
- Best served same day as prepared
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion (Italian/Southwestern)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 bites
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg