Easy Caprese Tartine Recipe

Looking for a versatile, easy party appetizer? This delicious Caprese Tartine recipe with avocado pesto has you covered!

Originating in France, a tartine is basically an open-faced sandwich made on toast, with different toppings. I've adapted the traditional tartine and given my Caprese tartine recipe an Italian spin with fresh grape tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and a creamy avocado pesto.  

It makes for a great appetizer for your next get-together with friends, alongside other starters like mushroom crostini, cucumber shrimp canapes, or shrimp pintxos.

🌟 Why this recipe works

• Great for groups: These delicious tartines are the ideal appetizer for parties. The recipe makes enough for six large servings. But you can easily double on the ingredients and make second batch.
• Fast: From start to finish, these caprese tartines with avocado pesto only take 20 minutes to make.
• Full of flavor: The homemade pesto is made with vibrant basil herbs and avocado and the tartines are topped with creamy mozzarella and juicy grape tomatoes. So fresh and delicious!
• Versatile: You can make these with white or wheat bread piece of toast, or even use a baguette or sourdough. And you can drizzle some balsamic vinegar over them for even more flavor.

🛒 Ingredient notes

This recipe comes together in two phases. First, you make the avocado pesto, then you assemble the tartines. Here are the ingredients you'll need.

For the avocado pesto

Fresh basil leaves - Basil is a mainstay of traditional pesto. I use about a cup of fresh basil leaves for this recipe.

Spinach leaves - Some added greens to complement the basil.

Avocado - A medium ripe avocado so it's not too hard or mushy.

Garlic - Two garlic cloves, roughly chopped for some aromatic goodness.

Olive oil - Extra virgin oil to help create a smooth, luxurious pesto.

Pine nuts - Also a traditional pesto ingredient, they provides a bit or crunchy texture.

Lemon juice - This provides some bright acidity.

Parmesan cheese - Shredded parmesan for a bit of tanginess.

Salt and black pepper - to taste.

For the tartines

Bread - I use whole wheat bread with grains for this recipe, but you can use white bread or even a baguette if you prefer.

Tomatoes - Small grape tomatoes quartered.

Mozzarella - Fresh mozzarella cheese cut into slices.

Basil - Fresh basil leaves to garnish.

Balsamic vinegar (optional) - To drizzle on top.

✅ Step-by-step instructions

Ready to make this simple Caprese tartine recipe? Here are step-by-step photos to help you! You'll find the full list of ingredients, as well as measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

For the avocado pesto

• Add all the ingredients for the avocado pesto to a food processor (or blender) and pulse until well blended.

For the tartines

• Spread pesto each slice of bread.
• Add a single layer of mozzarella cheese slices.
• Top with quartered grape tomatoes.
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Optional: drizzle with balsamic vinegar and stack leaves of basil to garnish.

👩🏻‍🍳 Recipe FAQs

🍽 Serving ideas

These delightful Caprese tartines can make for a great snack all on their own. But they can be a first-course along with other pesto dishes like pesto bread, pesto orzo pasta salad, or pesto mushroom pasta.

It's also a good starter to Italian-inspired entrees, including shrimp and sausage pasta, Tuscan kale and white bean soup, or chicken marsala.

And if you're looking for Caprese salad ideas, try our melon and prosciutto Caprese salad or this tasty corn and quinoa Caprese salad.

🍳 Kitchen tools and equipment

Ready to make this recipe? Here are the kitchen tools and equipment you'll need:

• Food processor - Use a food processor to give the pesto a creamy texture.
• High-powered blender - Or you can use a blender for the pesto.