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.
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🌟 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

While I serve this tartine recipe cold, you can prepare it heated. That allows the balsamic drizzle to caramelize the tomatoes and melt the cheese. Just be sure not to leave them in the oven for too long; 5-7 minutes at 375 degrees is all you need!
Yes! Simply swap out the mozzarella cheese for dairy-free mozzarella or vegan mozzarella.
I use small grape tomatoes because they're easy to quarter and place on top of the mozzarella, but cherry tomatoes will work as well. You could also use larger Roma or beefsteak tomatoes cut into thin slices if you prefer.
🍽 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.
More appetizer recipes
Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you really loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!

Caprese Tartine Recipe
Ingredients
For the avocado pesto
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- ½ cup spinach leaves
- 1 medium ripe avocado peeled and pitted
- 2 medium-sized cloves garlic roughly chopped
- 1 tbsp pine nuts
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
For the tartines
- 6 slices bread whole wheat
- 8 oz mozzarella cheese sliced thinly
- 1-2 cups grape tomatoes quartered
- Optional: balsamic vinegar sliced basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Add all ingredients for the avocado pesto to a food processor (or blender) and pulse in 10-second increments until well blended. Makes about 1 cup of avocado pesto.
- Spread desired amount of pesto on one side of each slice of bread.
- Top each slice with mozzarella cheese slices.
- Sprinkle each with a small handful of the quartered grape tomatoes.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: drizzle balsamic vinegar over each tartine and garnish with sliced basil leaves.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
Jenni says
You basically had me at avocado pesto. YUM. Avocado bread -- especially like the bread you paired it with here from Franz-- is a favorite in my house!
Dr. Daisy says
Love how easy and delicious this recipe looks. This is something my teens can make for an afternoon snack or one that can easily be made for those unexpected guests that happen to pop in :) Thanks for sharing :)
Beach Loop says
This looks so delicious and refreshing for a summer meal. And easy to make, my favorite type of recipe.
Jenjen says
This looks yummy and healthy!
Bella says
This is one of my favourite lunch items!!! I have to try putting balsamic vinegar over top next time thats a great idea!
http://xoxobella.com
Cait says
YUM! This sounds so good.
Sierra Berry says
Looks so good! I'm obsessed with tomatoes so this recipe seems like a perfect fit for me!
- sierra ♥
Faith (An Edible Mosaic) says
These look so yummy - perfect use for all the gorgeous tomatoes right now!
Pech says
YUM, I love the idea of cutting each piece of bread into 4 pieces and making this as an appetizer for a wine party! I think I might leave out the vinegar here to really highlight the avocado pesto myself though!
Citra Kale @Citra's Home Diary says
all your food looks exotic and divine Marylynn
Marlynn Jayme Schotland says
Thanks so much Citra!