When it comes to refreshing and flavorful dishes, the Avocado Salad stands out as a delightful choice! This salad is a symphony of textures and flavors, featuring creamy avocados, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for any occasion, whether at a summer barbecue or as a light lunch, this salad elevates any meal with its vibrant colors and nutritional benefits. The harmonious blend of ripe avocados, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and sweet corn not only caters to your palate but also contributes to a healthy lifestyle. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make, ensuring even a kitchen novice can achieve culinary success. The dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, and honey provides the perfect balance to the richness of the avocado, ensuring each bite is as satisfying as the last.
Why You’ll Love This Avocado Salad
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with healthy fats from avocados & vitamins from fresh veggies.
- Quick & Simple: Ready in minutes, perfect for any skill level.
- Versatile Side: Complements a range of dishes from grilled meats to sandwiches.
- Vibrant & Colorful: Visually appealing with diverse textures and colors.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the creation of the Avocado Salad, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen for a smooth cooking experience. Begin by clearing your counter space, and gather a few simple tools: a sharp knife for precise chopping, a cutting board for safe dicing, a large mixing bowl for combining ingredients, and a whisk for blending the dressing. For the dressing, a small bowl will be your ally. Make sure your ingredients are fresh and wash the vegetables thoroughly to retain their crispness. This prep work sets the stage for an enjoyable and efficient assembly.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Assemble the Vegetables
Gather a large bowl and combine the diced avocados, cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Toss the ingredients gently to distribute everything evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, create the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The lemon juice’s acidity will balance the olive oil’s richness, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
Step 3: Dress and Toss the Salad
Pour the prepared dressing over your vegetable mixture. Use a gentle hand to toss the salad, ensuring all components are coated without mashing the avocados.
Step 4: Adding the Finishing Touches
If you’re a fan of cheese, sprinkle crumbled feta over the top before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor and creaminess to the dish.
Variations
- Protein: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a hearty main dish.
- Vegetables: Incorporate bell peppers or radishes for more crunch.
- Spices: Sprinkle chili flakes or cumin seeds for added heat and aroma.
Cooking Notes
- For the best texture, dice avocados just before serving to prevent browning.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste; some prefer more lemon juice for added tang.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with grilled chicken or steak for a balanced meal.
- Serve with crusty bread on the side for added texture.
Tips
- Choose ripe, but firm avocados to maintain texture in the salad.
- For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese and replace honey with maple syrup in the dressing.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approx. 250 per serving
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
FAQs
Can I make this avocado salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time, but hold off on adding the avocados and dressing until just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
What can I substitute for cilantro?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, flat-leaf parsley offers a milder, but fresh alternative.
How do I keep avocados from turning brown?
Lemon juice helps prevent oxidation, so tossing the avocados in lemon juice first can maintain their bright color longer.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, by omitting the feta cheese and replacing honey with a plant-based sweetener, this salad becomes vegan-friendly.
Conclusion
Avocado Salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can complement any menu. With its vibrant flavors and health benefits, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to enjoy a nutritious meal without compromising on taste. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or customize it with variations, this salad is sure to please at your table. Don’t forget to share your twist on this recipe in the comments and enjoy exploring new culinary possibilities!
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Avocado Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Avocado Salad is a refreshing and nutrient-rich dish combining creamy avocados, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing, perfect for any meal or occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Gather a large bowl and combine the diced avocados, cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Toss the ingredients gently to distribute everything evenly.
- In a small bowl, create the dressing by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The lemon juice’s acidity will balance the olive oil’s richness, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Pour the prepared dressing over your vegetable mixture. Use a gentle hand to toss the salad, ensuring all components are coated without mashing the avocados.
- If you’re a fan of cheese, sprinkle crumbled feta over the top before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor and creaminess to the dish.
Notes
For the best texture, dice avocados just before serving to prevent browning. Adjust the seasoning to taste; some prefer more lemon juice for added tang.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Protein: 4 g