Imagine a vibrant salad that captures the essence of summer in every bite. This Creamy Avocado & Tomato Salad is a perfect harmony of fresh ingredients, creamy textures, and bright flavors that will instantly elevate your meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish, or a light dinner, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and provide a nutritious boost.
Ingredients
US Measurements
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Metric Measurements
- 2 rijpe avocado’s, in blokjes gesneden
- 375 ml kerstomaatjes, gehalveerd
- ¼ kleine rode ui, dun gesneden
- 60 ml verse peterselie of basilicum, gehakt
- 60 ml verkruimelde feta (optioneel)
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Wash and dice the ripe avocados
- Halve the cherry tomatoes
- Thinly slice the red onion
- Chop fresh herbs
- Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and minced garlic
- Season with salt and pepper
- Let the dressing sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld
- Combine the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine diced avocados and tomatoes
- Add thinly sliced red onion
- Sprinkle chopped herbs
- Crumble feta cheese on top (if using)
- Dress and Serve
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad
- Gently toss to coat all ingredients
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste and texture
Nutritional Information
Per Serving:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 19g
- Fiber: 8g
- Vitamin C: 20% DV
- Potassium: 15% DV
Preparation Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 2-4
- Difficulty: Easy
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure
- To prevent browning, add lemon juice immediately after cutting avocados
- For best flavor, use room temperature tomatoes
- Add salt just before serving to prevent drawing out moisture
- Use a sharp knife for clean, precise cuts
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegan Option: Omit feta cheese or replace with nutritional yeast
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas
- Herb Alternatives: Swap parsley or basil with cilantro or mint
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free recipe
- Low-Carb: Skip onions for fewer carbohydrates
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How do I keep avocados from browning? Add lemon juice immediately after cutting and store with the pit in an airtight container.
Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time? Prepare ingredients separately and combine just before serving to maintain freshness.
Q3: Are there any nut-free alternatives? This recipe is naturally nut-free and safe for those with nut allergies.
Q4: How can I make this more filling? Add quinoa, grilled chicken, or shrimp to create a more substantial meal.
Q5: What if my avocados are not ripe? Store unripe avocados in a paper bag with a banana to speed up ripening.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Best consumed immediately after preparation
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 day
- Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy salad
- Stir gently before serving if stored
- Not recommended for freezing
Indulge in this refreshing Creamy Avocado & Tomato Salad – a perfect blend of health, flavor, and simplicity!