Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Avocado Salad is incredibly easy to make and full of vibrant flavors. The creamy texture of avocado pairs beautifully with the crispness of cucumber and the juiciness of tomatoes, while the dressing adds a tangy brightness that ties everything together. It’s light, refreshing, and customizable to your taste. Plus, it’s a healthy, low-carb, and gluten-free option that works for a variety of diets. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a light main, this salad is sure to impress.
Ingredients
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2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 large tomato, diced)
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1 cucumber, peeled and diced
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1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
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1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a bit of spice)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
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Dice the avocado into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl.
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Halve the cherry tomatoes or dice the large tomato and add it to the bowl with the avocado.
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Peel and dice the cucumber, and add it to the bowl along with the sliced red onion.
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Chop the cilantro or parsley and sprinkle it over the salad.
2. Make the Dressing:
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime or lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), and chili flakes (if using). Adjust the seasoning to taste.
3. Toss the Salad:
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Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to combine. Be careful when mixing to avoid mashing the avocado.
4. Serve:
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Serve the avocado salad immediately, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve as a side dish, light lunch, or with grilled meats for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 servings
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Prep time: 10 minutes
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Total time: 10 minutes
Variations
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Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or beans (like black beans or chickpeas) to the salad for an added protein boost.
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Add Cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese can add a tangy and creamy element to the salad.
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Citrus Twist: Experiment with adding orange or grapefruit segments for a sweet and tangy contrast to the avocado.
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More Veggies: Add bell peppers, corn, or radishes for additional crunch and flavor.
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Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha for some heat.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: This avocado salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to store leftovers, cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 1 day. The avocado may turn brown slightly, but it will still taste great.
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Reheating: This salad is meant to be served cold and should not be reheated. For best results, enjoy it immediately after making it.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and refrigerate them separately, but it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to keep the avocado from turning brown. If you need to store the salad for a short time, squeeze a little extra lime or lemon juice on top of the avocado to help preserve its color.
Can I add other fruits to this salad?
Yes! You can add fruits like mango, pineapple, or even watermelon for a sweet and refreshing twist. They pair wonderfully with the creamy avocado.
Can I use a different type of onion?
Yes, you can use green onions or shallots in place of red onion if you prefer a milder flavor.
How can I prevent the avocado from turning brown?
To help prevent browning, squeeze some lime or lemon juice directly onto the avocado before mixing the salad. The acidity will help keep it fresh for longer.
Can I use frozen vegetables for this salad?
While fresh vegetables are best for this recipe, you can use frozen corn or peas if you like. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the salad.
Conclusion
This Avocado Salad is a fresh, light, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy dressing, it’s a refreshing treat that’s both healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or making it the main event, this salad is sure to become a favorite. Customizable to your taste and quick to prepare, it’s the perfect dish for any meal!
Avocado Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Avocado Salad is a light, refreshing dish featuring creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and a tangy lemon or lime dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light meal, it’s healthy, customizable, and bursting with fresh flavors. A great choice for BBQs, picnics, or a nutritious lunch!
Ingredients
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2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 large tomato, diced)
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1 cucumber, peeled and diced
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1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a bit of spice)
Instructions
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Prepare the Vegetables:
-
Dice the avocado into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl.
-
Halve the cherry tomatoes or dice the large tomato and add it to the bowl with the avocado.
-
Peel and dice the cucumber, and add it to the bowl along with the sliced red onion.
-
Chop the cilantro or parsley and sprinkle it over the salad.
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Make the Dressing:
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime or lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), and chili flakes (if using). Adjust the seasoning to taste.
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Toss the Salad:
-
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to combine. Be careful when mixing to avoid mashing the avocado.
-
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Serve:
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Serve the avocado salad immediately, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Serve as a side dish, light lunch, or with grilled meats for a complete meal.
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Notes
Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or beans (like black beans or chickpeas) for an added protein boost.Add Cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese can add a tangy and creamy element to the salad.Citrus Twist: Experiment with adding orange or grapefruit segments for a sweet and tangy contrast.More Veggies: Add bell peppers, corn, or radishes for extra crunch.Make it Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of sriracha for some heat.
