Avocado Salad
Avocado salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish that showcases the creamy texture of ripe avocados. This salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with vitamins and healthy fats, making it a delightful choice for any meal. Whether you’re enjoying it as a side or a main, this avocado salad will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe that you can whip up in no time!
Ingredients
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– Fresh herbs (e.g., cilantro or parsley)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Servings and Cooking Time
This avocado salad serves 4 and takes about 15 minutes to prepare with no cooking time involved.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the salad) contains approximately:
– Calories: 220
– Protein: 4g
– Carbohydrates: 12g
– Dietary Fiber: 8g
– Sugars: 2g
– Fats: 18g
This nutritional information is based on one person’s serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Start by cutting the avocados in half and removing the pits.
2. Scoop the flesh out of the avocados and dice it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Place the diced avocado in a large mixing bowl.
4. Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl.
5. Dice the cucumber and add it to the mixture.
6. Thinly slice the red onion and add it as well.
7. Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the salad.
8. Drizzle the olive oil and lime juice over the salad.
9. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
10. Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute feta cheese with goat cheese or omit it for a dairy-free version. If you don’t have lime, lemon juice works well too. Feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and texture.
Serving and Pairings
This avocado salad is perfect on its own or served with grilled chicken or fish. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or as a filling for wraps and sandwiches.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best served fresh, as avocados can brown quickly. Avoid freezing the salad, as the texture will change once thawed.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using unripe avocados can lead to a hard texture.
- Overdressing the salad may make it soggy.
- Not seasoning properly can dull the flavor.
- Cutting avocados too early may cause browning.
- Forgetting to toss gently can mush the avocados.
Helpful Tips
- Choose ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture.
- Use fresh herbs for added aroma and taste.
- Experiment with different dressings for variety.
- Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavors.
FAQs
Can I make avocado salad ahead of time?
While it’s best made fresh, you can prepare the other ingredients in advance. To prevent browning, add avocados just before serving.
What can I add for extra protein?
Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to boost the protein content of the salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes, simply omit the feta cheese and ensure that any other ingredients used are vegan-friendly.
How do I prevent the avocados from browning?
Adding lime or lemon juice helps slow down the browning process. Store the salad in an airtight container.
What are some variations of avocado salad?
You can add beans, corn, or even quinoa for a heartier salad. Mix in different vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for a flavor boost.
Conclusion
Avocado salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Its creamy texture, combined with fresh ingredients, creates a delightful experience. Whether for a quick lunch or a side dish, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the flavors and health benefits this dish has to offer!
Avocado Salad
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber diced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese crumbled
- Fresh herbs e.g., cilantro or parsley
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes optional for heat
Instructions
- Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits.
- Scoop the flesh out of the avocados and dice it into bite-sized pieces.
- Place the diced avocado in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl.
- Dice the cucumber and add it to the mixture.
- Thinly slice the red onion and add it as well.
- Crumble the feta cheese over the top of the salad.
- Drizzle the olive oil and lime juice over the salad.
- Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined.
