Description
This Avocado Tomato Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines creamy ripe avocados with juicy cherry tomatoes and a zesty lime dressing. Enhanced with fresh cilantro, red onion, and a hint of garlic, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal as a light side dish or a healthy snack, it is quick to prepare, nutritious, and customizable with optional jalapeño and feta cheese for extra heat and creaminess.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe avocados
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 medium red onion
- 1/4 cup cilantro
- 1 medium jalapeño (optional)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Avocados: Cut, pit, and cube the ripe avocados. Place the cubes gently into a large mixing bowl to maintain their shape and texture.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Rinse the cherry tomatoes thoroughly and halve them. Add them to the bowl with the avocados.
- Slice Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. For a milder flavor, soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes then drain well before adding to the bowl.
- Add Cilantro: Chop the fresh cilantro leaves finely and sprinkle them over the avocado and tomato mixture for fresh herbal notes.
- Prepare Garlic: Mince the garlic clove finely and set aside for the dressing.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. If you want a little heat, finely chop the jalapeño and mix it into the dressing.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine, ensuring all the pieces are evenly coated without mashing the avocado.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and add more salt or pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully together.
- Serve: Serve the salad as a side dish, topping, or a dip. Optionally, sprinkle the salad with feta cheese right before serving for a creamy and salty touch.
Notes
- Soaking the red onion in cold water reduces its sharpness, offering a milder bite.
- The jalapeño is optional; you can adjust the amount or omit it based on your heat preference.
- Feta cheese adds creaminess but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- Handle avocados gently to maintain chunks and prevent mushing.
- Chilling the salad enhances the melding of flavors but can be served immediately in a pinch.
