Avocado Salad is a light, refreshing, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s simple to make, and you can customize it with your favorite ingredients. Here’s a basic recipe for a delicious Avocado Salad:
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 1 large tomato, diced)
- 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Juice of 1 lime (or lemon, if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Start by dicing the avocados into bite-sized pieces. To do this, slice the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh with a spoon before cutting it into cubes.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes or dice the large tomato.
- Dice the cucumber and finely chop the red onion.
- If using frozen corn, quickly blanch it in hot water for a couple of minutes and drain. If using canned, just drain and rinse it.
2. Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
3. Combine the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the diced avocados, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, corn, and cilantro (or parsley).
- Gently toss everything together so that the avocado doesn’t get too mashed.
4. Add the Dressing:
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss again to coat all the ingredients.
5. Add the Finishing Touches:
- If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for extra flavor and creaminess.
6. Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately, or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving. If you’re storing it, make sure to cover it tightly to prevent the avocado from browning.
Tips:
- Add protein: You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans to turn this into a more substantial meal.
- Spice it up: For some heat, add finely chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Other vegetables: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or corn kernels.
- Use a ripe avocado: Make sure your avocado is ripe for the best texture. It should be firm but yield to gentle pressure when squeezed.
This Avocado Salad is bright, fresh, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or even a topping for tacos or grilled meats. Enjoy!