This vibrant and fresh tomato and avocado salad is the perfect dish for those looking to introduce some bright flavors into their meal. The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy avocados, and the tangy dressing make for a salad that is both refreshing and satisfying. The addition of red onions and cilantro leaves not only adds a pop of color but also contributes to the overall harmony of flavors in the salad.
Most of the ingredients for this salad are commonly found in any kitchen. However, the jalapeno may not be as accessible depending on your location. If you can't find fresh jalapenos in your local supermarket, a good substitute would be canned jalapenos or even green chilies. Also, cilantro leaves are essential for this salad. They're usually available in the herbs section in the supermarket.
Ingredients for Tomato and Avocado Salad
Tomatoes: Tomatoes are the base of this salad, providing a tangy and sweet taste.
Avocados: Avocados add creaminess and richness to the salad.
Red onion: Red onion adds a touch of sharpness and crunch.
Cilantro leaves: Cilantro leaves bring a fresh and light flavor.
Jalapeno: Jalapeno adds a spicy kick to the salad.
Olive oil: Olive oil is used to make the dressing, providing a smooth and velvety texture.
Lime juice: Lime juice adds a bright, citrusy tang to the salad.
Honey: Honey balances the acidity and adds a hint of sweetness.
Ground cumin: Ground cumin adds depth and a hint of smokiness.
Chili powder: Chili powder gives a bit of heat and complexity to the salad.
One reader, Charlene Hamm says:
This tomato and avocado salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh tomatoes, creamy avocados, and zesty dressing is simply divine. It's a refreshing and healthy dish that's perfect for any occasion. I highly recommend trying it out - you won't be disappointed!
Techniques Required for Making Tomato and Avocado Salad
How to prepare the dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
How to toss the salad: Gently mix the dressing with the tomato, avocado, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno in a large bowl until the ingredients are evenly coated.
How To Make Tomato Avocado Salad
Make this tomato avocado salad for your next picnic filled with a zesty blend of avocado, cilantro, jalapeno, and tomato tossed in a lime dressing.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4cupstomatoes,cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2large avocados,peeled, pitted, and cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¼cupred onion,thinly sliced
- ¼cupcilantro leaves,finely chopped
- 1tbspjalapeno,seeds and ribs removed, then minced
- ¼cupolive oil
- 3tbsplime juice
- 1tsphoney
- ½tspground cumin
- ¼tspchili powder
- Salt and pepper,to taste
Instructions
-
Place the tomatoes, avocados, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno in a large bowl.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
-
Pour the dressing over the tomato mixture and gently toss to coat. Serve immediately or cover and chill for up to 1 hour.
Nutrition
- Calories: 242.59kcal
- Fat: 21.57g
- Saturated Fat: 3.07g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 14.84g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.58g
- Carbohydrates: 13.87g
- Fiber: 7.21g
- Sugar: 4.61g
- Protein: 2.79g
- Sodium: 488.69mg
- Calcium: 28.39mg
- Potassium: 680.62mg
- Iron: 1.02mg
- Vitamin A: 52.44µg
- Vitamin C: 26.10mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Tomato and Avocado Salad
When preparing your avocados, make sure to cut them just before you're ready to assemble the salad. This will prevent them from browning and keep them fresh and vibrant. Also, when whisking your dressing, ensure to emulsify the olive oil and lime juice properly to create a smooth and well-blended dressing. This will ensure every bite of your salad is bursting with flavor.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and prepare ingredients in advance to save time when assembling the salad.
Use ripe avocados: Look for ripe avocados to cut down on waiting time for them to ripen before using in the salad.
Efficient chopping: Use efficient chopping techniques to quickly prepare the tomatoes, avocados, and other ingredients.
Multi-task: While the salad is chilling, use that time to prepare other components of your meal to save time in the kitchen.
Organized workspace: Keep your workspace organized and clean to work more efficiently and save time during preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
tomatoes - Substitute with bell peppers: Bell peppers can add a similar crunch and sweetness to the salad, while also providing a pop of color and flavor.
avocados - Substitute with cucumbers: Cucumbers can provide a refreshing and crunchy texture similar to avocados, and they also add a light and hydrating element to the salad.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor compared to red onions, and they can add a subtle hint of onion flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
cilantro leaves - Substitute with flat-leaf parsley: Flat-leaf parsley can provide a fresh and herbaceous flavor similar to cilantro, without the potential soapy taste that some people experience with cilantro.
jalapeno - Substitute with green bell pepper: Green bell peppers can add a mild, slightly sweet flavor and a crunchy texture similar to jalapenos, without the heat.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar richness and flavor profile to olive oil, making it a suitable substitute in the dressing for the salad.
lime juice - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can provide a similar level of acidity and brightness to the salad dressing, complementing the other flavors in the dish.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add a touch of sweetness to the dressing, similar to honey, while also imparting a unique depth of flavor.
ground cumin - Substitute with coriander: Coriander can provide a warm and earthy flavor similar to cumin, adding depth to the salad's seasoning.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika can add a mild heat and smokiness to the salad, similar to chili powder, without overwhelming the other flavors.
Best Way to Present Tomato and Avocado Salad
- Elevate the ingredients: Carefully select the freshest tomatoes and avocados to ensure the highest quality for the dish.
- Artful arrangement: Arrange the tomato and avocado salad in a visually appealing manner, paying attention to color and texture contrasts.
- Garnish with precision: Add a sprinkle of finely chopped red onion and cilantro leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
- Drizzle with finesse: Skillfully drizzle the olive oil and lime juice dressing over the salad, ensuring an even distribution.
- Balance the flavors: Adjust the seasoning with a delicate touch of salt and pepper to achieve the perfect flavor balance.
- Serve in elegant dishware: Present the tomato and avocado salad in sophisticated, minimalist dishware to showcase the vibrant colors and textures.
Essential Tools for Making This Salad Recipe
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for a variety of tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients together.
Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients smoothly.
Small bowl: A smaller-sized bowl used for mixing dressings or sauces.
Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Citrus juicer: A tool used for extracting juice from citrus fruits such as limes.
Serving bowl: A larger bowl used for serving salads or other dishes.
Tongs: Used for tossing and serving the salad ingredients.
Knife: Used for cutting and preparing the tomatoes, avocados, and other ingredients.
Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients smoothly.
Small bowl: A smaller-sized bowl used for mixing dressings or sauces.
Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Citrus juicer: A tool used for extracting juice from citrus fruits such as limes.
Serving bowl: A larger bowl used for serving salads or other dishes.
Tongs: Used for tossing and serving the salad ingredients.
How To Store and Freeze Leftover Salad
- This salad is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The avocado may start to brown slightly, but it will still be safe to eat.
- If you want to make the salad ahead of time, prepare the tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno and store them in a separate container from the avocado. Cut the avocado and add it to the salad just before serving to prevent browning.
- To keep the avocado from turning brown, you can try squeezing a little extra lime juice over the surface of the avocado. The acid in the lime juice will help to slow down the oxidation process.
- If you have leftover dressing, store it in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Give it a good shake or stir before using it again.
- Unfortunately, this salad does not freeze well due to the high water content in the tomatoes and the delicate nature of the avocado. The texture and flavor of the salad will be compromised if frozen and thawed.
Random Fact About Tomato and Avocado Salad
Tomato and avocado salad is a great source of healthy fats and vitamins. Avocado contains monounsaturated fats, which are good for heart health, while tomatoes are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a perfect addition to a balanced diet.
Is Making This Salad Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
The cost-effectiveness of this tomato and avocado salad recipe is quite high. With simple, affordable ingredients, it offers a refreshing and nutritious dish for a household. The use of seasonal tomatoes and avocados makes it budget-friendly, while the dressing ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$12, making it an economical choice. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 9/10, considering its simplicity, health benefits, and affordability.
Is This Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This tomato and avocado salad recipe is generally healthy, offering a variety of nutritious ingredients:
- Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers
- Avocados provide healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, and vitamins K, C, and B6
- Cilantro and jalapeno add flavor and contain beneficial plant compounds
- Olive oil is a heart-healthy fat source
- Lime juice and honey provide vitamin C and antioxidants
However, the recipe could be improved to maximize its health benefits:
- Reduce the olive oil to 2 tablespoons to lower the calorie and fat content while still providing beneficial fats
- Add a source of lean protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp, to make the salad more satiating and balanced
- Include additional non-starchy vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for added fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Swap the honey for a pinch of stevia or omit it entirely to reduce added sugars
- Use a combination of different colored tomatoes (e.g., red, yellow, and green) to increase the variety of antioxidants and phytonutrients in the dish
- Sprinkle some chopped nuts or seeds, like almonds or pumpkin seeds, for added crunch, healthy fats, and plant-based protein
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Salad Combination
This tomato and avocado salad recipe is a delightful combination of fresh, vibrant flavors. The juicy tomatoes, creamy avocados, and zesty dressing create a harmonious balance. The addition of red onion, cilantro, and jalapeno adds a pop of color and a hint of heat. The dressing, with its blend of olive oil, lime juice, honey, and spices, elevates the dish with its tangy and slightly sweet notes. This salad is a perfect choice for a light and refreshing appetizer or a side dish that will impress your guests with its simplicity and bold flavors.
Enhance Your Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Alternative Recipes Similar to Tomato and Avocado Salad
Suggested Main Courses and Desserts to Pair With This Salad
Why trust this Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe:
This recipe is a must-try for any tomato and avocado lover. The fresh ingredients, including ripe tomatoes and creamy avocados, guarantee a burst of flavor in every bite. The addition of red onion, cilantro leaves, and a touch of jalapeno adds depth and a hint of heat. The dressing, made with olive oil, lime juice, honey, and a blend of cumin and chili powder, perfectly complements the salad. Trust this recipe for a refreshing and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion.
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