Vibrant Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe

Fresh Garden Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe: A Zesty Summer Joy

Fresh summer produce bursts with color in this vibrant tomato avocado salad that combines ripe, juicy ingredients.

Crisp vegetables dance together in a delightful medley of flavors and textures.

Plump cherry tomatoes mingle with creamy avocado slices, creating a harmonious blend of green and red.

Tangy herbs and a zesty dressing bring unexpected excitement to each refreshing bite.

The light and bright salad comes together quickly, perfect for lazy afternoons or impromptu gatherings.

Packed with nutrients and stunning visual appeal, this dish promises to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve Tomato Avocado Salad Chilled And Colorful

  • Fresh Mediterranean Plate Pairing: Serve alongside grilled fish or chicken for a complete protein-packed meal that enhances the salad's vibrant flavors.
  • Rustic Bread Companion: Grab some crusty sourdough or ciabatta bread to soak up the delicious dressing, creating a perfect texture contrast with the crisp vegetables.
  • Summer Picnic Star: Pack this salad in a sealed container for outdoor gatherings, beach trips, or backyard barbecues as a refreshing and light side dish that stays delicious at room temperature.
  • Protein Power Boost: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or add grilled shrimp on top to transform this salad into a more substantial and satisfying main course for lunch or dinner.

Keep Tomato Avocado Salad Crisp And Fresh

  • Quick Chill Zone: Pop the salad in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving to enhance flavor melding, keeping vegetables crisp and fresh.
  • Smart Separation Strategy: Store dressing separately from salad ingredients to prevent soggy vegetables, maintaining optimal texture and crunch when ready to enjoy.
  • Freshness Survival Guide: Consume within 24 hours for best taste and quality, as avocados tend to brown and lose their vibrant green color rapidly when exposed to air.
  • Leftover Love Technique: If storing, place plastic wrap directly on salad surface to minimize oxidation, using an airtight container in the coldest part of your refrigerator to slow down potential browning.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 210 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything In Tomato Avocado Salad

For Fresh Vegetables:
  • Cucumber: Crisp and hydrating, select firm vegetables with vibrant green color and smooth skin.
  • Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, choose ripe, deep red tomatoes that feel heavy for their size.
  • Avocado: Creamy and rich, pick avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure without brown spots.
  • Red Onion: Sharp and zesty, select firm onions with tight, glossy outer layers.
  • Parsley or Cilantro: Bright and herbaceous, look for fresh, perky leaves without wilting.
For Dressing Base:
  • Olive Oil: Smooth and fruity, opt for extra virgin for best flavor and quality.
  • Lemon Juice: Tangy and refreshing, use fresh-squeezed for maximum brightness.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: Complex and acidic, choose high-quality vinegar for deeper taste profile.
For Seasoning Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Pungent and aromatic, select firm cloves without sprouting or soft spots.
  • Salt: Flavor booster, use sea salt or kosher salt for clean mineral taste.
  • Black Pepper: Warm and spicy, freshly ground provides most vibrant flavor.

Simple Tools For Tomato Avocado Salad Prep

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining and tossing all salad ingredients gently.
  • Small bowl: Perfect for whisking together the zesty dressing ingredients.
  • Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables with precision.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp blade for dicing cucumber, tomatoes, avocado, and onion.
  • Whisk: Quick tool for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring spoons: Accurate for measuring salt, pepper, and other seasonings.

How To Toss Tomato Avocado Salad In Minutes

  • Chop Fresh Ingredients

Grab your cutting board and slice cucumber into bite-sized cubes. Halve the tomatoes and dice the creamy avocado carefully. Thinly slice red onion for a zesty crunch. Sprinkle fresh herbs over the colorful mixture.

  • Whip Up Tangy Dressing

In a small bowl, blend olive oil with bright lemon juice. Add a splash of red wine vinegar and minced garlic for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to create a zingy blend that’ll wake up your taste buds.

  • Mix and Mingle

Gently pour the dressing over your veggie medley. Use a soft touch when tossing to keep the delicate avocado chunks intact. Ensure every piece gets coated with the vibrant dressing.

  • Enjoy Immediately

Transfer the salad to a serving dish. Savor this refreshing creation right away while the ingredients are crisp and the flavors are dancing. Perfect as a quick lunch or a stunning side dish that screams summer freshness.

Fresh Tips For Tomato Avocado Salad Flavor

  • Perfect Texture Tip: Dice avocados right before serving to prevent browning and maintain their creamy, fresh texture. Cut them just before mixing to keep their vibrant green color and prevent oxidation.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare vegetables and dressing separately, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine ingredients just before serving to keep the salad crisp and prevent wilting.
  • Protein Power-Up: Transform this light salad into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein. These additions create a more substantial and nutritionally balanced dish.
  • Dietary Flexibility: For a vegan version, ensure all ingredients are plant-based. Swap red wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar if needed. To make it gluten-free, double-check that all ingredients meet dietary requirements.
  • Herb Swap Options: Not a fan of parsley or cilantro? Experiment with fresh basil, dill, or mint to create unique flavor profiles that complement the tomato and avocado combination.
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Vibrant Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe

Vibrant Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe


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4.8 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Mediterranean tomato avocado salad blends fresh ingredients from sunny Greece with zesty herbs and creamy textures. Simple preparations highlight natural flavors while offering quick nutritional balance for home cooks.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (480 ml) avocados, diced
  • 2 cups (480 ml) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups (480 ml) cucumber (English or Persian), diced
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) red onion, finely sliced
  • 2 tbsps fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (or lime juice), freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp red wine vinegar
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Vegetable Preparation: Methodically chop cucumber into uniform cubes, slice tomatoes into halves, dice avocado into precise bite-sized pieces, and thinly slice red onion into delicate rings.
  2. Herb Infusion: Finely mince fresh parsley or cilantro to enhance the salad’s aromatic profile and distribute herbal essence throughout the mixture.
  3. Dressing Creation: Whisk extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and minced garlic in a small bowl, creating a vibrant and zesty emulsion.
  4. Seasoning Balance: Incorporate salt and freshly ground black pepper into the dressing, adjusting to achieve a harmonious flavor profile.
  5. Salad Assembly: Gently fold the dressing over the prepared vegetables, ensuring each ingredient is delicately coated without compromising the avocado’s structural integrity.
  6. Flavor Melding: Allow the salad to rest briefly at room temperature, permitting the ingredients to harmonize and intensify their collective taste.
  7. Serving Presentation: Plate immediately as a refreshing side dish or light meal, optionally garnishing with additional herbs to elevate the visual and gustatory experience.

Notes

  • Maintain Uniform Chopping: Cut vegetables into consistent sizes to ensure even texture and professional presentation.
  • Prevent Watery Texture: Remove excess tomato seeds and drain ingredients to keep the salad crisp and prevent soggy results.
  • Preserve Avocado Integrity: Handle avocado gently to maintain its shape and prevent bruising or mashing during preparation.
  • Balance Flavor Carefully: Taste and adjust dressing seasoning gradually, allowing each ingredient to shine without overpowering others.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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