Avocado Salad
Craving a light and nutritious meal? This avocado salad is the perfect solution. Bursting with fresh ingredients, it offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Whether as a side dish or a main course, this salad is both satisfying and easy to prepare. With ripe avocados as the star ingredient, you’ll enjoy a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1 cup mixed greens (spinach, arugula)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh herbs (cilantro or parsley) for garnish
– Optional: feta cheese or goat cheese
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 2 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with no cooking required.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/2 salad) contains approximately:
– Calories: 320
– Fat: 25g
– Carbohydrates: 15g
– Protein: 6g
– Fiber: 10g
This nutritional information is based on one serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Start by slicing the avocados in half and removing the pits.
2. Scoop the avocado flesh into a medium bowl.
3. Mash the avocado lightly with a fork to your desired consistency.
4. Add mixed greens to the bowl with the mashed avocado.
5. Incorporate the cherry tomatoes and sliced red onion.
6. Add chopped walnuts for crunch.
7. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
10. Garnish with fresh herbs and optional cheese before serving.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’re looking for alternatives, you can substitute walnuts with almonds or pecans for a different crunch. Use lime juice instead of balsamic vinegar for a zesty twist. If avocados are unavailable, consider using ripe mango for a sweet and tropical flavor.
Serving and Pairings
This avocado salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a balanced meal. It also complements a variety of dishes, such as tacos and sandwiches, making it a versatile addition to your table.
Storage and Reheating
To store, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Due to the avocados, it’s best eaten fresh, as they may brown. Reheating is not recommended, but you can enjoy the salad cold or at room temperature.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using unripe avocados can lead to a hard texture.
- Adding too much dressing can overpower the salad.
- Not seasoning adequately can leave the salad bland.
- Cutting avocados too early may cause browning.
- Forgetting to toss the salad may result in uneven flavors.
Helpful Tips
- Choose avocados that yield slightly to pressure for ripeness.
- Chill your salad bowl for a refreshing touch.
- Experiment with different nuts for variety.
- Incorporate citrus fruits like orange for added sweetness.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare most ingredients ahead of time. Just add the avocados right before serving to prevent browning.
What other ingredients can I add?
Feel free to add ingredients like cucumber, bell peppers, or even quinoa for extra texture and nutrients.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! This salad is entirely plant-based and filled with healthy fats and protein.
Can I use frozen avocados?
Frozen avocados can be used, but they may alter the texture. Thaw them and mash before adding to the salad.
How do I keep the avocados from browning?
To prevent browning, you can drizzle lemon or lime juice over the cut avocados immediately after slicing.
Conclusion
This avocado salad is a delicious way to enjoy fresh ingredients while benefiting from the nutritional powerhouse that is the avocado. Perfect for any meal, it’s quick to prepare and adaptable to your taste preferences. Enjoy this healthy dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to prepare!
Avocado Salad
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup mixed greens spinach, arugula
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs cilantro or parsley for garnish
- Optional: feta cheese or goat cheese
Instructions
- Slice the avocados in half and remove the pits.
- Scoop the avocado flesh into a medium bowl.
- Mash the avocado lightly with a fork.
- Add mixed greens to the bowl with the mashed avocado.
- Incorporate the cherry tomatoes and sliced red onion.
- Add chopped walnuts for crunch.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and optional cheese before serving.
