A summer salad with avocado is a light, refreshing, and nutritious dish that's perfect for warm days. This salad features a variety of fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and a zesty dressing. It’s versatile, and you can easily customize it with your favorite seasonal ingredients. Here's a recipe for a simple and delicious summer salad with avocado:
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cucumber, sliced or diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, or romaine)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup black beans (optional, rinsed and drained)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese or goat cheese (optional, for creaminess)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a tangy kick)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and prepare all the vegetables. Dice the avocados, slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the bell pepper. If using corn and beans, make sure they are drained and rinsed.
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Mix the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, corn, and black beans (if using). Gently toss the ingredients together.
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Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard (if using) until well combined.
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Add Avocado: Add the diced avocado and chopped fresh cilantro or parsley to the salad bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
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Serve: Top the salad with crumbled feta or goat cheese if desired. Serve immediately as a light lunch, side dish, or even as a main course with some crusty bread.
Tips:
- Variations: Add other seasonal fruits like mango, peaches, or berries for a sweet twist. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu can also be added for more protein.
- Storage: This salad is best served fresh because the avocado can brown quickly. If you need to make it ahead of time, prepare the salad but add the avocado and dressing just before serving.
- Dressing Alternatives: If you prefer a creamier dressing, try mixing Greek yogurt with lime juice, cilantro, and a touch of olive oil for a tangy alternative.
Enjoy your summer salad with avocado—it's a vibrant and nutritious dish that's perfect for hot weather!
