Introduction
Avocado salad is a refreshing and versatile dish that combines creamy avocados with vibrant vegetables and a zesty dressing. This recipe from Love and Lemons is perfect for a light lunch or as a side for your next gathering. With the addition of jalapeño for a kick and cilantro for freshness, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions to create this delicious avocado salad.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
½ to 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
⅓ cup diced red onion
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 firm-ripe avocados, pitted and cut into ½-inch pieces
½ English cucumber, cut into ½-inch pieces
¾ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Flaky sea salt, optional
For the dressing:
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons avocado oil
2½ teaspoons honey
1 garlic clove, grated
1 teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
Freshly ground black pepper
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Instructions:
1. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, avocado oil, honey, garlic, salt, cumin, and several grinds of black pepper.
2. Prepare the salad: Set aside a small portion of the diced jalapeño, red onion, and cilantro for garnish.
3. Place the avocado pieces in a medium bowl. Evenly arrange the cucumber, tomatoes, and the remaining jalapeño, red onion, and cilantro on top.
4. Drizzle most of the dressing over the salad and gently stir to combine, being careful not to overmix to maintain the avocado’s texture.
5. Top the salad with the reserved jalapeño, red onion, and cilantro. Add more dressing and season with flaky sea salt, if desired.
6. Serve immediately.
For a lemony variation, substitute fresh lemon juice for lime juice in the dressing, omit the cumin, and replace cilantro with fresh basil or 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, avocado oil, honey, grated garlic, sea salt, ground cumin, and several grinds of black pepper until well combined.
Prepare the salad
Set aside a small portion of the diced jalapeño, red onion, and chopped cilantro for garnish.
Assemble the salad
In a medium bowl, gently place the diced avocado pieces. Evenly arrange the cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and the remaining diced jalapeño, red onion, and chopped cilantro on top of the avocado.
Mix the salad
Drizzle most of the prepared dressing over the salad. Carefully stir to combine the ingredients, being cautious not to overmix to preserve the texture of the avocado.
Garnish and season
Top the salad with the reserved jalapeño, red onion, and cilantro. Add more dressing if desired and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Serve
Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
Lemony variation
For a lemony twist, substitute fresh lemon juice for lime juice in the dressing, omit the cumin, and replace cilantro with fresh basil or chopped fresh dill.
Cook techniques
Whisking
Whisking is an essential technique for combining liquids effectively to create a smooth dressing. In this recipe, you’ll whisk together lime juice, avocado oil, honey, garlic, salt, cumin, and black pepper to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Chopping
Chopping is used to prepare your vegetables. For this salad, you’ll want to dice the jalapeño and red onion, chop the cilantro, and cut the avocado, cucumber, and tomatoes into uniform sizes. This ensures even distribution of flavors and an appealing presentation.
Layering
Layering involves arranging ingredients to enhance the presentation and texture of the salad. Here, you place the diced avocado at the bottom, followed by the cucumber, tomatoes, and other vegetables. This technique helps maintain the integrity of the avocado pieces while showcasing the vibrant colors of the other ingredients.
Gentle Mixing
Gentle mixing is key to preserving the texture of delicate ingredients like avocado. When combining the salad components with the dressing, you’ll want to stir slowly to avoid mashing the avocado pieces.
Garnishing
Garnishing adds visual appeal and a finishing touch. In this salad, you’ll set aside a portion of the jalapeño, red onion, and cilantro to sprinkle on top before serving, enhancing the overall look and flavor of the dish.
FAQ
Can I use frozen avocados for this salad?
It’s best to use fresh avocados for this salad, as frozen avocados may not have the same texture and can become mushy.
What can I substitute for honey in the dressing?
For a vegan alternative, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To reduce the heat, use less jalapeño or remove the seeds before dicing. For extra heat, you can add more jalapeño or incorporate a dash of hot sauce.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
While the salad can be prepared a few hours in advance, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to avoid the avocados browning and becoming mushy.
What can I use instead of avocado oil?
You can use olive oil or another neutral oil as a substitute for avocado oil in the dressing.
Conclusion
The Avocado Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that combines creamy avocados with crunchy vegetables and a zesty dressing. It’s perfect for a light meal or as a side dish, providing a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite proteins, this salad is a versatile addition to any meal.
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