SUMMER TOMATO AND AVOCADO SALAD
Summer Tomato and Avocado Salad is a refreshing, light dish that perfectly captures the essence of summer with its bright colours and fresh flavours. Juicy cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity, while creamy avocado provides richness and a velvety texture. A simple dressing of lemon juice and olive oil enhances the ingredients without overpowering them, making this salad a beautifully balanced dish packed with vitamins, antioxidants and heart-healthy fats. This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while avocados offer essential monounsaturated fats that support heart health. The zesty dressing ties everything together, adding a hint of tang that elevates the flavours. Whether served as a side dish, a light lunch or a topping for grilled proteins, this salad is a versatile and wholesome option for warm-weather dining.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch, Dinner, Side, Snack
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Mediterranean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
No-Cook, Quick and Easy, One-Pot Wonders
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Summer, Spring, Picnic, Potluck, Family Gathering, BBQ
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, High Fibre, Low Fat, Vegan, Vegetarian, Wheat/Gluten-Free
DISH TYPE
Salad, Side Dish
INGREDIENTS
- 50g cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ avocado, diced
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp olive oil
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 100 kcal
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fats: 8g
- Fibre: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 3mg
PREPARATION
- Prepare the tomatoes: Wash and slice the cherry tomatoes in half to release their natural juices and enhance the flavour.
- Dice the avocado: Cut the avocado into small, bite-sized cubes for a creamy and smooth texture.
- Mix dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil to create a light and zesty dressing.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cherry tomatoes and avocado to a bowl, then drizzle with the dressing.
- Gently toss: Stir carefully to coat all ingredients without mashing the avocado.
- Serve immediately: Enjoy as a refreshing side dish, light meal or topping for other dishes.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
None
TIPS
- Use ripe avocado: A perfectly ripe avocado should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be overly soft.
- Prevent browning: Toss avocado in lemon juice immediately to slow oxidation and maintain freshness.
- Enhance flavour: Sprinkle with sea salt and cracked black pepper for extra taste.
- Keep it fresh: Use fresh, high-quality cherry tomatoes for the best natural sweetness and acidity.
- Extra crunch: Add toasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds or chopped nuts for added texture.
- Serving idea: Pair it with toasted bread or whole-grain crackers for a more substantial meal.
VARIATIONS
- Herb addition: Toss in fresh basil, cilantro or parsley for a burst of herbaceous flavour.
- Cheesy upgrade: Add crumbled feta, goat cheese or parmesan for a creamy contrast.
- Protein boost: Mix in chickpeas, grilled chicken or smoked salmon to turn this into a heartier dish.
- Spicy kick: Sprinkle with chilli flakes, diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a bold twist.
- Dressing twist: Swap lemon juice for balsamic vinegar or lime juice for a unique variation.
- Extra vegetables: Add sliced cucumber, red onion or bell peppers for additional crunch and colour.
- Citrus infusion: Add a few orange or grapefruit segments for a sweet and tangy flavour contrast.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The avocado may start to brown slightly, but the lemon juice will help to slow this process.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as avocados and tomatoes lose texture and flavour when frozen.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare the tomatoes and dressing ahead of time, but add the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Leftover use: Serve leftovers on toast, in wraps, as a topping for grilled proteins or mix into a quinoa or couscous bowl for extra texture and nutrients.