This Avocado Salad features a medley of fresh flavors from creamy avocados, crisp cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, and sharp red onions, all dressed in a delightful lemon honey vinaigrette. It’s perfect for a light lunch, as a side dish at dinner, or as a healthy addition to any gathering. Here’s how to prepare it:
Ingredients:
For the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette:
- 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons honey, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Cucumber Salad:
- 3 medium-sized avocados, diced
- 1 English cucumber, cut in quarters and sliced
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ medium red onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, and garlic powder until the honey is dissolved.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuously whisking to create an emulsion.
- Stir in the chopped basil and parsley. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the diced avocados, sliced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, and sliced red onions.
- Gently toss the ingredients to mix them.
- Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the lemon honey vinaigrette over the salad ingredients just before serving. Toss the salad gently to ensure all components are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season and Serve:
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately to ensure the avocados and other ingredients remain fresh and vibrant.
Tips:
- Choosing Avocados: Use ripe but firm avocados to avoid them becoming mushy in the salad.
- Vinaigrette Adjustment: Taste the vinaigrette before dressing the salad and adjust the honey or lemon juice as needed, depending on your preference for sweetness or tanginess.
- Serving Suggestion: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or seafood for a healthy and satisfying meal.
- Adding Protein: Consider adding grilled chicken strips or shrimp to turn this side salad into a hearty main dish.
Conclusion:
This Avocado Salad with Lemon Honey Vinaigrette is a refreshing dish that combines the creamy texture of avocados with the crunch of cucumbers and the sweetness of tomatoes, all brought together with a vibrant and slightly sweet vinaigrette. It’s a perfect choice for a healthy, flavorful meal or side dish that is sure to impress. Enjoy the fresh tastes and delightful textures of this easy-to-make salad!
