This Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad with Basil Pesto is a refreshing, vibrant dish perfect for warm weather. Combining juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and sharp red onion, all tossed in a flavorful basil pesto and brightened up with a squeeze of lemon, it’s a colorful addition to any meal or a delightful light lunch on its own. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- ½ pound red cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes: Halved, for sweetness and color.
- ½ pound yellow cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes: Halved, adding a beautiful contrast and sweet flavor.
- 2 avocados: Diced, for creamy texture.
- 1 cucumber: Sliced, for crunch.
- ⅓ cup red onion: Diced, for a sharp bite.
- ¼ cup basil pesto: Adds a rich, herby flavor. You can use store-bought or homemade pesto.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens up the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash all your vegetables thoroughly. Halve the cherry or grape tomatoes, dice the avocados, slice the cucumber, and dice the red onion. Be gentle with the avocados to maintain their shape.
- Mix the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the halved tomatoes, diced avocados, sliced cucumber, and diced red onion. Gently toss to combine, being careful not to mash the avocados.
- Dress the Salad:
- Add the basil pesto and lemon juice to the salad. Toss gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated. The pesto and lemon juice will act as the dressing, so ensure every piece gets a little bit of that delicious flavor.
- Season:
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust according to your preference, as the basil pesto already adds a lot of flavors.
- Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and crisp textures. If you’re not serving it right away, consider adding the avocado and tossing the salad with the pesto and lemon juice just before serving to prevent browning.
Tips:
- Pesto Variation: If you’re making your own pesto, consider adding a bit of garlic and Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad is a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or fish. It’s also a great addition to a buffet or picnic.
- Storing: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within a day due to the avocados.
Enjoy your Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad with Basil Pesto, a dish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, bringing a burst of fresh flavors to any table!