Quick and Easy Avocado Salad with Lemon Honey Vinaigrette
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of summer with this refreshing avocado salad. Packed with sun-ripened sweet tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and zesty red onion, all tossed in a slightly sweet lemon vinaigrette with fresh parsley and basil, this salad is a delightful addition to any meal. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner, this recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with freshness.
Introduction:
An avocado salad is a simple yet satisfying dish that celebrates the bounty of summer produce. With just a few ingredients and a homemade lemon honey vinaigrette, you can create a vibrant and flavorful salad that is sure to impress. Let’s explore how to make this delicious and nutritious avocado salad that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients:
Lemon Honey Vinaigrette:
- 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons honey (to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Cucumber Salad:
- 3 medium-sized avocados, diced
- 1 English cucumber, cut into quarters and sliced
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ medium red onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Lemon Honey Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the champagne vinegar, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, and olive oil until well combined.
- Add the chopped fresh basil and parsley to the vinaigrette and whisk again to incorporate the herbs.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the diced avocados, sliced English cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
- Drizzle the lemon honey vinaigrette over the salad ingredients.
- Toss and Season:
- Gently toss the salad to coat the ingredients evenly with the vinaigrette.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve Promptly:
- For the best results, serve the avocado salad promptly to enjoy its fresh flavors.
Tips for Success:
- Choose firm yet ripe avocados for the salad to hold their shape during tossing.
- Opt for sun-ripened tomatoes for the best flavor, such as fresh garden tomatoes or cherry and grape tomatoes.
- Experiment with different herbs and vegetables to customize the salad to your taste preferences.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for optimal freshness.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of vinegar for the vinaigrette?
A: Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or white wine vinegar for the champagne vinegar.
Q: How should I store leftovers of the avocado salad?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for best results.
Q: Can I add additional vegetables to the salad?
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different vegetables such as radishes, carrots, beets, corn, bell peppers, or arugula to customize the salad to your liking.
Savor the flavors of summer with this quick and easy avocado salad featuring a delightful lemon honey vinaigrette. Bursting with freshness and vibrant colors, this salad is a perfect addition to any meal or gathering. Enjoy the crisp textures and zesty flavors of this delicious salad that celebrates the best of seasonal produce.