Tomato Avocado Summer Salad: Easy & Healthy Recipe

When summer rolls around, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing, easy-to-make salad that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor.

This Tomato Avocado Summer Salad is exactly that—a vibrant dish that comes together in minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy fresh produce without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe focuses on simple, wholesome ingredients that deliver big on taste and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch option, a healthy side dish for a barbecue, or something bright to bring to a potluck, this avocado tomato salad fits the bill. Get ready to enjoy a truly delightful and fuss-free meal.

Tomato Avocado Summer Salad

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• Total Time: 10-15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Tomato Avocado Summer Salad is a refreshing, easy-to-make dish that’s healthy and bursting with flavor. It comes together in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings, and is a fantastic way to enjoy fresh produce without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free, catering to various dietary needs.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 ripe avocados, diced

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 2 medium tomatoes, diced)

1 large cucumber, peeled and diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Start by washing your cherry tomatoes and cucumber thoroughly. Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform pieces so every bite is balanced.

2. Dice the avocado: Carefully cut the ripe avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. Dice the avocado into similar-sized pieces as your cucumber and tomatoes. A good visual cue for ripeness is that the avocado skin will be slightly dark and yield gently to pressure.

3. Finely dice the red onion: Peel and finely dice the red onion. If you find red onion too pungent, you can rinse it under cold water after dicing or soak it for a few minutes to reduce its sharpness.

4. Chop the cilantro (if using): Wash and roughly chop the fresh cilantro. This adds a wonderful fresh, herbaceous note, but it’s optional if you’re not a fan.

5. Combine ingredients in a large bowl: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and finely diced red onion. If using, add the chopped cilantro.

6. Whisk the dressing: In a small separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

7. Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl.

8. Gently toss to combine: Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the avocado; you want it to retain its shape. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: side dish
• Method: no cook
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe

Keywords: avocado, tomato, salad, summer, easy, healthy, quick, vegetarian, gluten-free, refreshing

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This recipe is a true lifesaver for anyone seeking a healthy, flavorful meal without the fuss. It’s incredibly beginner-friendly, making it perfect for new cooks or those who just want a straightforward dish. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, often in less than 15 minutes, which is ideal for busy weeknights when you need something nutritious on the table fast. It’s also incredibly versatile; serve it as a light lunch on its own, a refreshing side dish for grilled chicken or fish, or as a vibrant addition to any summer picnic or potluck. The combination of creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumber creates a delightful texture and flavor profile that appeals to almost everyone, even picky eaters. It’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free, catering to various dietary needs.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this salad is a breeze, as most items are readily available at any grocery store. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, relying on fresh, high-quality produce to shine. There are no complicated sauces or exotic spices required, just straightforward, wholesome components that create a harmonious blend of flavors.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 2 medium tomatoes, diced)
• 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For simple substitutions, if you don’t have cherry tomatoes, any ripe, firm tomato will work beautifully; just dice them into bite-sized pieces. If red onion is too strong for your preference, you can soak it in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to mellow its flavor, or use green onions for a milder taste. Not a fan of cilantro? Fresh parsley or even a sprinkle of dried oregano can offer a different but still delicious herbaceous note. For the dressing, while lime juice offers a bright tang, lemon juice is an excellent alternative that provides a similar zesty lift. You can also experiment with different types of olive oil, perhaps a more robust extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor, or a lighter one for a more subtle touch.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

One of the best features of this Tomato Avocado Summer Salad is how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for a last-minute meal or side dish.

• Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
• Chill time: 0 minutes (can be served immediately)
• Total time: 10-15 minutes

This salad requires no cooking, so all the time is dedicated to a bit of chopping and mixing. You can have this vibrant dish ready to enjoy in less than 15 minutes, which is fantastic for busy schedules or when you need a quick, healthy option.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Making this salad is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and refreshing dish.

1. Prepare the vegetables: Start by washing your cherry tomatoes and cucumber thoroughly. Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform pieces so every bite is balanced.
2. Dice the avocado: Carefully cut the ripe avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. Dice the avocado into similar-sized pieces as your cucumber and tomatoes. A good visual cue for ripeness is that the avocado skin will be slightly dark and yield gently to pressure.
3. Finely dice the red onion: Peel and finely dice the red onion. If you find red onion too pungent, you can rinse it under cold water after dicing or soak it for a few minutes to reduce its sharpness.
4. Chop the cilantro (if using): Wash and roughly chop the fresh cilantro. This adds a wonderful fresh, herbaceous note, but it’s optional if you’re not a fan.
5. Combine ingredients in a large bowl: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and finely diced red onion. If using, add the chopped cilantro.
6. Whisk the dressing: In a small separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
7. Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture in the large bowl.
8. Gently toss to combine: Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the avocado; you want it to retain its shape. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This Tomato Avocado Summer Salad is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to fit into various meals and preferences.

For a more substantial meal, consider adding a protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp tossed into the salad makes it a complete and satisfying lunch. Canned chickpeas or black beans are excellent plant-based protein additions that also boost fiber. If you want to add a little crunch, a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds can be a nice touch. For a creamy twist, a few crumbles of feta cheese or goat cheese can elevate the flavor profile, adding a salty tang that pairs beautifully with the fresh vegetables.

When serving for a party or buffet, this salad is a fantastic option because it looks vibrant and appealing. You can prepare it just before guests arrive to ensure the avocado stays fresh. Serve it in a large, attractive bowl, perhaps garnished with extra cilantro or a lime wedge. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fish tacos, or as a fresh counterpoint to richer dishes. For kids, sometimes the texture of avocado can be a bit unfamiliar. You can offer the ingredients deconstructed, allowing them to pick and choose, or gently mash some of the avocado into a creamy dressing to coat the other vegetables, making it more approachable. A little squeeze of honey or a touch of maple syrup in the dressing can also make it more kid-friendly.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have common pitfalls. Knowing what to watch out for will help you achieve the best results with your Tomato Avocado Summer Salad every time.

One of the most frequent issues is using underripe or overripe avocados. An underripe avocado will be hard and lack flavor, while an overripe one will be mushy and brown. To avoid this, choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed, but aren’t too soft. If your avocados are a bit firm, you can ripen them faster by placing them in a paper bag with a banana or apple for a day or two.

Another common mistake is dicing the ingredients unevenly. While it might seem minor, uniform dicing ensures that every bite has a balanced blend of flavors and textures. Take a few extra moments to cut your tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocados into roughly the same size.

Over-tossing the salad is another pitfall, especially with the delicate avocado. Avocados can break down easily, turning your beautiful salad into a mushy mess. To prevent this, use a large spoon or spatula and toss gently, just enough to coat everything with the dressing.

Finally, not seasoning properly can leave your salad tasting bland. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the salt and pepper. A little extra pinch of salt can really make the flavors pop, and a fresh grind of black pepper adds a subtle warmth. The lime juice is also key for brightness, so ensure you’re using fresh juice for the best results.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This Tomato Avocado Summer Salad is best enjoyed fresh, ideally within a few hours of making it. The delicate nature of avocado means it can oxidize and turn brown when exposed to air for too long, and the other vegetables can release water, making the salad watery.

If you absolutely need to store leftovers, transfer the salad to an airtight container. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before sealing the container. This minimizes air exposure and helps to slow down the browning of the avocado. Stored this way, it can last in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. However, be aware that the avocado texture might soften further, and the cucumber might become less crisp.

Making it ahead of time requires a slight modification to preserve the texture and appearance. You can chop and prepare the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion up to a day in advance. Store these ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.