Avocado & Cherry Tomato Salad: Fresh, Zesty, and Healthy 🥑🍅
This vibrant Avocado & Cherry Tomato Salad is a quick, no-cook dish that bursts with fresh flavors and healthy fats. Featuring creamy avocados, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zingy lemon dressing, it’s a perfect side dish, light lunch, or topping for grilled proteins. Ready in just 10 minutes, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious!
⏲️ Total Time: 10 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 2-4
🔥 Kcal: ~200 kcal per serving
📝 Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados, sliced 🥑
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes (red & yellow for color), halved 🍅
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced 🧅
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro 🌿
- 1 garlic clove, minced 🧄
- Juice of 1 lemon or lime 🍋
- 2 tbsp olive oil 🫒
- Salt and black pepper, to taste 🧂
- Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes for heat 🌶️
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, gently combine 2 sliced avocados, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and ¼ thinly sliced red onion.
Step 2: Add Flavor
- Add 2 tbsp chopped parsley or cilantro and 1 minced garlic clove to the bowl.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
- Drizzle with the juice of 1 lemon (or lime) and 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using).
Step 4: Toss and Serve
- Gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly, being careful not to mash the avocado.
- Serve immediately for maximum freshness.
💡 Tips & Variations
- Avocado Tip: Choose ripe but firm avocados to hold their shape; they should yield slightly to pressure.
- Flavor Boost: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra tang.3
- Veggie Add-Ins: Mix in cucumber, arugula, or corn for more texture and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeño for heat lovers.
- Serving Ideas: Use as a topping for grilled chicken, fish, or toast for a hearty meal.7
- Storage Note: Best served fresh, as avocados brown quickly. If storing, press plastic wrap directly onto the salad and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- As a Side: Pair with grilled meats, seafood, or a hearty soup for a balanced meal.
- Light Lunch: Serve with crusty bread or pita chips for scooping.
- Brunch Star: Top with a poached egg or serve alongside scrambled eggs for a fresh breakfast.3
- Party Platter: Present in a wide bowl with tortilla chips for a healthy appetizer.
🌿 Nutritional Benefits
- Avocados: Rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Packed with vitamin C, antioxidants, and lycopene for immune support.
- Olive Oil: Provides anti-inflammatory benefits and healthy fats.
- Garlic & Herbs: Add flavor with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
🥄 Dietary Information
- Vegan & Gluten-Free: Naturally vegan and gluten-free.
- Keto & Low-Carb: High in healthy fats, low in carbs—perfect for keto diets.
- Allergen Note: Free of major allergens (dairy, nuts, eggs, soy).
- Paleo/Whole30: Compliant if using lemon juice and skipping optional cheese add-ins.
📊 Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approximate, Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: ~200 kcal
- Total Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg (varies with salt)
- Total Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 2g
🗃️ Storage
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to prevent avocado browning; consume within 1 day.
- Do Not Freeze: Freezing alters avocado texture, so it’s not recommended.
- Tip: Add extra lemon juice to leftovers to slow oxidation.
Who Will Love This Dish?
- Healthy Eaters: Perfect for those seeking nutrient-dense, low-carb meals.
- Avocado Fans: A creamy, dreamy salad for avocado lovers.
- Busy Cooks: No-cook prep makes it ideal for quick meals or sides.
- Party Hosts: A colorful, fresh dish that’s easy to scale for crowds.
Why It’s Awesome
- 5-Minute Prep: No cooking, just chopping and tossing for instant gratification.7
- Flavor Explosion: Bright lemon, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes create a perfect balance.
- Versatile: Works as a salad, side, or topping—customize to your heart’s content.
- Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with good fats and fiber to keep you full and energized.
Conclusion
This Avocado & Cherry Tomato Salad is your go-to for a quick, fresh, and flavorful dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious. With creamy avocados, vibrant tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing, it’s a versatile recipe that shines as a side, snack, or light meal. Toss it together in minutes and enjoy the taste of summer any time of year! 🥗✨
