Name: My favourite Avocado Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 big ripe avocados (cut into quarters then 1 cm / 0.4" slices); 3 medium cucumbers (sliced into 4mm / 1/6" rounds); 1/4 unit red onion (finely sliced); 2 tbsp dill (finely chopped, optional); 2 tbsp coriander/cilantro leaves (roughly chopped, optional); 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 3 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice, adjust to taste); 1/4 tsp chilli flakes/red pepper flakes; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 3/4 tsp cooking/kosher salt

Introduction to My Favourite Avocado Salad

Avocado salad has quickly become a staple for my fellow young professionals, and let me tell you why! In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding dishes that are both nutritious and quick to prepare is essential. My favourite avocado salad hits all the right notes—it’s fresh, colorful, and incredibly satisfying!

Why Avocado Salad is a Game-Changer for Young Professionals

Being a young professional often means juggling a busy schedule with the desire to eat healthily. That’s where this avocado salad shines! Packed with healthy fats from avocados, hydrating cucumbers, and a zesty lime dressing, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Did you know that avocados are not just delicious but also full of potassium and fiber? According to Healthline, they can help maintain heart health and reduce bad cholesterol levels.

Imagine coming home after a long day, and in just ten minutes, you have a vibrant bowl of goodness ready to enjoy. With simple ingredients—most of which you might already have—this salad is ideal for meal prep or a casual gathering with friends. Plus, the versatility of this dish means you can customize it with your favorite herbs or proteins. Why not add some grilled chicken or turkey bacon for extra flavor?

Stay tuned to discover the delicious recipe that makes my favourite avocado salad a must-try!

Ingredients for My Favourite Avocado Salad

Essential salad components

To create my favourite avocado salad, you'll need a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients that combine perfectly for a cool and satisfying dish. Here's what you'll require:

2 big ripe avocados: These should be perfectly ripe, cut into quarters and then sliced for that creamy texture.
3 cucumbers: Aim for those crunchy English cucumbers, sliced into rounds. Their refreshing bite elevates the salad!
¼ red onion: Finely sliced for that subtle zing.
Fresh herbs: I recommend 2 tablespoons each of dill and coriander (or parsley if you're not a cilantro fan) for added flavor.

Dressing ingredients for extra flavor

No salad is complete without a tasty dressing! For my favourite avocado salad, you'll whip up a simple yet zesty dressing using:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: This adds richness and depth.
3 tablespoons lime juice: Adjust according to your taste; lemon works too!
Seasoned with: A pinch of red pepper flakes, black pepper, and kosher salt to round out the flavors.

The combination of these ingredients will bring harmony to your avocado salad, making it a delightful side dish for any meal. Happy mixing!

Preparing My Favourite Avocado Salad

Creating my favourite avocado salad is not just a culinary task—it's a delightful journey that brings fresh flavors together in a perfect, vibrant dish. Let’s break down the steps to help you craft this delicious salad effortlessly.

Gather and Prep the Ingredients

Before diving in, gather all your ingredients. You'll need:

2 big ripe avocados: They should be creamy and slightly soft to the touch.
3 cucumbers: Look for the long varieties for a crisp texture.
¼ red onion: The spicy crunch complements the creamy avocado beautifully.
Optional fresh herbs like dill and cilantro for that extra flavor pop.

Chop and slice everything before you start mixing. Not only does this save time, but it also offers a great visual—a colorful array of greens and whites that will make your salad shine.

Combine the Salad Elements in a Bowl

In a large mixing bowl, gently add the sliced avocados, cucumbers, and onions. If you're using the optional herbs, toss them in as well. At this stage, the salad might look beautiful, but we’re not done yet! This is the time to appreciate the vibrant colors and fresh scents before we move to the next step.

Mix the Dressing Separately

Now, let’s prepare the dressing, which is where the magic happens! In a small bowl, combine:

3 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoon of lime juice (or lemon juice, if that’s your preference!)
¼ teaspoon chili flakes for just a hint of warmth
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¾ teaspoon salt

Whisk these ingredients together until mixed. Immediately, your kitchen will fill with a delightful aroma—this dressing is what elevates the flavors in your favourite avocado salad!

Toss Salad with the Dressing

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients, making sure to drizzle evenly. With clean hands, gently toss everything together. Be careful not to mash the avocado; we want to keep those beautiful slices intact. If you want a bit more zing, taste your salad and feel free to add more lime juice.

Serve with Style

Presentation is key! Transfer your tossed salad into a beautiful serving bowl, perhaps one with vibrant colors that contrast with the green of the avocado. You may also want to adorn it with extra herbs on top for that visual appeal. This isn’t just food; it’s art on a plate!

Don’t forget to grab some fresh bread or grilled chicken to serve alongside your favourite avocado salad. Enjoy every bite, and watch as your friends and family fall in love with this fresh dish, just like you have!

For more tips on preparing healthy salads, check out credible sources like Healthline for insights on the benefits of fresh ingredients.

Variations on My Favourite Avocado Salad

Switching things up with my favourite avocado salad can elevate your palate and bring new flavors to your table! Here are a few delightful variations worth trying:

Avocado salad with tomatoes and feta

To add a Mediterranean twist, include fresh, juicy tomatoes and crumbly feta cheese. The sweetness of the tomatoes combined with the salty feta creates a delicious contrast that beautifully complements the creamy avocado. Drizzle some balsamic glaze for an extra depth of flavor!

Avocado salad with quinoa

For a heartier option, toss in some cooked quinoa. Not only does it lend a nice texture, but it also increases the protein content of the salad, making it a perfect light lunch. Add some lemon zest for brightness and fresh spinach for added greens!

Avocado salad with grilled chicken

Want to turn your salad into a main dish? Top it with sliced grilled chicken. The smoky flavor of the chicken pairs perfectly with the cool, creamy avocado. Just drizzle a bit of your favorite dressing to tie it all together. Enjoy this tasty, filling meal that’s great for meal prep or quick dinners!

Feel free to experiment with these variations, and don’t hesitate to share your own creations!

Cooking tips and notes for My Favourite Avocado Salad

Best avocado selection tips

When it comes to choosing perfectly ripe avocados for my favourite avocado salad, look for fruit that yields slightly to gentle pressure but isn’t overly soft. A darker skin often signals ripeness, but avoid ones with large dark blemishes. If you plan to make the salad in a few days, buy firmer avocados and leave them to ripen at room temperature before refrigerating.

How to keep avocados fresh longer

To keep your avocados fresh longer after slicing, sprinkle them with lime juice and store in an airtight container. This reduces oxidation and keeps your salad looking vibrant. Alternatively, you can place the pit in the container with the remaining avocado. If you want to learn more about avocado storage, check out this helpful guide.

Serving suggestions for My Favourite Avocado Salad

Ideal side pairings for a complete meal
To elevate my favourite avocado salad into a satisfying meal, consider pairing it with grilled chicken or tender turkey bacon for a protein boost. It also complements whole grain wraps or soft pita bread beautifully, making for a fresh, vibrant lunch. If you're in the mood for something hearty, serve it alongside a warm quinoa bowl or a simple roasted vegetable dish. Don't forget a refreshing iced tea or sparkling water with lemon to wash it down!

Creative serving ideas for gatherings
Impress your guests by serving my favourite avocado salad in lettuce cups or small mason jars for an attractive presentation. You can also create appetizer skewers by threading the salad ingredients onto toothpicks. For an eye-catching table display, use a large platter and arrange the salad in a colorful spiral, adding edible flowers for a touch of elegance. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a special occasion, these ideas will make your dish the star of the show!

Time breakdown for My Favourite Avocado Salad

Preparation time

Preparing my favourite avocado salad takes just 10 minutes. The simplicity of slicing fresh ingredients makes it a quick choice, especially if you’re on a tight schedule or simply want something delicious and healthy without the hassle.

Total time

In total, my favourite avocado salad takes 10 minutes from start to finish. With whole ingredients blended effortlessly, you’ll have a refreshing side dish ready to impress in no time. Perfect for gatherings or a casual lunch!

If you're interested in more quick salad recipes, check out this guide on easy salad sides. You'll find that whipping up healthy meals can be both fun and rewarding!

Nutritional Facts for My Favourite Avocado Salad

Calories per Serving

Each serving of my favourite avocado salad packs approximately 229 calories. This makes it a nutritious choice for a light side dish or a snack packed with flavor.

Key Nutrients

This vibrant salad not only delights your palate but also offers a variety of essential nutrients:

Healthy Fats: At 21g of fat, mostly from rich avocados, you'll get beneficial monounsaturated fats that support heart health.
Fiber: Each serving contains about 7g of fiber, which can help improve digestion and promote feelings of fullness.
Vitamins: With vitamin C at 17mg and vitamin A at 275 IU, you'll be supporting your immune system and skin health.

These stats highlight why my favourite avocado salad is not just a delicious option for your meals, but also a smart nutritional choice! If you want to dive deeper into the benefits of avocados, check out this link for a comprehensive guide on their health benefits.

FAQs about My Favourite Avocado Salad

How can I prevent the avocado from browning?

To keep your favourite avocado salad looking fresh, use a generous amount of lime or lemon juice on the avocado. The acidity helps slow down the oxidation process that causes browning. You can also store it in an airtight container, pressing plastic wrap directly against the surface of the avocado for extra protection. If you want to learn more about storing avocados, this guide from Nutritional Science offers excellent tips!

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

While it's always best to enjoy my favourite avocado salad fresh, any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. The salad should be fine for one more day, and believe it or not, the avocado often stays relatively green! Just give it a gentle stir before serving to mix in any separated dressing.

Can I use other vegetables in this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite veggies. Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even radishes add great crunch and flavor. Just remember to adjust the dressing to balance out the new ingredients if needed. Your creativity will only enhance the overall dish!

Conclusion on My Favourite Avocado Salad

In just 10 minutes, you can indulge in my favourite avocado salad, bursting with fresh flavors and textures. The creamy avocados combined with crisp cucumbers and a zesty dressing make this dish perfect for any gathering. Enjoy it as a side or a light meal—your taste buds will thank you!

For more salad inspiration, check out other delicious recipes like this Mediterranean Chickpea Salad or Quinoa and Black Bean Salad. Happy cooking!