The Sunshine Salad Avocado Tomato Cucumber Perfection
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a bit of sunshine on your plate, even if it's chucking it down outside? Honestly, who doesn't? This avocado tomato cucumber salad is proper simple.
It's bursting with fresh flavours and takes mere minutes to throw together.
Why This Salad is a Winner
This recipe draws inspiration from the sun-drenched Mediterranean and the laid back vibes of California. It's a simple mediterranean salad at heart.
It's the perfect blend of creamy, juicy, and crisp textures. This cucumber salad is an absolute winner!
This easy salad recipe is perfect for beginners. Prep time is about 15 minutes. Plus, the recipe makes about 4 servings, so perfect for sharing... or not. Wink, wink.
The Magic of Fresh Ingredients
The magic is in the ingredients, innit? The ripe avocado offers healthy fats. The cherry tomatoes burst with juicy sweetness. Cucumber gives a refreshing crunch. This tomato salad is a nutrient powerhouse.
It's a fantastic side dish for a BBQ. Alternatively, it's a light lunch on a warm day. Or it's just a quick and healthy salad recipe when you can't be bothered to cook! Plus, its totally vegan salad and gluten-free salad friendly! What could be better? This avocado salad is special because its packed with fresh flavor.
What You'll Need
Right, here's what you'll need to knock up this avocado tomato cucumber salad . Grab a ripe avocado , some cherry tomatoes , an english cucumber , a bit of red onion (not too much!).
Also, you will need some fresh basil ! And don't forget a lemon vinaigrette made with lemon juice, olive oil , honey, and Dijon mustard.
Salt and pepper, of course! I told you it was easy!
Ingredients & Equipment for a Cracking Salad
Let's talk ingredients. This avocado tomato cucumber salad is super simple. You don't need to be Gordon Ramsay to nail it.
Trust me. It's the perfect summer salad or even a tasty bbq salad side. So, what do we need?
Main Ingredients Sorted
- Ripe Avocado: 1 large (about 200g ). It has to be ripe, not rock hard. You know, the kind that gives a little when you poke it. But isn't complete mush!
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (around 300g ). Halved, or quartered if they're whoppers. Cherry tomatoes are great.
- English Cucumber: 1 (about 300g ). Slice it up! I find an english cucumber is best. They don't have as many seeds.
- Red Onion: ¼ (about 50g ). Super thinly sliced. No one likes a massive chunk of raw onion!
- Fresh Basil: ¼ cup chopped (about 15g ). Fresh basil makes all the difference.
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (about 30ml ). Freshly squeezed, obviously.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (about 30ml ). Extra virgin, for that proper flavour.
- Honey/Maple Syrup: 1 teaspoon (about 5ml ). Just a touch!
- Dijon Mustard: ½ teaspoon (about 2.5ml ). Adds a bit of zing.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste. Don't be shy!
Honestly, this ingredient list sings. Think mediterranean salad meets california salad . Yum! It's a naturally gluten-free salad and also a vegan salad ! Making a really healthy salad recipe
Seasoning Secrets
The dressing is key! It's a lemon vinaigrette really. I like to use really good olive oil . That's important for flavor.
Dijon mustard gives a slight kick. Also, don't forget fresh herbs. You can add other flavour enhancers and aromatics like red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
Or you can substitute maple syrup with agave. It's up to you. It is so easy to prepare a quick salad .
Equipment Lowdown
Honestly, you don't need much. Just a cutting board, a sharp knife, and a big bowl. I use a small bowl for the dressing.
A jar works well too. Give it a good shake.
Making this easy salad recipe is a doddle, even for beginners. It's a refreshing side dish or even a light lunch .
I find that the most important step is chilling the salad. When the avocado salad , tomato salad and cucumber salad is nice and chilled it is just so refreshing! Enjoy!
Cooking Method: The Sunshine Salad
Let's talk avocado tomato cucumber salad . Honestly, what's not to love? It's fresh, it's vibrant, and it practically screams summer.
I was inspired when I was in California and had an avocado salad for the first time, and I've been hooked ever since.
No need for crazy chef skills for this dish. This recipe is incredibly easy! Perfect for a light lunch, a bbq salad , or a tasty side dish .
Prep Steps: Let's Get Organized
First things first, mise en place . Fancy French, I know. But really, it just means getting everything prepped and ready to go.
Dice your ripe avocado , halve those gorgeous cherry tomatoes , slice the english cucumber , and finely slice your red onion.
Chop up the fresh basil as well. Get your vinaigrette ingredients ready. Having everything ready before you start saves you time and stress.
No one wants a soggy salad because they were fumbling around looking for the olive oil.
step-by-step: Salad Assembly Time
This easy salad recipe comes together in minutes.
- Dice the avocado, halve or quarter the cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. Chop the fresh basil.
- Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Gently combine the avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and basil in a large bowl.
- Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad
Want to take your healthy salad recipe to the next level? Here's a tip: don't overdress your salad. Add the salad dressing just before serving.
Also, chilling the salad really enhances the flavors. It's like a little flavour party in your mouth. Salt is your friend.
Season that salad generously.
And there you have it a cracking avocado tomato cucumber salad that's sure to impress. Enjoy this delicious and refreshing summer salad ! This could even be a fantastic vegan salad or gluten-free salad for anyone with dietary restrictions, too.
Recipe Notes for the Sunshine Salad
Right then, so you're buzzing to make this avocado tomato cucumber salad . Ace choice! Before you dive in, let's have a chinwag about some extra bits and bobs that'll make it even more banging.
I've made this salad countless times, honestly, and these are the things I've learned along the way.
Serving Suggestions: Make it Look the Bees Knees
Presentation matters, doesn't it? Don't just chuck it all in a bowl. Get a bit fancy. Try layering the cucumber salad , tomato salad , and avocado salad in a pretty bowl.
Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves. Oh, and it's absolutely mega served with grilled salmon or chicken. Seriously elevates the whole meal.
A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc? Chef's kiss! Crusty bread is also a shout, you want something to mop up that lush lemon vinaigrette .
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh, Keep it Real
Got leftovers? No worries. Pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It'll be good for about 2 days, but the avocado salad might go a teeny bit brown.
A little trick is to drizzle a bit more lemon juice over the top before storing. Freezing isn't recommended. Honestly, it'll just turn to mush.
When reheating just leave it out for a bit before serving so that it has the perfect temperature.
Variations: Mix it Up a Bit
Fancy a tweak? Go wild! For a vegan salad , swap the honey for maple syrup in the dressing. Easy peasy.
If you're avoiding gluten, rest assured this gluten-free salad is naturally safe. Want to mix up the seasons? In winter, try adding roasted butternut squash for a bit of warmth.
How about making a more complete meal by adding some chickpeas?. I've even chucked in some crumbled feta before don't tell anyone, but it's ruddy delicious!.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Okay, no lecture here. This healthy salad recipe is packed with good stuff. Avocado is full of healthy fats. Tomatoes are loaded with vitamins.
Cucumber is super hydrating. The olive oil dressing adds even more goodness. Roughly, each serving is around 250 calories. So you can enjoy this light lunch or side dish guilt free! This makes for a fantastic summer salad , but honestly, I'd eat it any time of year.
So there you have it. Your guide to making the ultimate avocado tomato cucumber salad . Go on, give it a go. You'll smash it. You got this! Have fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I keep my avocado tomato cucumber salad from going brown and soggy?
Ah, the million dollar question! The lemon juice in the vinaigrette helps slow down browning, so make sure every bit of avocado is coated. Also, dress the salad right before serving.
If you're making it ahead, hold off on adding the dressing until just before you're ready to tuck in; otherwise, the cucumber can get a bit waterlogged, like a British summer!
Can I make this avocado tomato cucumber salad ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients (chop the veg and make the vinaigrette) a few hours in advance, but don't combine them until just before serving. The avocado will brown, and the cucumber will weep, resulting in a less than-stellar salad. Think of it like a good cuppa - best served fresh!
What are some tasty variations I can add to my basic avocado tomato cucumber salad recipe?
Fancy jazzing it up? Absolutely! Some crumbled feta cheese gives it a lovely salty tang. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a bit of heat, perfect if you like a bit of a kick, like a cheeky Nando's. You could even add grilled halloumi for a more substantial meal; it's like a Mediterranean holiday on a plate!
Is this avocado tomato cucumber salad healthy? What are the nutritional benefits?
You bet it is! It's packed with healthy fats from the avocado, vitamins from the tomatoes and cucumber, and antioxidants from the basil. Plus, it's relatively low in calories and carbs, making it a guilt free pleasure.
However, be mindful of the amount of olive oil used in the vinaigrette, a little goes a long way, less is more when it comes to a healthy salad.
I don't have lemon juice. What can I use instead in this avocado tomato cucumber salad?
No lemon? No worries! Lime juice is a great substitute, offering a similar zesty flavour. You could also use a light vinegar, like white wine vinegar, but use it sparingly a little goes a long way! Just remember to adjust the sweetness to balance the acidity, honey or maple syrup can help balance the acidity.
How should I store leftover avocado tomato cucumber salad?
Realistically, this salad is best eaten fresh as it can get soggy and the avocado browns quickly. If you absolutely must store leftovers, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge.
It's best consumed within 24 hours, but be prepared for a slight change in texture and appearance; it's a bit like trying to reheat fish and chips never quite the same!
The Sunshine Salad Avocado Tomato Cucumber Perfe
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 250 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 5g |
