Avocado Salad
Cuisine: American Type: Salad

Representative image. Recipe yield may differ
Amounts
Ingredient
Amount (g)
Avocado
2 medium (400)
Lime Juice
2 tablespoon (30)
Red Onion
1 small (50)
Tomato
1 medium (150)
Cilantro
2 tablespoon (8)
Salt
1 teaspoon (5)
Black Pepper
1 teaspoon (5)
Totals
23 oz
(648 g)
Calories
Ingredient
Calories (kcal)
Avocado
234
Lettuce
5
Tomato
22
Red Onion
40
Cilantro
0
Lime Juice
8
Olive Oil
119
Salt
0
Black Pepper
0
Garlic Powder
9
Totals
437 kcal
Steps
1. Cut the avocado in half lengthwise and remove the pit.
2. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh of the avocado and place it in a mixing bowl.
3. Mash the avocado flesh with a fork until it reaches a smooth consistency.
4. Add finely chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, and minced garlic to the mashed avocado.
5. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture to prevent the avocado from browning and to add a tangy flavor.
6. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of spice.
7. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the mixture and gently toss everything together until well combined.
8. Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
9. Finally, garnish the avocado salad with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for added freshness and presentation.
10. Serve the avocado salad immediately as a side dish or as a topping for tacos, sandwiches, or grilled meats. Enjoy!
Substitutions
Substitutions for Avocado Salad in American cuisine:
1. Avocado:
- Substitute with cucumber slices or cherry tomatoes.
- Adjust the quantity to your preference.
2. Lettuce:
- Substitute with spinach leaves or arugula.
- Adjust the quantity to your preference.
3. Red onion:
- Substitute with shallots or white onion.
- Adjust the quantity to your preference.
4. Cherry tomatoes:
- Substitute with diced regular tomatoes or bell peppers.
- Adjust the quantity to your preference.
5. Lime juice:
- Substitute with lemon juice.
- Adjust the quantity to your preference.
6. Olive oil:
- Substitute with any other vegetable oil like canola or sunflower oil.
- Adjust the quantity to your preference.
7. Salt and pepper:
- Substitute with any preferred seasonings or herbs like garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.
- Adjust the quantity to your preference.
8. Optional ingredients:
- Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
- Adjust the quantity to your preference.
Note: Adjustments to the preparation may not be necessary, as these substitutions should work well in the original recipe. However, taste and texture may vary slightly.
Pairings
- Grilled chicken or shrimp
- Roasted vegetables
- Quinoa or brown rice
- Corn or black bean salsa
- Citrus vinaigrette dressing
- Crispy bacon or pancetta
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil
- Goat cheese or feta cheese crumbles
- Tortilla chips or crispy pita bread
- Iceberg or romaine lettuce for added crunch
Upgrades
1. Improve presentation:
- Use a ring mold to shape the salad into a perfect circle on the plate.
- Garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a pop of color.
- Drizzle a balsamic reduction in an artistic pattern around the plate.
2. Improve texture/flavor profile:
- Add crispy bacon or prosciutto crumbles for a savory crunch.
- Toast some pine nuts or slivered almonds for added texture.
- Incorporate diced mango or pomegranate seeds for a burst of sweetness.
3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Include chunks of fresh lobster or crab meat for an indulgent twist.
- Substitute regular olive oil with truffle-infused olive oil for a luxurious aroma.
- Sprinkle shaved truffles or truffle salt over the salad for an extravagant touch.
Diet Restrictions
- For individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, ensure that all ingredients used in the avocado salad, such as dressings or toppings, are gluten-free. Opt for gluten-free salad dressings or make your own using gluten-free ingredients like olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
- To accommodate lactose intolerance or a dairy-free diet, omit any cheese or creamy dressings that may be traditionally used in avocado salads. Instead, enhance the flavor with herbs, spices, or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk or almond-based dressings.
- For individuals following a vegan or vegetarian diet, avoid adding any animal-based ingredients like bacon or chicken. Instead, incorporate plant-based proteins such as tofu, tempeh, or legumes like chickpeas or black beans.
- If you are preparing the avocado salad for someone with nut allergies, exclude nuts like almonds or walnuts from the recipe. Substitute them with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar crunchy texture.
- Individuals watching their sodium intake can reduce the use of salt in the salad. Instead, enhance the flavor by adding fresh herbs, citrus juices, or vinegar to provide a tangy taste.
- To accommodate those following a low-carb or keto diet, reduce or eliminate high-carb ingredients like croutons or bread cubes. Instead, add extra vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, or radishes to bulk up the salad.
- For individuals with diabetes or aiming to manage blood sugar levels, it's important to moderate the amount of high-glycemic index ingredients like sweetened dressings or dried fruits. Opt for a sugar-free dressing or use lemon juice and a small amount of natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol.
- If preparing the avocado salad for someone with a soy allergy or sensitivity, avoid using soy-based ingredients like tofu or soy sauce. Instead, opt for alternative protein sources like grilled chicken, shrimp, or edamame if tolerated.
- Individuals following a low-fat diet can reduce the amount of high-fat ingredients like avocado or olive oil. Use avocado sparingly or substitute it with lower-fat alternatives like cucumber or a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Lastly, for those with specific dietary preferences or restrictions, always consider personal preferences and any other health conditions while making adjustments to the avocado salad recipe.
Healthy Choices
- Use a variety of colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers to increase the nutrient content.
- Swap regular lettuce for nutrient-rich greens like spinach or kale.
- Add protein by including grilled chicken or tofu.
- Replace high-fat dressings with a simple homemade vinaigrette using olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs.
- Incorporate whole grains like quinoa or brown rice to boost fiber and make it more filling.
- Sprinkle a handful of nuts or seeds like almonds or pumpkin seeds for added crunch and healthy fats.
- Instead of bacon or processed meats, opt for lean protein sources like grilled shrimp or salmon.
- Reduce sodium by using minimal amounts of salt and adding flavor with herbs, spices, or citrus zest.
- Limit the amount of cheese or opt for a lighter variety like feta or goat cheese.
- For added flavor, drizzle a small amount of balsamic glaze or reduced-sugar barbecue sauce instead of high-calorie dressings.
Shortcuts
1. Use pre-cut or frozen avocado chunks to save time on peeling and cutting fresh avocados.
2. Substitute expensive ingredients like pine nuts or sun-dried tomatoes with more affordable alternatives like walnuts or cherry tomatoes.
3. Opt for pre-washed salad greens or lettuce mix to skip the step of washing and drying them.
4. Make a larger batch of salad dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for multiple uses, saving time on preparing it each time.
5. Replace fresh herbs with dried herbs or herb blends to cut down on cost while still adding flavor.
6. Use lemon juice or vinegar instead of fresh citrus fruits to save money without compromising the tangy taste.
7. Consider adding other affordable ingredients like corn, black beans, or diced bell peppers to bulk up the salad and make it more filling.
8. Instead of buying separate salad dressings, create your own by mixing olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper, which is both cost-effective and quick.
9. Prepare the salad ingredients in advance and store them separately in airtight containers to assemble the salad quickly when needed.
10. Utilize leftover ingredients from other meals, such as grilled chicken or roasted vegetables, to add variety and reduce waste.