Garden Fresh Avocado Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Garden Fresh Avocado Salad is a vibrant and refreshing mix of crisp vegetables and creamy avocado, perfect for a light lunch or a side dish. Tossed with a zesty lime dressing, it brings bright flavors that celebrate fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 medium cucumber, sliced
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 2 heads of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 large avocado, in bite-size pieces
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Juice from ½ a lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Lime dressing:

• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• ½ cup fresh cilantro
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare all the salad ingredients. Be sure to salt the sliced cucumbers to draw out excess moisture and enhance flavor.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cucumbers, red onion, avocado, tomato, parsley, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Gently fold all the ingredients together to mix without mashing the avocado.
4. Step 4: To make the lime dressing, combine lime juice, garlic, plain yogurt, cilantro, olive oil, and heavy cream in a food processor and blend until smooth.
5. Step 5: Pour your desired amount of dressing over the salad or serve it on the side for individual portions.
6. Step 6: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving for best flavor and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• Use ripe but firm avocados to keep the salad from becoming mushy.
• Swap parsley for fresh basil or mint to change the flavor profile.
• Add toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch.
• For a vegan version, substitute the yogurt and cream with coconut yogurt and cashew cream.

Storage

Store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed within 1-2 days as the avocado may brown over time. Reheat is not recommended; instead, gently toss the salad again before serving cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, but keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the avocado and lettuce from becoming soggy.

What can I substitute if I don’t have a food processor for the dressing?

You can whisk the dressing ingredients vigorously by hand or use a blender to achieve a similar smooth texture.

Garden Fresh Avocado Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 253 reviews

A refreshing and vibrant Garden Fresh Avocado Salad featuring crunchy cucumber, crisp romaine lettuce, ripe avocado, and a zesty lime yogurt dressing with fresh herbs, perfect for a light and healthy meal.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad Ingredients

• 1 medium cucumber, sliced
• 1 small red onion, chopped
• 2 heads of romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 large avocado, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Juice from ½ a lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Lime Dressing

• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• ½ cup fresh cilantro
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Wash and slice the cucumber, chop the red onion, and chop the romaine lettuce. Dice the tomato and cut the avocado into bite-sized pieces. Mince the fresh garlic and chop the parsley. Be sure to salt the cucumber slices to enhance their flavor.
2. Mix Salad: In a large bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce along with the cucumber, red onion, avocado, tomato, parsley, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Combine Ingredients: Fold all the salad ingredients together gently to ensure even distribution without mashing the avocado.
4. Prepare Lime Dressing: Using a food processor, combine lime juice, garlic cloves, plain yogurt, fresh cilantro, olive oil, and heavy cream. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
5. Dress and Chill: Pour the desired amount of lime dressing over the salad or serve the dressing on the side for individual use. Chill the salad in the refrigerator before serving to allow flavors to meld and enhance freshness.

Notes

• Salting cucumbers helps remove excess moisture and enhances their crispness and flavor.
• The lime dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a vegan option, substitute yogurt and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut yogurt and cashew cream.
• This salad is best served chilled to maintain crisp texture and fresh flavors.

Keywords: Avocado salad, fresh salad, lime dressing, healthy salad, vegetarian salad