Creamy Avocado and Tomato Salad with Lime Vinaigrette

This juicy and delicious Avocado Tomato Salad is a refreshing summer side dish or a light lunch. It’s bright, healthy and very quick to prepare — you’ll have it on the table in under 10 minutes.

A Refreshing & Easy Summer Salad Recipe

This simple salad combines ripe tomatoes, creamy avocados and crisp red onion with a light lemon and olive oil dressing. It’s a wonderful vegetarian option and can be made vegan by omitting the cheese or using a plant-based alternative. The vivid colors and fresh flavors make this an ideal summer staple to serve alongside grilled proteins or pasta dishes.

Ingredients

• Assorted tomatoes: Heirlooms are lovely when in season.
• Avocados — ripe but still firm.
• Red onion — thinly sliced.
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice — or lime if you prefer.
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper
• Crumbled bleu cheese — or crumbled feta as an alternative.
• Fresh parsley for garnish.

How to Make Avocado Tomato Salad

• Combine the vegetables: In a large salad bowl, add the tomatoes, cubed avocados and thinly sliced red onion.
• Prepare the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Toss gently: Pour the dressing over the tomato and avocado mixture and toss carefully so the avocado stays intact.
• Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with crumbled cheese and chopped parsley. Serve immediately, or let the salad rest for 10–15 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Tips for the Best Summer Salad

• Use fresh citrus: Freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice brightens the salad and helps slow avocado browning.
• Adjust the dressing: Taste the dressing before tossing and add more salt, pepper or lemon as needed.
• Pick ripe avocados: Choose avocados that yield to gentle pressure but aren’t mushy for the best texture.
• Serve fresh: This salad is best eaten soon after assembly, though letting it rest briefly enhances flavor without losing color thanks to the citrus.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is versatile — here are a few ways to vary it:

• Add protein: Toss in diced cooked chicken or shrimp to make it a satisfying main dish.
• Include olives: A handful of black or Kalamata olives adds briny depth.
• Spice it up: Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Enjoy!