Salad with Avocado

Need a quick, fresh salad that’s big on flavor? This salad with avocado is an amazing avocado recipe that comes together in only 25 minutes. It’s a delightful combination of creamy avocados, crisp greens and a zesty lime dressing, plus a few extra ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients for Salad with Avocado

• Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice keeps the avocados from browning and adds a bit of tang to the salad. If you’re out of lemons, lime juice works in a pinch.
• Avocados: Avocados add a creamy richness that makes the salad hearty and satisfying. If you don’t have any ripe avocados on hand, you can ripen avocados quickly by putting them in a paper bag with a banana or apple.
• Spring mix salad greens: These tender greens create a light, fluffy base. Want more crunch? Swap in another leafy green vegetable like romaine or kale.
• Plum tomatoes: This tomato variety adds juicy, sweet bites to the salad. Cherry tomatoes work, too, if that’s what you’ve got.
• Red onions: Onions add a sharp bite and a bit of crunch. You can soak them in cold water for 10 minutes if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Toasted walnuts: Toasted walnuts bring a nutty crunch to salad recipes. If you avoid nuts, try pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
• Olive oil: Olive oil adds a smooth, rich base to the homemade lime dressing. Avocado oil also works if you prefer.
• Parsley and cilantro: Parsley adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor to the dressing, while cilantro contributes a citrusy kick. If you’re not a cilantro fan, add more parsley or swap in fresh basil.
• Sour cream: Sour cream gives the dressing a creamy tang. Feel free to swap in a sour cream substitute like Greek yogurt.
• Lime juice: Lime juice adds a zesty, tangy flavor that ties everything together. Lemon juice will work if you’re out of limes.
• Yellow mustard: A little mustard adds spice and helps blend the dressing. We use yellow mustard, but Dijon mustard works as well.
• Sugar: A small dash of sugar balances the acidity and adds a touch of sweetness.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the avocados

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

Drizzle the lemon juice over the avocados.

Editor’s Tip: Let the avocados sit in the lemon juice for a few minutes to soak up even more tangy flavor.

Step 2: Assemble the salad

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

In a serving bowl, combine the salad greens, tomatoes, onion, walnuts and avocados.

Step 3: Prepare the lime dressing

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, parsley, cilantro, sour cream, lime juice, mustard, salt, pepper and sugar.

Step 4: Dress the salad

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

Pour the lime dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

Editor’s Tip: Use a gentle hand when tossing the salad so the avocados stay intact. Serve right away for the best taste and texture.

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

Salad with Avocado Variations

• Swap in sliced cucumbers: Instead of salad greens, use thinly sliced cucumbers to make a crunchier version of the salad. Like cucumber salad with sour cream, cucumber and avocado salad is a refreshing change of pace.
• Add grilled chicken: For a heartier meal, top the salad with your favorite grilled chicken recipes. It’s an easy way to add protein.
• Incorporate feta cheese: A sprinkle of crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty bite that pairs nicely with avocado.

How to Store Salad with Avocado

Salad with avocado can wilt if dressed ahead of time, so we suggest storing the salad components separately. Store the mixed greens, chopped veggies and lime dressing in separate containers to keep the greens crisp. The salad components will be good for about four days in the refrigerator. The avocado may brown a bit, but you can eat brown avocado if it’s discolored due to oxidation.

Can you make salad with avocado ahead of time?

This salad tastes best fresh, but you can chop the veggies and make the dressing up to four days ahead. Store them in separate containers, and dress the salad right before serving.

Salad with Avocado Tips

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

How do you keep avocados from browning in salad?

You can keep an avocado from turning brown by tossing chopped avocado with lemon or lime juice. The acidic juice will delay the browning process.

What can you add to avocado salad for more protein?

You can add most high-protein foods to avocado salad. Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.

Is it OK to eat an avocado every day?

There are many health benefits of avocado, but they might not be right for everyone. Avocados are high in potassium, and studies have shown they may help raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels. However, avocados are also high in fat. Even though avocados contain what are considered “healthy fats,” they may need to be enjoyed in moderation.

How do you choose a ripe avocado for a salad with avocado?

Pick avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure. They should feel soft but not mushy.