Imagine a burst of vibrant colors and fresh flavors exploding in your mouth with every single bite - that's exactly what this Heirloom Tomato and Avocado Salad promises! Perfect for health-conscious foodies and anyone craving a quick, nutritious meal that looks like a work of art, this gluten-free and vegan salad is about to become your new summer obsession. With juicy heirloom tomatoes, creamy avocados, and a tantalizing balsamic dressing, this recipe is so simple yet so incredibly delicious that you'll want to make it again and again.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heirloom tomatoes, chopped
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash all fresh produce thoroughly under cool running water, patting dry with clean kitchen towels.
- Using a sharp chef's knife, carefully chop the heirloom tomatoes into bite-sized, roughly 1/2-inch cubes, collecting them in a large mixing bowl.
- Cut the ripe avocados in half lengthwise, remove the pit, and dice the flesh into similar-sized cubes as the tomatoes, adding them gently to the bowl.
- Peel the red onion and slice it very thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife, separating the rings and adding them to the tomato and avocado mixture.
- Rinse fresh basil leaves and pat dry, then chop them into fine ribbons using a sharp knife or tear them by hand.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the tomato, avocado, and onion mixture, gently folding to coat all ingredients without breaking the avocado pieces.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the salad, giving a final gentle toss to distribute herbs evenly.
- Let the salad rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve immediately at room temperature.
Tips
- • Choose ripe, colorful heirloom tomatoes for maximum flavor and visual appeal • Use a sharp knife to ensure clean, precise cuts of your vegetables • Let the salad rest for 2-3 minutes after dressing to allow flavors to meld together • For best taste, use fresh, high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar • Serve immediately at room temperature to preserve the texture of avocados • Optional: Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch • For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
