Avocado Salad Recipe

Prepare greens and vegetables

Rinse the mixed salad greens under cold water, spin or pat dry thoroughly, and transfer to a large salad bowl. Trim and thinly slice the cucumber and halve the cherry tomatoes. Add the cucumber and tomatoes to the bowl with the greens.

Slice onion and cilantro

Peel and very thinly slice the red onion; if the onion is strong, rinse the slices briefly in cold water and dry. Roughly chop the cilantro leaves if using, and add both to the bowl with the greens and vegetables.

Prepare avocados

Cut each avocado in half lengthwise around the pit. Twist halves to separate, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh out of the skin. Slice each avocado half into 6–8 slices. Arrange the slices on top of the salad or gently fold them in to avoid mashing.

Season salad

Sprinkle the salad with the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper and scatter the toasted sesame seeds (or toasted chopped almonds) over the top. Hold off on tossing with dressing until the dressing is ready.

Combine dressing ingredients

In a small bowl or a jar with a tight lid, add the grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, fresh lime juice, honey (or maple syrup), toasted sesame oil, and neutral oil.

Emulsify and adjust

Whisk the ingredients vigorously, or secure the jar lid and shake until the dressing is emulsified and slightly thickened. If the dressing is too strong or thick, add up to 1 tablespoon of water and whisk or shake again. Taste and adjust seasoning with 1/4 teaspoon salt and a pinch more black pepper if desired.

Dress the salad

Just before serving, drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad and gently toss with salad tongs to coat the greens and vegetables evenly, taking care not to mash the avocado. Add more dressing to taste (use remaining dressing reserve for guests who want extra).

Serve

Transfer the dressed salad to individual plates or leave in the bowl. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a few cilantro leaves. Serve immediately so the avocado remains fresh and green.