Avocado Salad Recipe

Prepare greens

Wash and thoroughly dry the mixed salad greens. Place 4 cups of greens into a large salad bowl and set aside.

Prepare cherry tomatoes

Rinse the cherry tomatoes and halve them (or quarter if large). Add to the bowl with the greens.

Slice cucumber

Peel if desired, then thinly slice or half-moon the cucumber and add to the bowl.

Thinly slice red onion

Peel and slice 1/4 red onion into very thin half-moons. If you prefer milder onion flavor, soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes and then drain before adding to the bowl.

Chop herbs

Roughly chop 2 tablespoons of fresh cilantro or parsley and add to the salad components.

Prepare avocado

Halve the avocados lengthwise, remove pits, and scoop the flesh out of the skins. Slice each half into 6–8 slices or gently cube. Add the avocado pieces to the bowl last to minimize bruising.

Add cheese and seeds

If using, crumble 1/2 cup feta over the salad and sprinkle 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped toasted almonds for crunch.

Combine dressing ingredients

In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon honey (or agave), 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

Emulsify

Whisk vigorously for 20–30 seconds or secure the jar lid and shake until the dressing is well combined and slightly thickened.

Taste and adjust

Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning as needed: add more salt, a pinch more honey to reduce acidity, or additional lime juice for brightness.

Dress the salad

Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving. Start with about three-quarters of the dressing, gently toss the salad to combine without smashing the avocado, then add more dressing if desired.

Transfer the dressed salad to serving plates or leave in the bowl. Finish with an extra crack of black pepper and a light drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately so the avocado stays fresh and green.