Avocado Salad Recipe: Fresh, Vibrant, and Perfect for Every Occasion
Serves: 4
Category: Salads
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Arugula | 80 g |
| Avocado | 1 |
| Cherry tomatoes | 200 g |
| Pumpkin seeds | 20 g |
| Taggiasca olives | 50 g |
| Lemon juice | 1 lemon |
| Fresh chili peppers | 2 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 40 g |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 200-250 |
| Protein | 3-4 g |
| Fat | 18-20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 7-10 g |
| Fiber | 4-6 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Olives
Begin by draining the Taggiasca olives thoroughly to remove any excess oil from their brine. Set them aside while preparing the other ingredients.
Step 2: Make the Lemon-Chili Dressing
- Take the fresh chili peppers, remove the stems, and slice them open lengthwise to extract the seeds. Use kitchen gloves for this step if desired, as chili oils can be irritating to the skin.
- Finely slice the chilies into thin rings.
- Juice the lemon and strain it to remove any pulp or seeds.
- In a small jar, combine the strained lemon juice, a pinch of fine salt, a dash of black pepper (optional), the sliced chilies, and the extra virgin olive oil.
- Seal the jar tightly and shake it vigorously until the dressing emulsifies. Transfer it to a large salad bowl, where the salad will be mixed later.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash the cherry tomatoes and arugula thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half lengthwise.
- Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and peel off the skin. Slice the avocado into even wedges or cubes for easy serving.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- Add the drained Taggiasca olives and sliced avocado to the salad bowl containing the lemon-chili dressing. Toss gently to coat them evenly in the flavorful mixture.
- Next, add the arugula and the halved cherry tomatoes. Sprinkle the pumpkin seeds over the top for a crunchy texture.
Step 5: Final Touch
- Mix the salad gently to combine all the elements without bruising the avocado or arugula.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve immediately as a starter or pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a light yet satisfying meal. This vibrant salad also complements pasta dishes or roasted vegetables beautifully.
Enjoy the refreshing, tangy flavors and the delightful mix of textures in this simple yet sophisticated Avocado Salad!
