Vibrant Avocado Tomato Salad

Fresh, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful, this Avocado and Tomato Salad is the ultimate side dish, perfectly complementing any Mexican-themed meal. It’s also an absolute crowd-pleaser, making it an ideal choice for any potluck or gathering!

For more delicious and easy-to-make potluck salads that are sure to impress, explore our classic Potato Salad Recipe, the refreshing Pea Salad, or our always popular Broccoli Salad.

Why This Simple Avocado and Tomato Salad is a Must-Try

There’s a certain magic in simplicity, especially when it comes to cooking. Sometimes, the most memorable dishes are those that rely on just a few high-quality, fresh ingredients. This Avocado and Tomato Salad is a testament to that philosophy. It’s a recipe that has stood the test of time in my own kitchen, first crafted way back in 2008 alongside robust Steaks with Mexican Spices and Chile Con Queso. Its enduring appeal lies in its straightforward elegance and the burst of natural flavors it delivers with every bite.

In a world of complex culinary creations, rediscovering “gems” from your recipe archives can be incredibly rewarding. I often find myself wanting to explore new culinary horizons, but I also cherish the tried-and-true recipes that have brought so much joy over the years. This salad is one such gem. It’s a versatile dish that transitions seamlessly from a humble weeknight side to a vibrant centerpiece at any gathering.

Even when plump, sun-ripened tomatoes aren’t at their peak – say, in early spring – this salad still manages to shine. The combination of creamy avocado, crisp onion, and zesty lime creates a flavor profile that can elevate even less-than-perfect tomatoes. However, prepare for an absolutely extraordinary experience once summer arrives and local, in-season tomatoes hit the markets. That’s when this salad truly transforms into something sublime, a seasonal celebration you’ll want to make all summer long.

So, whether you’re hosting a festive Mexican dinner, contributing to a community potluck, or simply looking for a quick, healthy, and flavorful addition to your family’s weeknight meal, this Avocado and Tomato Salad offers the perfect solution. It’s not just a salad; it’s a vibrant, fresh statement that promises deliciousness with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. Make it once, and it’s sure to become a regular in your rotation.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Avocado and Tomato Salad

The beauty of this salad lies in its minimalist ingredient list. Each component plays a vital role, contributing to a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Choosing the best quality ingredients will undoubtedly elevate your salad from good to truly unforgettable. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for selecting them:

• Tomatoes: The Heart of the Salad
  For an unparalleled taste experience, nothing beats garden-fresh tomatoes. If you have access to locally grown, vine-ripened tomatoes, seize the opportunity! Their intense sweetness and juiciness are unmatched. When garden tomatoes aren’t available, focus on ripeness. “On the vine” tomatoes often offer a good balance of flavor, as they continue to ripen after being picked. Roma tomatoes are another excellent choice due to their firm flesh and relatively low seed count, making them ideal for dicing without introducing too much liquid. For a more varied texture or presentation, consider using a mix of larger slicing tomatoes and smaller cherry or grape tomatoes, halved. Aim for vibrant color and a slight give when gently squeezed. Avoid overly soft or bruised tomatoes, as they can quickly spoil the texture and flavor of the salad.
• Avocados: Creaminess and Healthy Fats
  Just like with tomatoes, perfectly ripe avocados are paramount. A ripe avocado will yield slightly to gentle pressure but won’t feel mushy. Its skin will often darken slightly, but color isn’t always the best indicator. If your avocados are on the smaller side, consider adding three instead of two to ensure that delightful creaminess permeates every bite. To dice an avocado, carefully slice it in half lengthwise, twist to separate, and remove the pit. Make crosshatch cuts within the flesh while it’s still in its skin, then scoop out the diced pieces with a spoon. A squeeze of lime juice, as used in this recipe, will also help prevent the avocado from browning too quickly, keeping your salad looking fresh and appealing. For best results, use avocados that are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape after dicing.
• Onion: A Touch of Zesty Crunch
  I highly recommend using red onion for this salad. Its distinct, slightly sweet, and mild flavor profile complements the other ingredients without overpowering them. Red onions also add a beautiful pop of color to the dish. To mellow its sharpness further, you can thinly slice the onion and soak it in a bowl of cold water for about 10-15 minutes, then drain thoroughly before adding to the salad. This technique helps reduce the pungency. However, if red onion isn’t your favorite, or if you prefer an even milder taste, thinly sliced green onions (scallions) or finely minced shallots can be excellent substitutes, offering a more delicate onion flavor.
• Cilantro: The Herbaceous Star
  Cilantro is a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine and provides a fresh, bright, and slightly citrusy note that is essential to this salad’s character. Its aromatic presence truly elevates the dish. If you’re one of the few who find cilantro unappealing (due to that “soapy” genetic predisposition), don’t despair! Fresh parsley, particularly flat-leaf Italian parsley, can be used as an alternative. While it won’t replicate the exact flavor, it will still offer a fresh, herbaceous element. For a different, slightly sweet aroma, a small amount of chopped fresh mint or basil could also be interesting variations, creating a unique twist on the classic. Ensure your cilantro is fresh and vibrant green.
• Lime Juice: The Brightening Agent
  Freshly squeezed lime juice is non-negotiable for this recipe. It adds a crucial acidic brightness that ties all the flavors together, cutting through the richness of the avocado and enhancing the sweetness of the tomatoes. Bottled lime juice simply doesn’t compare in terms of vibrant flavor and often contains preservatives that can alter the taste. Always reach for fresh limes; you’ll notice the difference immediately. To get the most juice from your limes, roll them firmly on a countertop before slicing. Lemon juice can be a substitute, offering a similar tang, but lime is truly ideal for the Mexican flavor profile we’re aiming for.
• Olive Oil: The Unifying Drizzle
  Since this salad features raw ingredients and a simple dressing, the quality of your olive oil matters significantly. Choose an extra virgin olive oil that you genuinely enjoy the flavor of, as its nuances will be noticeable in the final dish. A good quality olive oil will add a subtle fruitiness, a smooth mouthfeel, and a hint of peppery notes, contributing to the overall richness and depth without being heavy. Avoid generic vegetable oils, which lack the flavor complexity needed for this simple preparation.
• Salt: The Flavor Enhancer
  Salt is often overlooked but is absolutely critical to the success of any dish, especially a simple salad. It doesn’t just make things salty; it enhances and balances all the other flavors, bringing out the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the avocado. Start with a pinch and add more to taste, ensuring you sprinkle it evenly. Tasting and adjusting the salt is the secret to making this salad truly sing. A good quality sea salt or kosher salt is recommended, as their larger crystals offer a better mouthfeel and more controlled seasoning than fine table salt.

Mastering Your Avocado and Tomato Salad: Tips for Success

While this salad is wonderfully simple to prepare, a few key tips can help ensure it’s absolutely perfect every time. Paying attention to ingredient selection and the order of operations will guarantee the best results and a visually appealing dish.

1. Chop Evenly for Harmony: Aim for consistent, large dice for both tomatoes and avocados. This ensures that each bite offers a balanced combination of textures and flavors. Thinly slicing the red onion is crucial for a delicate crunch that integrates well without overwhelming the palate. Uniform cuts also contribute to a more professional and appealing presentation.
2. Gentle Mixing is Key: Avocados are delicate and can easily turn mushy if over-handled. Use a gentle hand and a wide spatula or spoon when combining the ingredients to avoid mashing the avocado pieces. The goal is to lightly coat everything with the dressing, not to create a guacamole-like consistency.
3. Strategic Avocado Browning Prevention: While the recipe asks you to combine all ingredients then squeeze lime, an extra tip for preventing avocado browning is to lightly toss the diced avocado with a small amount of lime juice immediately after cutting it, before adding it to the rest of the salad. This creates a protective acidic barrier, slowing down oxidation.
4. Always Taste and Adjust: The amount of salt, lime juice, and olive oil can be adjusted precisely to your personal preference and the ripeness of your produce. Always taste a small portion of the salad after the initial mixing and make any necessary adjustments before serving. This step is vital for achieving optimal flavor balance.
5. Serve Fresh for Peak Flavor: This salad is at its absolute best when enjoyed shortly after it’s made, ideally within an hour or two. While it can be stored, the avocado will begin to oxidize and brown over time, even with the lime juice. For the freshest taste and appearance, prepare it just before your meal.

Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings

The versatility of this Avocado and Tomato Salad makes it an exceptional addition to a wide variety of meals. Its fresh, zesty profile cuts through richer dishes and complements lighter fares beautifully, making it a true culinary chameleon.

• The Ultimate Mexican Feast Companion: As mentioned, this salad is a quintessential side dish to any Mexican-themed meal. Serve it alongside hearty Mexican Spiced Steaks, cheesy chicken enchiladas, flavorful beef tacos, loaded burritos, or crispy tostadas. It offers a refreshing and vibrant contrast to the often rich, spicy, and savory flavors of traditional Mexican fare, cleansing the palate with every bite.
• Grilled Delights’ Best Friend: This salad is an ideal side for anything hot off the grill during warmer months. Pair it with perfectly grilled chicken breasts, flaky marinated fish fillets like salmon or cod, or succulent grilled shrimp skewers. The smoky flavors from the grill pair wonderfully with the cool, fresh elements of the salad, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
• A Star at Summer BBQs and Potlucks: Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste make this salad an undeniable hit at any summer gathering, backyard BBQ, or potluck. It stands out amongst traditional heavier sides like potato or macaroni salads, offering a lighter, healthier, yet equally satisfying option. Its simplicity also means it travels well and is easy to serve.
• Elevate Your Light Lunch: For a quick, healthy, and satisfying lunch, you can easily transform this side salad into a main course. Simply add some grilled chicken or steak, canned and rinsed chickpeas, black beans, or even a handful of cooked quinoa to boost its protein and fiber content, making it a complete and nourishing meal.
• Creative Topping or Garnish: Don’t limit yourself to serving it strictly on the side. This salad makes an incredible topping for various dishes. Spoon it generously over crispy nachos, vibrant burrito bowls, or even as a fresh, zesty garnish for your morning scrambled eggs or avocado toast. Its bright flavors can awaken any dish.

Creative Variations to Elevate Your Salad

While the classic Avocado and Tomato Salad is perfect in its elegant simplicity, it also serves as an excellent canvas for creative additions and variations. Don’t hesitate to experiment with these ideas to tailor the salad to your personal taste or to fit different meal themes!

• Add More Hearty Vegetables for Texture and Flavor:
  • Corn: Fresh, grilled, or canned (and well-drained) corn kernels add a wonderful sweet crunch and a pop of yellow color. Roasted corn can impart a smoky depth.
  • Black Beans: Rinsed and drained black beans introduce a hearty, earthy element and extra protein, perfectly aligning with a Mexican theme. They make the salad more substantial.
  • Bell Peppers: Diced red, yellow, or orange bell peppers bring more vibrant color, a sweet crisp texture, and additional vitamins.
  • Jicama: For an unexpected, refreshing crunch and subtle sweetness, jicama is an excellent addition, particularly for a lighter, more refreshing salad.
• Introduce a Spicy Kick for Those Who Love Heat:
  • Jalapeño or Serrano: Finely minced fresh chilies (seeds removed for less heat, or left in for extra fire) can add a delightful fiery dimension and a fresh, peppery aroma.
  • Chili Powder/Cumin: A pinch of smoked paprika, chili powder, or ground cumin can deepen the savory flavors and enhance the Mexican profile, adding a warm, earthy undertone.
  • Hot Sauce: A dash of your favorite Mexican-style hot sauce or a drizzle of chipotle adobo sauce (from a can of chipotles in adobo) will provide both heat and a rich, smoky flavor.
• Incorporate Cheesy Goodness for Extra Richness:
  • Cotija Cheese: Crumbled cotija cheese offers a salty, firm, and crumbly texture that’s traditional in Mexican cuisine and pairs beautifully with the avocado and tomato.
  • Feta Cheese: For a slightly different tang and creaminess, crumbled feta cheese is a fantastic addition, lending a briny counterpoint to the fresh vegetables.
• Experiment with Different Herbs & Citrus for a Twist:
  • Mint or Basil: Instead of or in addition to cilantro, fresh mint or basil can completely change the salad’s aromatic profile, perfect for a Mediterranean or purely summer garden vibe.
  • Orange Segments: A few segments of fresh orange or grapefruit can add a surprising burst of sweetness and acidity, especially if you’re going for a more fruit-forward, bright salad.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: A splash of good quality red wine vinegar can be added to or replace some of the lime juice for a different acidic base.

Health Benefits of This Avocado and Tomato Salad

This salad isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it’s also packed with nutritional goodness, making it a fantastic choice for a healthy lifestyle. Each ingredient contributes to a wholesome and beneficial dish:

• Avocados: Often hailed as a superfood, avocados are a powerhouse of healthy monounsaturated fats, which are known to be beneficial for heart health and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels. They also provide a significant amount of dietary fiber, potassium (even more than bananas!), and essential vitamins such as K, C, B6, and E, which support various bodily functions from blood clotting to antioxidant protection.
• Tomatoes: These vibrant fruits (yes, botanically they’re fruits!) are incredibly rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant responsible for their red color, known for its potential to protect against certain cancers and heart disease. Tomatoes are also an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and folate, supporting immunity, bone health, and overall well-being.
• Red Onions: Beyond their delightful crunch and mild flavor, red onions contain beneficial compounds like quercetin, a potent antioxidant, and sulfur compounds that may help reduce inflammation and cholesterol levels. They also provide a good dose of vitamin C, fiber, and prebiotics, which are great for gut health.
• Cilantro: This aromatic herb is more than just a garnish. Cilantro is known for its antioxidant properties and has been studied for its potential to aid in detoxification processes. It provides vitamins K and A, as well as several trace minerals, contributing to overall health.
• Lime Juice: An excellent and natural source of vitamin C, lime juice is fantastic for boosting immunity, aiding in iron absorption, and promoting healthy skin through collagen production. Its acidity also helps in digestion.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, lauded for its numerous health benefits. It provides healthy monounsaturated fats and powerful antioxidants (polyphenols) that can help fight inflammation and protect against chronic diseases. Choosing a high-quality extra virgin olive oil ensures you reap the maximum benefits.

Enjoying this Avocado and Tomato Salad means you’re not just savoring incredible fresh flavors, but also nourishing your body with a diverse array of essential vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and antioxidants. It’s a simple step towards a healthier, more vibrant you.

More Super Side Salads for Every Occasion

If you loved the simplicity, freshness, and versatility of this Avocado and Tomato Salad, you’re in for a treat! We have a wide array of other fantastic side salads that are perfect for any meal, from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. Each recipe is designed to be easy to follow and packed with flavor.

• Zucchini Salad with Tomatoes: A light, refreshing, and wonderfully summery staple that highlights garden-fresh produce.
• Homemade Coleslaw: Crisp, creamy, and classic – this is the perfect BBQ partner and a crowd-pleaser for any casual meal.
• Tomato and Black Bean Quinoa Salad: A hearty and healthy option, packed with protein and fiber, making it great as a substantial side or a light vegetarian meal.
• Cucumber Onion Salad: A tangy, cool, and incredibly refreshing choice, perfect for cutting through richer main courses or as a palate cleanser.

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Avocado and Tomato Salad

Fresh and bright, this Avocado and Tomato Salad is a perfect side dish alongside any Mexican themed meal. It’s also a great potluck salad!

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

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Ingredients

• 2 large tomatoes, cut into a large dice
• 2 avocados, cut into a large dice (if small, use 3)
• 1 small red onion or half of a medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• Juice of 2 fresh limes
• Extra virgin olive oil (to taste)
• Salt (to taste)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, avocados, thinly sliced red onions, and chopped cilantro.
2. Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the top of the ingredients and drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil. Gently stir to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado.
3. Taste the salad and add salt as needed, adjusting to your preference. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.

Video

Watch how easy it is to make this delightful salad:

Recipe Notes:

This recipe was adapted from Every Day with Rachael Ray November 2008.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1/6 of recipe

Calories: 127 kcal (6%)

Carbohydrates: 6g (2%)

Protein: 1g (2%)

Fat: 12g (18%)

Saturated Fat: 2g (13%)

Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Fiber: 4g (17%)

Keywords: avocado and tomato salad, Mexican salad, fresh side dish, easy salad, healthy salad, potluck recipe, summer salad, vegetarian, gluten-free