Name: TOMATO AVOCADO SALAD RECIPE
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups cucumber, diced (English or Persian cucumbers work best); 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved; 2 ripe avocados, diced; ¼ cup red onion, finely sliced; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (or lime juice); 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 6 reviews

This TOMATO AVOCADO SALAD RECIPE is absolutely everything I crave as soon as the weather turns warm: juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and a sunny, tangy dressing that brings the whole bowl to life. Whether you’re planning a breezy picnic, looking for a vibrant side dish for grilled chicken, or simply want to savor all that’s glorious about fresh produce, this salad has you covered. With every bite, you’ll discover a harmony of colors, tastes, and textures—it’s the very definition of summer on a plate!

TOMATO AVOCADO SALAD RECIPE - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines with a cast of simple yet essential ingredients, each working its magic to turn an ordinary salad into something memorable. Be sure to use the freshest vegetables and herbs you can find—every detail matters!

Cucumber: Crisp and hydrating, cucumber adds a cool, satisfying crunch to the salad. Opt for English or Persian cucumbers for their tender skins and minimal seeds.
Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: These little gems burst with juicy sweetness and offer bold pops of color; halving them enhances their flavor and makes every bite more enjoyable.
Avocado: Choose ripe but firm avocados to provide creamy richness without turning mushy—the cubes will blend perfectly without losing their shape.
Red Onion: Sliced thinly, red onion delivers a punchy, slightly sharp lift that balances the creaminess of avocado and the sweetness of tomatoes.
Fresh Parsley or Cilantro: Either herb infuses the salad with fresh, aromatic notes that brighten the entire dish.
Garlic: Minced garlic offers a gentle, savory depth—just enough to intrigue the palate without overpowering the vegetables.
Salt and Pepper: These basics are the secret to making each flavor sing; season to taste for the most satisfying results.
Olive Oil: Choose extra virgin olive oil for a smooth, fruity base that enhances every ingredient in the bowl.
Lemon Juice (or Lime Juice): A squeeze of citrus brightens everything and keeps the avocados looking vibrant—it’s like sunshine in your salad.
Red Wine Vinegar: Just a splash adds a gentle tang that lifts the dressing and ties all the flavors together.

How to Make TOMATO AVOCADO SALAD RECIPE

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Begin by chopping the cucumber into neat, uniform cubes, halving the cherry or grape tomatoes, and slicing the avocados into bite-sized pieces. Taking the extra minute for even dicing means every bite will have the perfect balance of flavors and textures!

Step 2: Mix Everything Together

Transfer the cucumber, tomatoes, and avocado into a spacious salad bowl. Add the thinly sliced red onion, scattering it evenly so every forkful gets just the right amount of zip and color.

Step 3: Add Herbs and Seasonings

Sprinkle the chopped parsley or cilantro generously over the salad. Toss in the minced garlic, a good pinch of salt, and some freshly cracked black pepper—these little touches pull all the bold flavors together, giving your salad an unmistakable Mediterranean flair.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar until the dressing is silky and emulsified. Drizzle it over the salad ingredients, making sure everything gets an even coat for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Toss and Rest

Gently toss the entire TOMATO AVOCADO SALAD RECIPE to combine, using soft motions to keep the avocado intact. Let the salad sit for a couple of minutes—this little pause allows the flavors to mingle and intensify before serving.

How to Serve TOMATO AVOCADO SALAD RECIPE

Garnishes

For a gorgeous presentation and irresistible flavor, try topping your salad with a sprinkle of extra chopped herbs, a dusting of flaky sea salt, or a twist of freshly ground pepper. For a special touch, you might add thin slices of radish for extra color and crunch, or a few crumbles of feta cheese to make it extra decadent.

Side Dishes

This salad plays well with absolutely everything! Pair it with grilled meats, fish, or a hearty vegetarian main. It’s wonderful alongside crusty bread for a light lunch or as a bright, refreshing counterpoint to spicier dishes. You’ll find it complements almost any Mediterranean-inspired meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party-ready look, serve the TOMATO AVOCADO SALAD RECIPE in individual glass jars or layered in parfait glasses to showcase those vibrant layers. You can also mound it atop a bed of arugula or baby spinach, or use it to stuff pita pockets for a fun and portable twist that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. While the tomatoes and cucumber stay crisp, the avocado’s texture will soften and its color may darken a bit, but it will still taste delicious the next day. For best results, try to enjoy within 24 hours.

Freezing

The TOMATO AVOCADO SALAD RECIPE isn’t a good candidate for freezing, since both avocados and tomatoes can become watery and lose their wonderful textures once thawed. This dish truly shines when served fresh, so make only as much as you’ll savor in a day or two!

Reheating

Salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat—just give the salad a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing. If any ingredients have released extra liquid, you can drain it off to keep flavors bright and bold.

FAQs

Can I make the TOMATO AVOCADO SALAD RECIPE in advance?

You can prep the veggies and make the dressing a few hours ahead of time, but wait to dice the avocado and combine everything until just before serving. This helps keep the avocado vibrant and prevents it from browning.

What’s the best way to keep the avocado from browning?

Lemon or lime juice in the dressing acts as a natural preservative and helps slow browning. Be sure to coat your avocado pieces thoroughly, and cover the salad tightly if storing in the fridge before serving.

Can I customize the TOMATO AVOCADO SALAD RECIPE with extra ingredients?

Absolutely! This salad is extremely versatile. Add chopped bell peppers for more crunch, sliced radishes for a peppery bite, cubes of feta, or even toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp to turn it into a heartier meal.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicy?

To give your TOMATO AVOCADO SALAD RECIPE a spicy kick, mix in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or finely chop fresh jalapeño to taste. It adds a surprising layer of warmth that’s fabulous for spice lovers!

What can I use instead of red wine vinegar?

If you don’t have red wine vinegar on hand, white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even a dash of balsamic vinegar will all work in a pinch. Each brings its own subtle flavor, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite combination.

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to try this TOMATO AVOCADO SALAD RECIPE the next time you’re craving something fresh, colorful, and outrageously delicious. It’s a true crowd-pleaser, easily adaptable, and comes together in a flash—making it the perfect go-to for any occasion. Give it a try and let those gorgeous summer flavors brighten your table!