If you are looking for a delicious summer recipe, consider this tomato, avocado, and feta salad. It is made with fresh herbs, juicy tomatoes, and healthy fats. You could beef it up and add grilled chicken or baked salmon to make a complete lunch or serve as the perfect side dish.
Tomato, Avocado, And Feta Salad Recipe
A colorful salad always completes a BBQ or outdoor meal with friends. This easy salad only needs a few ingredients to put together.
Ingredients:
- 2 avocados, peeled, pit removed and diced
- 1 cup tomato, seeded and diced
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- black pepper to taste
- 1 package, 5 oz, crumbled feta cheese
- crusty bread, optional for serving
Directions:
Add avocados, tomatoes, onion, garlic, cilantro, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and feta cheese to a bowl and mix well to evenly coat.
Serve immediately with crusty bread or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Makes 4 cups
Tips and Suggestions:
- Add red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar to change the flavor profile.
- Substitute in goat cheese or mozzarella cheese if you don’t have feta.
- Personally, I like to add crunchy cucumbers, like Persian cucumbers, to add a bite to my salads. Also, consider Kalamata olives, fresh corn, additional crispy red onion, and bell peppers.
- If you like creamy salads, swap your dressing for something more robust – tangy feta cheese dressing.
- To store leftovers, refrigerate the remaining salad in an airtight container.
What can you serve with an avocado tomato salad?
A tomato feta salad pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Grilled Meats: Chicken, lamb, beef, or pork grilled with herbs and spices can complement the fresh and tangy flavors of the salad.
- Seafood: Grilled shrimp, salmon, or a light white fish like tilapia or cod can be a great match.
- Mediterranean Dishes: Consider serving it with dishes like falafel, hummus, tzatziki, or baba ganoush, along with pita bread or naan.
- Grains: Quinoa, couscous, bulgur, or a simple rice pilaf can add some substance to the meal.
- Vegetarian Options: Stuffed bell peppers, eggplant parmesan, or a vegetable tart can be good choices.
- Pasta: Light pasta dishes such as pasta primavera or a lemony spaghetti aglio e olio can pair nicely.
- Bread: A fresh loaf of crusty bread, garlic bread, or focaccia can help soak up the juices from the salad.
- Wine: Pair the meal with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine like Pinot Noir.
These combinations will create a balanced and delicious meal that complements the flavors of the tomato feta salad.
Tips For Picking A Perfectly Ripe Avocado
Consider a few key factors when picking a perfectly ripe avocado at the grocery store. First, examine the color; a ripe avocado typically has a darker green to almost black skin, although this can vary by variety. Next, gently squeeze the avocado in the palm of your hand—it should yield to gentle pressure and feel slightly soft but not mushy. The firmness is a reliable indicator of ripeness: very firm avocados are not yet ripe, while overly soft ones may be past their prime.
Another tip is to check the stem. Flick off the small stem or cap at the top of the avocado; it is ripe if it comes off easily and reveals green underneath. If it’s difficult to remove or shows brown underneath, it’s either not ripe or overripe. Additionally, the skin’s texture can provide a clue—a ripe avocado often has a slightly bumpy texture, especially in varieties like Hass. Finally, consider the weight and sound of the avocado.
A ripe avocado should feel heavy for its size, and when shaken gently, it should not have a rattling seed inside. Combining these methods can increase your chances of selecting a perfectly ripe avocado.
This avocado feta salad is the perfect addition to any summer meal. It is an easy recipe that you will lean on last minute repeatedly. We just made this simple salad last night as a main dish!
Meal prep ahead, but don’t toss with your dressing until right before serving. Add your own little twist to make this recipe your own. The combination of flavors will make your light lunch shine!
Bonus tip: serve with a side of tortilla chips for a little fun.