Fresh Tomato Avocado and Arugula Salad Recipe: Zesty Summer Joy

Crafting a vibrant tomato avocado and arugula salad brings pure culinary joy to your plate.

Summer’s freshest ingredients dance together in this simple yet elegant dish.

Crisp arugula provides a peppery backbone that perfectly complements sweet ripe tomatoes.

Creamy avocado adds luxurious texture and richness to each delightful bite.

Minimal preparation means maximum flavor in just minutes.

Simple seasonings enhance natural ingredient qualities without overwhelming delicate profiles.

Let’s create a salad that celebrates seasonal produce and makes every meal feel special.

A Refreshing Mix of Tomato, Avocado, and Arugula

• Boost Nutrition Instantly: Packed with vibrant, fresh ingredients like arugula, avocados, and tomatoes, this salad delivers a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats in every delightful bite.
• Whip Up with Ease: Requiring minimal cooking skills and just a few simple steps, this recipe is perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customize Your Creation: Flexible and adaptable, you can easily swap ingredients, add protein, or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences or dietary needs, making it a versatile go-to dish.
• Impress Without Stress: This restaurant-quality salad looks and tastes sophisticated, yet comes together in minutes, allowing you to serve a gorgeous, flavorful dish that will wow family and friends.

Ingredients Checklist for This Salad

• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet bite-sized tomatoes that add bright color and fresh flavor to the salad.
• Avocados: Creamy, rich fruit that provides a smooth texture and healthy fats.
• Arugula: Peppery green leafy vegetable that gives a zesty and crisp base to the salad.
• Red Onion: Sharp and colorful vegetable that adds a mild bite and crunchy texture.
• Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing vegetable that provides a cool and light element.
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic herb that brings a fragrant and herbal note to the dish.

• Lemon Juice: Tangy citrus liquid that brightens the overall flavor of the salad.
• Olive Oil: Smooth and rich oil that helps bind the dressing and adds richness.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Sweet and slightly acidic liquid that deepens the dressing's complexity.
• Garlic: Pungent and flavorful ingredient that adds depth to the dressing.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance the salad's flavors.
• Feta Cheese: Optional creamy and tangy cheese that adds a salty and rich finish to the salad.

How to Prepare Tomato Avocado Arugula Salad

Step 1: Chop Fresh Produce

Slice cherry tomatoes in half, dice ripe avocados into chunks, roughly chop arugula leaves, thinly slice red onion, and cut cucumber into small cubes.

Tear fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces.

• Cherry tomatoes
• Avocados
• Arugula
• Red onion
• Cucumber
• Fresh basil leaves

Combine all chopped ingredients in a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 2: Craft Zesty Dressing

In a separate small bowl, blend tangy ingredients to create a vibrant vinaigrette.

• Fresh lemon juice
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Minced garlic
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk all ingredients until thoroughly combined and slightly emulsified.

Step 3: Dress and Toss Salad

Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the chopped vegetables and herbs.

Using salad tongs or two large spoons, gently toss the ingredients to ensure even coating.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touch

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad for an extra burst of creamy flavor.

Give the salad one final gentle toss to distribute the cheese.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the salad to serving plates immediately.

Best enjoyed fresh and at room temperature for maximum flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Perfectly Balanced Flavors

• Chop ingredients just before serving to maintain crisp textures and vibrant flavors.
• Drizzle dressing gradually and taste as you go to prevent oversaturating delicate arugula leaves.
• Toss avocado with lemon juice to slow oxidation and keep it bright green.
• Let salad sit for 5 minutes after dressing to allow ingredients to marinate and blend tastes.
• Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for a more substantial meal option.

Variations to Suit Your Taste

• Mediterranean Herb Salad: Replace arugula with mixed herbs like parsley, mint, and dill for a refreshing Mediterranean-style version.
• Protein-Packed Option: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to transform the salad into a complete meal with extra protein.
• Vegan Friendly Remix: Substitute feta with plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast crumbles to make the salad completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Incorporate roasted corn, black beans, and add a dash of chili powder to give the salad a southwestern kick with increased flavor complexity.

Serving Ideas for Elegant Salad Presentation

• Fresh Summer Picnic Plate: Serve this vibrant salad as a colorful side dish at outdoor gatherings, perfect for complementing grilled meats or as a light standalone lunch.
• Elegant Appetizer Presentation: Arrange the salad on individual small plates with a crisp white wine, creating a sophisticated starter for dinner parties or intimate gatherings.
• Protein Power Boost: Top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to transform it into a more substantial meal that delivers extra nutrition and satisfying texture.
• Mediterranean Mezze Companion: Pair the salad with warm pita bread, hummus, and olives for a Mediterranean-inspired spread that celebrates fresh, vibrant ingredients.

Storing Guidelines for Best Freshness

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent wilting.
• Divide salad ingredients and dressing into different containers to maintain freshness and crispness.
• Consume chilled salad within 24 hours for best texture and flavor. Arugula and avocado can become soggy if stored too long.
• Do not freeze this salad as avocados and leafy greens will lose their texture and become mushy when thawed.

FAQs

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

No, this salad is best served fresh. Avocados and arugula can quickly become brown and wilted, so prepare and dress the salad just before serving to maintain its crisp texture and vibrant colors.

• Is this salad considered healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients. Arugula provides vitamins A and K, avocados offer healthy fats, tomatoes are rich in lycopene, and the olive oil dressing adds heart-healthy benefits.

• Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have some on hand?

Yes, you can easily swap ingredients. Replace arugula with spinach, use different vinegars instead of balsamic, or swap feta with goat cheese or parmesan. The key is maintaining a balance of fresh flavors.

Tomato Avocado And Arugula Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Summer’s classic tomato avocado and arugula salad melds fresh Mediterranean flavors with crisp ingredients. Delicate greens complement ripe tomatoes and creamy avocado, offering you a refreshing light meal perfect for warm afternoons.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved, or 3 large tomatoes, diced
• 4 cups fresh arugula
• 1 large cucumber, diced

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dressing and Optional Toppings:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh basil, chopped

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Instructions

1. Dice ripe cherry tomatoes, slice creamy avocados, and roughly chop fresh arugula leaves into a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Thinly slice crisp red onion and cucumber, adding them to the vegetable medley along with delicate torn basil leaves.
3. Create a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking together zesty lemon juice, rich olive oil, tangy balsamic vinegar, and finely minced garlic.
4. Season the dressing with a pinch of sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, blending the ingredients until smoothly incorporated.
5. Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the salad, using gentle folding motions to coat each ingredient without bruising the delicate greens.
6. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese across the top for an additional layer of creamy, salty flavor if desired.
7. Allow the salad to rest for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together, then serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Choose ripe but firm avocados to prevent the salad from becoming mushy and maintain a fresh, vibrant texture.
• Use fresh, high-quality ingredients like crisp arugula and sweet cherry tomatoes to enhance the salad’s overall flavor profile.
• For a dairy-free version, replace feta cheese with toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds to add crunch and protein.
• Prepare the dressing separately and add just before serving to keep the arugula crisp and prevent wilting from excess liquid.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Shaking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg