Bursting with Flavor: Your New Favorite Tomato, Cucumber, and Avocado Salad

This vibrant Tomato, Cucumber, and Avocado Salad, inspired by simple Italian flavors, is more than just a side dish – it’s a craving! So fresh, so satisfying, and so easy to make, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again, no matter the season. Forget waiting for summer; this salad brings a taste of sunshine to your table all year long.

What makes this salad truly special? It’s the perfect harmony of simple, fresh ingredients and a dressing that elevates every bite. Passed down through generations, the base of this recipe has stood the test of time for a reason. Each component plays its part, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that is simply irresistible. You won’t eat this salad because you feel you should, but because you want to – it’s that addictive! If you’re a fan of my Rustic Tomato and Cucumber Salad, you’re going to absolutely adore its creamy, avocado-enhanced sibling.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Fresh & Flavorful: Ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, and fragrant basil come alive with a simple yet perfect dressing.
• Quick & Easy: With minimal prep, you can have this stunning salad on the table in under 30 minutes.
• Versatile: Perfect as a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or even an appetizer.
• Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, healthy fats, and antioxidants.
• Adaptable: Easily customize with your favorite additions or dietary needs.

Ingredients

For the most delicious salad, start with the freshest, most flavorful ingredients you can find.

The Vegetables:

• 4 medium ripe tomatoes
• 4 baby cucumbers (or 1 English cucumber)
• 1 ripe Hass avocado
• ½ medium red onion, peeled and diced
• ½ bunch fresh basil, rinsed, dried, and finely chopped
• 1 pinch granulated sugar (for the tomatoes)

The Dressing:

• 6 Tbsp good quality extra virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• ¾ tsp kosher salt
• ¾ tsp granulated sugar
• 1 garlic clove, pressed
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your perfect Tomato, Cucumber, and Avocado Salad:

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Core the tomatoes, cut each in half, then cut each half lengthwise into 3 wedges. Cut each wedge crosswise in half. Place the cut tomatoes in a large bowl and sprinkle with a pinch of sugar. Gently toss.
2. Prepare the Cucumbers: Trim the ends of the cucumbers. If using regular cucumbers with thick skin or large seeds, peel and seed them. For baby or English cucumbers, simply slice into ¼-inch thick rounds, slightly on the diagonal. Add the cucumber slices to the bowl with the tomatoes.
3. Add Avocado, Onion, and Basil: Cut the avocado in half lengthwise, remove the pit, and gently peel away the skin. Slice the avocado into ⅜-inch thick slices, slightly on the diagonal, and add them to the bowl with the tomatoes and cucumbers. Add the diced red onion and chopped fresh basil.
4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, kosher salt, granulated sugar, pressed garlic clove, dried oregano, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until well blended.
5. Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables in the large bowl.
6. Toss and Serve: Gently toss the salad using both hands to ensure all the vegetables are lightly coated with the dressing. You can serve the salad immediately, or for even better flavor, cover the bowl and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.

You Must Know

This salad thrives on the quality of its ingredients. Opt for truly ripe and flavorful tomatoes and avocados. The resting time at room temperature is crucial for the flavors to meld beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare some components ahead of time.

• Make Ahead: The tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion can be chopped and the dressing can be whisked together a few hours in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator. Add the avocado and basil just before serving, then combine with the dressing and toss.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Be aware that the avocado may brown slightly, and the vegetables will soften over time.

Seasonal Variations

While delicious year-round, embrace seasonal produce for peak flavor:

• Summer: Capitalize on the abundance of ripe, juicy heirloom tomatoes.
• Spring: Add fresh spring onions or chives for a milder onion flavor.
• Fall: Consider adding diced bell peppers in various colors for sweetness and crunch.
• Winter: Even in winter, quality hothouse cucumbers and ripened-at-home tomatoes can provide a taste of brightness.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes:

• As a Side: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, steak, or вашей любимой main course.
• As a Light Meal: Enjoy a generous portion on its own for a refreshing and satisfying lunch.
• With Bread: Don’t forget a piece of crusty sourdough or a fresh French baguette to soak up every last drop of that incredible dressing!

No-Bake Alternative

This salad is already a no-bake wonder! It requires no cooking whatsoever, making it a perfect choice for hot days or when you want a quick and easy dish.

Pro Tips

• Choose Ripe Produce: This is the single most important factor for a delicious salad.
• Ripen Tomatoes on the Counter: If your tomatoes aren’t quite ripe, leave them on a windowsill for a few days.
• Select Firm Cucumbers: Avoid soft or wrinkled cucumbers.
• Check Avocado Ripeness: A ripe avocado will yield to gentle pressure and have green under the stem cap, without brown spots inside.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the salad to sit at room temperature lets the flavors meld beautifully.
• Adjust Dressing Ratio: While the recipe uses a 2:1 oil to acid ratio for brightness, feel free to adjust to your personal preference. Consider the acidity of your red wine vinegar.
• Quality Olive Oil: Using a good quality extra virgin olive oil makes a noticeable difference in the dressing’s flavor.
• Fresh Herbs are Key: Fresh basil adds a wonderful aroma and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of vinegar? A: Yes, while red wine vinegar is traditional and recommended for its slightly sweet tang, you could experiment with white wine vinegar or even a good quality balsamic vinegar (though balsamic will change the color of the salad). Adjust the sugar in the dressing as needed based on the acidity of the vinegar.

Q: How can I prevent the avocado from browning in leftovers? A: While some browning is inevitable, the acidity in the dressing helps. For longer storage, you can try pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad in the storage container to minimize air exposure.

Q: Can I add cheese to this salad? A: Absolutely! Crumbled feta cheese or fresh mozzarella balls are delicious additions that complement the other flavors well.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh basil? A: While fresh basil is highly recommended, you could use a smaller amount of dried basil in the dressing, or substitute with other fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a different flavor profile.

Q: Can I make this salad spicier? A: Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or finely dice a small amount of jalapeño or other chili pepper and add it to the vegetable mix.

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