Why Make This Recipe
Italian Tomato, Cucumber, and Avocado Salad is a fresh and healthy dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. This salad is perfect for warm days when you want something light and delicious. It’s quick to prepare, making it a great choice for a busy weeknight or a sunny picnic.
How to Make Italian Tomato, Cucumber, and Avocado Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado.
- Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss the ingredients to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for a few hours before serving for the best flavor.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
How to Serve Italian Tomato, Cucumber, and Avocado Salad
This salad can be served as a side dish for grilled meats or fish, or enjoyed on its own for a light lunch. It pairs well with crusty bread or crackers. You can also serve it in a bowl or on a platter for a lovely presentation.
How to Store Italian Tomato, Cucumber, and Avocado Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best eaten within a day, as the avocado may brown and the salad could become soggy over time. You can add more fresh ingredients before serving any leftovers to keep it fresh.
Tips to Make Italian Tomato, Cucumber, and Avocado Salad
- Use ripe but firm avocados to keep them from getting mushy in the salad.
- Chill the salad for at least an hour for the best flavor.
- Feel free to add other ingredients like red onion, bell peppers, or feta cheese for extra flavor.
Variation
You can customize the salad by adding ingredients like olives, mozzarella balls, or even grilled shrimp for a heartier option.
FAQs
Q: Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
A: While fresh tomatoes are recommended for flavor, you can use canned tomatoes if you are in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well.
Q: How can I make the salad more filling?
A: To make the salad more filling, consider adding cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or lentils.
Q: Is there a substitute for red wine vinegar?
A: Yes, you can use balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute for red wine vinegar.
Italian Tomato, Cucumber, and Avocado Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced Use ripe but firm avocados to avoid mushiness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar Can substitute with balsamic or apple cider vinegar.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, and avocado.
- Drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar over the salad.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Gently toss the ingredients to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for a few hours before serving for the best flavor.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.