Avocado Tomato Onion Salad
Description
Avocado Tomato Onion Salad is a fresh, colorful, and incredibly easy salad that comes together in just minutes. Creamy avocado, juicy ripe tomatoes, and crisp red onion are tossed with fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, herbs, and simple seasonings.
The combination of creamy, juicy, crunchy, tangy, and fresh flavors makes this salad perfect for lunch, dinner, picnics, barbecues, or a light side dish. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, steak, or Mediterranean-inspired meals.
Because there is no complicated cooking involved, this salad is especially useful when you want something fresh and satisfying without spending much time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Salad
* 2 large ripe avocados
* 3 medium ripe tomatoes
* ½ medium red onion
* ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
* 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped, optional
* 1 small cucumber, diced, optional
* ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese, optional
### For the Dressing
* 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
* 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
* 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
* ½ teaspoon dried oregano
* ½ teaspoon salt
* ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
Istructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and dry the tomatoes thoroughly. Cut them into bite-size wedges or chunks. If they are particularly juicy, you can remove some of the seeds to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
Peel the red onion and slice it thinly. For a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced onion in cold water for 5–10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
2. Prepare the Avocado
Cut the avocados in half and remove the pits. Scoop the flesh out with a spoon and cut it into medium-sized cubes.
Choose avocados that are ripe but still slightly firm. Very soft avocado can become mushy when tossed with the other ingredient
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more lemon juice for extra brightness or a little more olive oil for a milder flavor.
4. Combine the Salad
Place the tomatoes, avocado, red onion, parsley, and optional cucumber in a large serving bowl.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables. Using a large spoon or salad servers, gently toss everything together. Be careful not to crush the avocado.
5. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh herbs and optional feta cheese. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
For the freshest presentation, add the avocado just before serving.
Notes & Tips
Choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best result. Cherry or grape tomatoes can also be used and are especially convenient because they hold their shape well.
To help prevent the avocado from browning, toss it gently with some of the fresh lemon juice before combining it with the other ingredients.
Do not prepare the salad too far in advance because avocado can soften and discolor over time. If you need to prepare it ahead, make the dressing and chop the vegetables separately. Add the avocado and dressing immediately before serving.
For extra Mediterranean flavor, add Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, cucumber, or a small handful of toasted sunflower seeds.
Servings & Timing
**Servings:** 4
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 0 minutes
**Total Time:** 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving without optional feta:
**Calories:** 240
**Protein:** 3g
**Carbohydrates:** 14g
**Fat:** 21g
**Fiber:** 7g
**Sugar:** 5g
Nutrition values are estimates and can vary depending on ingredient size and quantities.
Benefits
Avocado provides healthy unsaturated fats and dietary fiber, while tomatoes contribute vitamin C, potassium, and naturally occurring antioxidants. Fresh vegetables also add water and fiber to the meal.
This salad can be a satisfying side dish or paired with a lean protein source to create a more complete meal.
Serving Ideas
Serve Avocado Tomato Onion Salad alongside grilled chicken, baked fish, shrimp, steak, or roasted vegetables. It is also delicious with warm pita bread, hummus, or a Mediterranean grain bowl.
For a quick lunch, serve it over cooked quinoa or chickpeas and add feta for extra protein and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
**Can I make this salad ahead of time?**
It is best served immediately, but you can prepare the vegetables and dressing separately several hours ahead. Add avocado and dressing just before serving.
**How do I keep the avocado from turning brown?**
Fresh lemon juice helps slow browning. Keep the avocado covered and refrigerated until ready to serve.
**Can I use cherry tomatoes?**
Yes. Cherry or grape tomatoes are excellent choices and provide a slightly sweeter flavor.
**Can I add protein?**
Absolutely. Grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, tuna, or boiled eggs can turn this simple salad into a more substantial meal.
**Can I leave out the onion?**
Yes. If you prefer a milder salad, simply omit the onion or replace it with chopped green onions.