Avocado Salad

Fresh salad with avocado and feta cheese

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 2

Who doesn't love a fresh, colorful, and flavorful salad? This avocado and feta cheese salad is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, making it the perfect choice for any meal. Avocado, known for its creamy texture and subtle taste, perfectly blends with the flavors of fresh vegetables and feta cheese, creating an explosion of flavor in every bite.

The history of salads is fascinating, with deep roots in the culinary traditions of many cultures. These dishes have evolved over time, but their essence has remained constant: a combination of fresh ingredients that surprise with simplicity and freshness. This recipe combines tradition with a modern ingredient, avocado, bringing a new breath to the world of salads.

Ingredients:
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1 ripe avocado
- 4-5 leaves of green lettuce
- 10 Kalamata olives
- 50 g feta cheese
- 1 green onion
- Fresh parsley, to taste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of one fresh lemon

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by washing all the vegetables and greens well. Cut the tomatoes into small cubes, making sure to remove the cores. These will add a touch of acidity to the salad, balancing the creamy taste of the avocado.

Step 2: The avocado
Then, cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh. Cut the flesh into appropriately sized cubes. It is important to use a ripe avocado to achieve the desired creamy texture. If the avocado is too firm, leave it at room temperature for a few days to ripen.

Step 3: The green vegetables
Cut the green lettuce into strips and finely chop the green onion and parsley. This will add a note of freshness to the salad. If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can use red onion, but in smaller amounts.

Step 4: The olives and feta cheese
Slice the Kalamata olives or leave them whole, depending on your preference. Crumble the feta cheese, which will add a salty and creamy note to the dish. Feta cheese pairs wonderfully with avocado, and its texture will easily melt into the salad, offering a divine taste.

Step 5: Mixing the ingredients
In a large bowl, add all the ingredients: tomatoes, avocado, green lettuce, olives, feta cheese, green onion, and parsley. Gently mix to avoid mashing the avocado, but enough to blend the flavors.

Step 6: The dressing
For the dressing, in a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, olive oil, and lemon juice. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. The dressing will add a vibrant taste and will bind all the ingredients together. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix to unify the flavors.

Step 7: Serving
The salad is ready to serve! You can enjoy it immediately, but also after it has rested for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld better. This salad pairs wonderfully with a slice of toasted bread or as a side dish for a main course. A bottle of dry white wine or a chilled lemon tea would perfectly complement the meal.

Useful tips:
- Choose a ripe avocado, but not too soft, to avoid an unpleasant texture.
- If you don't have Dijon mustard, you can use any other type of mustard or even balsamic vinegar for the dressing.
- You can also add other ingredients, such as sweet corn, bell peppers, or even seeds (pumpkin or sunflower) for extra crunch.

Nutritional benefits:
This salad is not only tasty but also healthy. Avocado is rich in healthy fats, vitamins (especially vitamin E), and minerals. Tomatoes provide a dose of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while feta cheese offers protein and calcium. It is an excellent choice for a light meal with a low-calorie content, ideal for a balanced diet.

FAQ:
1. Can I add other ingredients to the salad?
Of course! You can experiment with different vegetables or even fruits, such as mango or peaches, to add a sweet touch.

2. How can I keep the salad from oxidizing the avocado?
If you are not consuming it immediately, add lemon juice directly to the avocado cubes and cover the salad with plastic wrap to minimize air contact.

3. What is the best way to serve this salad?
The salad is delicious served cold, but it can also be enjoyed at room temperature. It is perfect for picnics or festive meals.

This avocado and feta cheese salad is a simple recipe but with a maximum impact in terms of taste and appearance. I encourage you to try it and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!