Avocado Salad (variant)

Avocado Salad: A Fresh Delicacy with Intense Flavor

Who doesn't love a refreshing salad, packed with nutrients and intense flavors? Avocado salad is not only a healthy choice but also an explosion of aromas that will delight your taste buds. This simple and quick recipe is perfect for lunch or as a side dish for dinner. I will present you with a delicious version of this salad, full of fresh ingredients.

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Chilling time in the fridge: 10-15 minutes
Number of servings: 2-3

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 large, ripe avocado
- 2 medium, juicy tomatoes
- 1 red onion, for a slightly sweet taste
- a few strips of colorful bell pepper (preferably red and yellow for a vibrant look)
- 1-2 stalks of celery with leaves
- lemon juice (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
- salt and pepper, to taste

The history of avocado salad is as rich as its flavor. Originating from the avocado fruit, used for centuries in various cultures, this ingredient has gained popularity worldwide due to its nutritional benefits. Avocado is rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, making it a staple in balanced diets.

Preparing avocado salad is a simple process, but I will offer you some useful tips along the way.

Step 1: Preparing the Avocado
Start by cutting the avocado in half lengthwise. Use a sharp knife to avoid damaging the flesh. Carefully remove the pit with a gentle twist, then, using a spoon, scoop the flesh out of the skin. Cut the flesh into suitable cubes and immediately drizzle with lemon juice to prevent oxidation and maintain that vibrant green hue.

Step 2: Adding Ingredients
Once you have prepared the avocado, move on to the tomatoes. Cut them into cubes or slices, depending on your preference. Add them to the avocado. They not only provide a sweet-tart flavor but also add a beautiful color to your salad.

Cutting the red onion may seem simple, but ensure you slice it into julienne or thin slices to avoid the salad becoming too “mushy.” The red onion will add a slightly sweet taste and a crunchy note.

The strips of colorful bell pepper bring a touch of freshness and a vibrant appearance to your salad. Choose green, yellow, or red pepper – each with its distinct flavor.

Celery stalks, cut into thin rounds, provide a pleasant crunch, while the celery leaves add a fresh aroma.

Step 3: Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients. Add mayonnaise if you prefer a creamier salad, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Use a spatula to gently mix the ingredients, being careful not to crush the avocado cubes.

Step 4: Chilling the Salad
After mixing everything, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes. This step is essential as the flavors will meld better, and the salad will be more refreshing.

Serving and Suggestions
Once the salad has chilled, it is ready to serve! You can place it on a bed of green leaves or serve it in a hollowed avocado for an elegant look. This salad pairs perfectly with a slice of toasted bread or alongside grilled fish. An excellent combination would be with a glass of fresh lemonade or even a dry white wine to complement the flavors.

Nutritional Benefits
This avocado salad is packed with nutrients. Avocado is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Tomatoes provide a boost of vitamin C, and celery is an excellent source of fiber. Additionally, mayonnaise can be replaced with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add extra protein.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use unripe avocado?
It is recommended to use ripe avocado, as unripe ones will be hard to cut and have a more bitter taste.

2. How do I keep the avocado salad from oxidizing?
Drizzle the avocado with lemon juice immediately after cutting and store the salad in an airtight container.

3. What other ingredients can I add?
You can experiment with ingredients like olives, cucumbers, or even feta cheese to give it a personalized touch.

4. Is avocado salad suitable for vegans?
If you replace the mayonnaise with a plant-based version, the salad becomes completely vegan.

Possible Variations:
For a more exotic version, add cubes of mango or pineapple for a sweet touch. Another option is to add spices like paprika or fresh cilantro for an explosion of flavor.

Now that you have the avocado salad recipe well explained, all that’s left is to get cooking! It’s a quick and simple recipe but with outstanding results. Enjoy every bite and savor the freshness of the ingredients.