Get ready to transform your ordinary lunch into an extraordinary culinary experience with this vibrant Asparagus Avocado and Tomato Salad! Imagine a dish so fresh, so colorful, and so deliciously simple that it will become your new go-to recipe for every sunny day. Packed with nutrition, bursting with flavor, and ready in just 15 minutes, this salad is about to revolutionize your meal prep and impress even the pickiest eaters.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the asparagus. Rinse the asparagus under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Trim the tough ends of the asparagus by snapping them off or cutting them with a knife.
- In a medium-sized pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add the trimmed asparagus and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until the asparagus is bright green and tender-crisp. Be careful not to overcook it.
- While the asparagus is cooking, prepare an ice bath by filling a bowl with ice and cold water. Once the asparagus is cooked, immediately transfer it to the ice bath to stop the cooking process. Let it sit for a few minutes, then drain and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Next, prepare the other salad ingredients. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and carefully scoop the flesh out with a spoon. Dice the avocado into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl with the diced avocado.
- Once the asparagus has cooled and dried, cut it into 1-2 inch pieces and add it to the mixing bowl with the avocado and tomatoes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice to create a dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients in the mixing bowl and gently toss everything together to combine, ensuring the avocado is coated with the dressing.
- Serve the salad immediately on individual plates or in a large serving bowl. Enjoy your fresh Asparagus Avocado and Tomato Salad!
Tips
- Choose fresh, bright green asparagus with firm tips for the best texture and flavor.
- Use the ice bath technique to stop cooking and preserve the asparagus's vibrant color and crisp texture.
- Select ripe but firm avocados - they should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be mushy.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve the salad immediately after dressing to prevent the avocado from browning and maintain the perfect texture.
- If you want to make it ahead, prepare ingredients separately and combine just before serving.
- Experiment with different citrus juices like lime or orange for a unique dressing variation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg