Imagine a salad that transports you to a sun-drenched Mexican paradise with every single bite! This extraordinary Papaya Avocado Salad with Cactus Pear Lemon Vinaigrette isn't just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that combines exotic fruits, vibrant flavors, and a zesty dressing that will make your taste buds dance. Perfect for those seeking a refreshing, healthy, and absolutely stunning dish that looks as incredible as it tastes, this recipe is about to become your new summer obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 ripe papaya, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cactus pear, peeled and diced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the fruits by washing them thoroughly under cool running water. Pat dry with clean kitchen towels.
- Cut the ripe papaya in half lengthwise, remove seeds with a spoon. Carefully dice the papaya into uniform 1/2-inch cubes, placing them in a large mixing bowl.
- Halve the avocado, remove the pit, and carefully dice into similar-sized cubes as the papaya. Add to the mixing bowl.
- Using protective gloves, carefully peel the cactus pear. Remove any small spines, then dice into cubes matching the size of papaya and avocado.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the vinaigrette. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Gently fold the vinaigrette into the fruit mixture, ensuring each piece is lightly coated without breaking the delicate fruit cubes.
- Refrigerate the salad for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, chop fresh cilantro and sprinkle over the top as a garnish.
- Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light appetizer.
Tips
- Choose perfectly ripe fruits: Select a papaya that yields slightly to gentle pressure and an avocado that's creamy but not mushy.
- Use protective gloves when handling cactus pear to avoid tiny spines that can irritate your skin.
- Cut fruits into uniform cubes for a professional presentation and consistent texture.
- Chill ingredients before mixing to enhance the refreshing quality of the salad.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of chili powder or some toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch.
- Prepare the salad just before serving to maintain the freshest texture and prevent browning of avocados.
- If you can't find fresh cactus pear, you can substitute with kiwi or another exotic fruit with a similar texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 185kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
