Make the most of the season’s bounty with this refreshing and colorful salad. This recipe features heart-healthy avocado combined with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and white balsamic vinegar. The best part? The healthy fats in the avocado are key to unlocking up to seven times more of the beneficial, heart-protective antioxidant lycopene found in the tomatoes. This makes this no-cook side dish a powerhouse of nutrition! Serve it chilled after allowing the flavors to meld, making it an excellent candidate for meal prep or taking to a summer potluck.
This salad is a nutrient-dense choice, thanks to the synergy between its core ingredients. The monounsaturated fats in the avocado act as a vehicle, significantly increasing the bioavailability of the antioxidant lycopene from the tomatoes. This combination makes it a highly effective anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy side dish that is naturally low in sodium and high in fiber.
You can prepare and mix the tomatoes, basil, onion, garlic, and vinaigrette up to 4 hours in advance. However, you must dice and add the avocado just before serving to prevent it from turning brown.
Yes, you can add a small amount of low-fat cheese like fresh mozzarella or feta. Just be sure to account for the added calories and saturated fat, and ensure the cheese is low-sodium if you are managing blood pressure.
Absolutely. Lemon juice is an excellent, bright, heart-healthy alternative to balsamic vinegar and is a popular flavor variation. Use 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice in place of the white balsamic vinegar.
You can mellow the flavor of the diced red onion by soaking it in a small bowl of cold water for 10 minutes, then draining and patting it dry before adding it to the salad.
These fresh and zesty side dishes are bright with flavor and are perfect sides or appetizers to serve when you want to minimize time at the stove.
These salads star nutritional powerhouses like whole grains, beans, and root vegetables, seasoned to perfection.
This salad is highly versatile and pairs well with light, grilled proteins.
Recipe yields 4 servings
In a large bowl, mix all ingredients and stir gently. Chill, covered, for at least 1 hour before serving.
Here are some quick tips on maximizing the salad’s flavor and texture:
The salad is best served well-chilled after the flavors have melded for at least an hour.
You can easily swap the yellow tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes (use a small amount, drained of oil) or use more red cherry tomatoes.
While the avocado boosts this salad’s health benefits, you can swap it for chopped cucumber if you dislike the texture or flavor of avocado.
Use fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, or apple cider vinegar to keep the acidity.
Fresh mint is a surprisingly refreshing alternative that complements the tomatoes and adds a different flavor profile.