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This tomato cucumber avocado salad with basil pesto is my go-to when I want something fresh and quick that still feels special. It’s perfect for lazy lunches or as a colorful side that livens up any meal.
I threw this together one afternoon when the fridge was low and it instantly became a staple for warm weather dinners.
Ingredients
- Red cherry tomatoes: bring juicy sweetness and vibrant color fresh and firm tomatoes work best
- Yellow cherry tomatoes: add a mild tang and a pop of sunshine choose ripe but firm to avoid mushiness
- Avocados: provide creamy texture and healthy fats ripe but still slightly firm improves slicing and prevents browning
- Cucumber: adds cool crunch and freshness pick a crisp cucumber without soft spots
- Red onion: offers a gentle sharpness to contrast the creamy and sweet elements dice finely for subtle bites
- Basil pesto: is the star flavor tying all ingredients together fresh homemade pesto works wonders but good quality store-bought is fine
- Lemon juice: brightens the salad and balances the richness use freshly squeezed for the best zing
- Salt and pepper to taste: enhance the natural flavors balance seasoning carefully
Instructions
- Build The Salad:
- In a large bowl, add the halved red and yellow cherry tomatoes along with diced avocado, sliced cucumber, and diced red onion. Make sure the avocado is diced into even pieces to spread creaminess without overpowering.
- Dress With Pesto and Lemon:
- Add the basil pesto and the fresh lemon juice to the bowl. Toss gently using your hands or salad tongs to coat every ingredient without mashing the avocado. The pesto should flavor the salad evenly for a fresh herbal aroma.
- Season to Taste:
- Sprinkle salt and pepper over the salad. Taste and adjust if necessary adding more pesto for a stronger herbal punch or extra lemon juice for brightness. Be cautious with the salt since pesto can already be salty.
- Serve Immediately:
- This salad is at its best served right away while the veggies are crisp and avocado fresh. It makes a wonderful light meal or pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish.
I love the creamy bite avocado lends to this salad especially when paired with bright, zesty pesto. It reminds me of family picnics where we would gather around simple yet flavorful dishes like this, perfect for hot summer days.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge but keep in mind avocado brown quickly so consume within a day for best freshness. If you want to prep ahead, keep the avocado separate and add right before serving.
Ingredient Swaps
Try replacing basil pesto with a sun-dried tomato pesto for a deeper, more savory flavor. If you cannot find yellow cherry tomatoes use all red or try grape tomatoes for a slightly different texture.
Serving Ideas
Serve this salad alongside grilled seafood or roasted chicken to add freshness. It also works as a light lunch with crusty bread or tossed with cooked quinoa for a more substantial meal.
Seasonal Twists
In cooler months add roasted beets or cooked sweet potatoes for warmth. During summer, toss in fresh basil leaves for an extra herbal note and drizzle with high-quality olive oil for richness.
This fresh salad is an effortless way to enjoy vibrant flavors and healthy fats in minutes.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
It's best served immediately to maintain the fresh texture of avocado and crisp vegetables, but you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours.
- → What type of tomatoes work best here?
Sweet cherry or grape tomatoes add natural sweetness and burst of flavor, complementing creamy avocado and fresh cucumber perfectly.
- → How should I choose avocados for this dish?
Select ripe but firm avocados to ensure creaminess without becoming mushy when diced and mixed into the salad.
- → Can I substitute basil pesto with another dressing?
While basil pesto adds a distinct herbal aroma and flavor, light vinaigrettes or fresh herb blends can work as alternatives depending on your preference.
- → Is there a recommended way to slice the cucumber?
Thin, even slices or half-moons work well, providing refreshing crunch while blending nicely with other ingredients.