Ensalada de Aguacate, or Avocado Salad, is a dish that beautifully encapsulates the simplicity and vibrancy of Latin American cuisine. At its heart, this salad celebrates one of the most cherished ingredients in the region—avocados. Known as “green gold,” avocados are not only a culinary staple throughout Central and South America but also a symbol of abundance and nourishment. This creamy, nutrient-packed fruit has deep cultural and historical roots, dating back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Aztecs and Mayans, who revered it for its health benefits and unique texture.
This salad is a symphony of flavors and textures, balancing the rich creaminess of ripe avocados with the bright acidity of lime, a hallmark of Latin cooking. The inclusion of cherry tomatoes adds a burst of juiciness and sweetness, while thinly sliced red onions bring a subtle, tangy sharpness to the dish. Crisp slices of cucumber lend a refreshing crunch, and the fresh cilantro contributes herbal brightness, tying the ingredients together and evoking a garden-fresh essence. The dressing, made with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lime juice, sea salt, and black pepper, is simple yet powerful, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine without overpowering them.
This dish is more than just a salad; it’s a culinary canvas that reflects the versatility and adaptability of Latin cuisine. The recipe provides opportunities for modification based on regional preferences or personal taste. For example, the addition of jalapeño or chili flakes introduces an element of heat, common in Mexican-inspired variations, while other regions might garnish the salad with queso fresco or crumble in plantain chips for a contrasting texture.
Ensalada de Aguacate is not only delicious but also a celebration of wholesome, healthy eating. The avocado, often regarded as a superfood, delivers a generous dose of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this dish as nutritious as it is flavorful. Additionally, the blend of raw vegetables provides ample fiber, while the lime juice enhances the absorption of nutrients and adds a refreshing zing.
This salad can be enjoyed as a stand-alone light meal, a cooling side dish to accompany spicy main courses, or even a topping for tacos or grilled meats. Its versatility and quick preparation time make it an ideal choice for both everyday meals and special gatherings. Whether you’re serving it as part of a backyard barbecue spread or enjoying it on a warm summer evening, Ensalada de Aguacate is a reminder of how simplicity in the kitchen can lead to truly memorable and satisfying dishes.
Ultimately, this recipe offers a glimpse into how Latin American flavors can turn the humblest of ingredients into a dish that is vibrant, fulfilling, and deeply enriching. With each bite, Ensalada de Aguacate transports your palate to sun-soaked markets and family tables where food is not just sustenance but a celebration of life, community, and culture.
Ensalada de Aguacate
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 medium avocados ripe, but firm
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ medium red onion thinly sliced
- 1 medium cucumber sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons (affiliate link)olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon (affiliate link)sea salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon (affiliate link)ground black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Begin by carefully halving 3 ripe but firm avocados, removing the pit and peeling the skin. Cut each avocado half into medium cubes.
- Place the avocado cubes in a large mixing bowl. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 thinly sliced medium red onion, 1 sliced cucumber, and 1/4 cup of freshly chopped cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 teaspoon of sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper until fully combined.
- Pour the dressing over the avocado mixture. Gently toss everything together, ensuring the ingredients are evenly coated without mashing the avocado.