Tomato and Avocado Salad Recipe

Summer of Salads: Tomato and Avocado Salad

July 13, 2011

Sometimes when making a salad, it's refreshing to think less is more. Instead of combining a million different ingredients, select two perfect fruits, say tomatoes and avocados, and let them be the stars of a simple but satisfying salad. Throw in some quick-pickled shallots and a tangy basil-laced vinaigrette, and you've got a dish that screams Summer. This perfect salad goes with anything, from burgers to tacos to grilled fish. You've got to make it! The easy recipe right this way.

From Katie Sweeney

Tomato and Avocado Salad

Ingredients

1 small shallot, sliced into rings
1/4-1/3 cup white wine vinegar
2 ripe roma tomatoes
1 avocado
1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Place the shallot rings in a small bowl. Add enough white wine vinegar to just cover the shallots. Set aside.
Slice the tomatoes in half lengthwise, then cut each half into wedges 1/4 inch wide. Place the tomato chunks in a large bowl.
Slice the avocado in half and remove the pit. Peel off the skin and dice the avocado into large, bite-sized chunks. Add the avocado to the bowl with the tomatoes.
In a small bowl, combine the basil, garlic, and mustard. Add a teaspoon of the white wine vinegar from the shallots. Whisk to combine. Slowly whisk in the olive oil. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the dressing to your liking, adding more oil, vinegar, salt, or pepper if necessary.
Drain the shallot and dry on a paper towel. Add to the avocado and tomato.
Pour the dressing over the tomato, avocados, and shallot. With a large spoon, carefully toss the salad together so that each piece of tomato and avocado is coated in the vinaigrette. Enjoy immediately.

Serves 2-3.