Tomatoes, Avocado and Cilantro Salad Recipe

This Tomatoes, Avocado, and Cilantro Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any meal! Made with juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and fragrant cilantro, it’s a simple yet flavorful salad that’s both healthy and easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick side or a light appetizer, this refreshing salad is sure to satisfy and delight!

I created this salad when I had avocado in my fridge, but was tired of guacamole :)  Unlike guacamole, the avocado is not mashed, but is sliced instead.  This is not a dip – it’s a real salad when you taste delicious avocado slices in every bite!

Why You’ll Love Tomatoes, Avocado, and Cilantro Salad

• Incredibly Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of juicy tomatoes and creamy avocado brings a wonderful balance of flavors and textures to every bite. The fresh cilantro adds an aromatic touch that makes this salad stand out.
• Quick and Easy to Prepare: With only five ingredients and no cooking required, this salad comes together in just 10 minutes. It’s perfect for busy days or when you need a quick addition to your meal.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, healthy fats, and antioxidants, this salad is a wholesome choice for a boost of nutrients. Avocados are rich in heart-healthy fats, while tomatoes add a dose of vitamin C and lycopene.
• Versatile Side or Appetizer: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled dishes, tacos, or even as a topping for toast. It’s a versatile dish that complements a variety of meals and cuisines.
• Diet-Friendly and Allergen-Free: Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low-carb, this salad is suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. It’s a great option for guests with specific diet needs without sacrificing taste.

This salad is very simple, but I haven’t seen it anywhere else.  It has tomato slices, avocado slices and chopped cilantro – yummy!  It’s fresh, it’s healthy and is so easy to make – give it a try, you’ll love it!

Salad Ingredients:

• Tomatoes – Adds juiciness and a slight tang, balancing well with the creamy avocado.
• Avocado – Provides creaminess and a rich, buttery texture, making the salad satisfying and smooth.
• Cilantro – Adds a fresh, aromatic element that brightens the flavor of the entire dish.
• Olive Oil – The base of the dressing, adding a light richness to coat the ingredients.
• Lime Juice – Gives the dressing a refreshing, zesty kick, enhancing the flavors of the tomatoes and avocado.

For the exact measurements of the ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Tomatoes, Avocado, and Cilantro Salad

• Knife – For chopping the tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro.
• Cutting Board – A stable surface to safely chop your ingredients.
• Mixing Bowl – To combine the salad ingredients easily.
• Whisk – For mixing the olive oil and lime juice into a smooth dressing.
• Measuring Spoons – To measure the olive oil and lime juice for the dressing accurately.

Directions:

Chop the tomatoes.  Peel and chop the avocado.  Chop the cilantro.

Whisk together olive oil and lime juice (3 parts oil to 1 part juice) to make a salad dressing.

Mix tomatoes, avocado, cilantro and dressing.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this salad as a refreshing side for grilled meats, like chicken, steak, or fried fish, to add a fresh contrast.
• Enjoy it as a topping on tacos, burritos, or alongside other Mexican-inspired dishes for a bright and zesty touch.
• Pair it with a warm bowl of santa fe soup or a hearty bbq chicken sandwich to round out a light, balanced meal.
• Serve over a bed of mixed greens like lettuce and avocado for an even more filling salad that can be a light lunch on its own.
• Top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or sliced roasted jalapeños if you want a bit of extra flavor or heat.

Tips for Success

• Choose Ripe Avocados: For the best flavor and texture, use avocados that are just ripe—soft but not mushy. To test for ripeness, gently press near the stem; if it gives slightly, it’s ready.
• Fresh Lime Juice Only: Fresh lime juice is key to this salad’s vibrant flavor. Bottled juice can taste flat, so grab a fresh lime to squeeze for the best results.
• Cut Ingredients Just Before Serving: Since avocados can brown and tomatoes release juice, chop the ingredients right before serving. This keeps the salad looking fresh and prevents it from getting too watery.
• Gently Toss to Avoid Mushiness: Because avocado is delicate, use a light hand when tossing the salad. This keeps the avocado chunks intact and prevents them from becoming mushy.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: While this recipe doesn’t call for salt, feel free to add a pinch if you like. Just a bit of salt can enhance the flavors, especially in salads with tomatoes and avocado.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add Cucumber: For extra crunch and freshness, add sliced cucumber. It pairs wonderfully with tomatoes and avocado, bringing a cool, crisp texture to the salad.
• Swap Cilantro with Parsley: If cilantro isn’t your favorite, parsley works as a great substitute. It adds a similar freshness without the distinct flavor of cilantro.
• Include Red Onion or Green Onion: Thinly sliced red onion or green onion can give the salad a mild bite and a bit of sharpness that complements the other flavors.
• Make It a Full Meal: To make this a heartier salad, add a protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. This turns the dish into a filling, balanced meal.
• Try a Balsamic Vinaigrette: For a different flavor profile, substitute the lime juice with balsamic vinegar and add a dash of honey to the dressing. The sweet tang of balsamic pairs beautifully with the creamy avocado.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh due to the delicate nature of avocados. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
• Preventing Browning: To help slow down the browning of avocado, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad before sealing the container. This reduces the amount of air reaching the avocado.
• Reheating: This salad is meant to be eaten cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Simply give it a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare this salad just before serving to keep the avocado fresh and prevent browning. However, you can prepare the dressing and chop the tomatoes and cilantro ahead of time, then add the avocado and dressing right before serving.

How can I prevent the avocado from browning?
To reduce browning, squeeze a bit of extra lime juice over the avocado before mixing it into the salad. Storing any leftovers with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface can also help slow down browning.

Can I use lemon juice instead of lime juice?
Yes, lemon juice can be a great substitute if you don’t have lime juice on hand. It will provide a slightly different flavor, but still add a nice tang to the salad.

What other herbs can I use if I don’t like cilantro?
If cilantro isn’t your favorite, try substituting with parsley or basil. Both bring fresh flavors that pair well with tomatoes and avocado.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Since avocado browns quickly, this salad isn’t ideal for long-term meal prep. If you want to prepare it in advance, add the avocado and dressing just before eating to keep it fresh.

Other Easy Tomato Recipes

Crispy Skillet Potatoes with Tomatoes | Quick Side Dish: Golden, crispy potatoes and juicy tomatoes come together in this quick and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any meal.

Tomato and Feta Salad with Fresh Parsley: This refreshing salad combines ripe tomatoes, tangy feta, and fresh parsley for a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Oven-Baked Green Tomatoes Recipe: Crispy, Healthy, and Simple: These crispy, oven-baked green tomatoes are a healthier twist on a classic, with all the crunch and tang you crave.

Other Easy Avocado Recipes

Creamy Avocado Sauce: Rich and smooth, this avocado sauce is perfect for drizzling over tacos, salads, or as a delicious dip.

Quinoa Avocado Bowl with Black Beans | Vegan Recipe: Packed with protein and fresh flavors, this vegan quinoa bowl with avocado and black beans is a nutritious meal in one.

Other Easy Cilantro Recipes

Authentic Cilantro Chimichurri Recipe | Easy and Flavorful: This easy, vibrant cilantro chimichurri sauce adds bold, authentic flavor to grilled meats and vegetables.

Cilantro Bean Wrap | Quick Vegan Wrap Recipe: This quick vegan wrap combines creamy beans and fresh cilantro for a simple, satisfying meal on the go.

More Salad Recipes

• Refreshing Watermelon and Tomato Salad
• Tomato Artichoke Salad with Marinated Artichoke Hearts
• Crisp Cucumber and Apple Salad