When the weather starts warming up and the sun shines a little brighter, nothing satisfies quite like a refreshing salad. Enter my Quick and Easy Ensalada de Aguacate—this avocado salad bursts with vibrant colors and flavors that awaken your senses. The creamy avocado and crisp bell pepper create a delightful contrast, while zesty lime vinaigrette pulls everything together.
You’ll love how just 10 minutes in the kitchen yields a dish that’s not only healthy and low-calorie but also incredibly versatile. Perfect as a side for grilled fish or tacos, or simply paired with tortilla chips on a lazy afternoon, this salad truly is a crowd-pleaser. So, let’s dive in and discover how to make this deliciously fresh Ensalada de Aguacate that will brighten your table and your taste buds!
Why is Ensalada de Aguacate a Must-Try?
Freshness at its Core: Bursting with bright flavors, this salad showcases ripe avocados and crisp veggies, making it a refreshing choice for any meal.
Quick Prep Time: In just 10 minutes, you can whip up this vibrant dish, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile Pairing: Whether enjoying it as a side with grilled fish or as a topping for tacos, this salad complements a variety of dishes beautifully.
Healthy Indulgence: Low in calories yet high in healthy fats, the Ensalada de Aguacate satisfies without any guilt—ideal for anyone conscious of their health!
Crowd-Pleaser: With its stunning colors and flavors, this salad is sure to impress family and friends, making it a go-to recipe for gatherings.
Ensalada de Aguacate Ingredients
For the Dressing
- Fresh lime juice – Adds acidity and brightness; substitute with lemon juice for a different citrus profile.
- Olive oil – Provides richness and balances the dressing; extra virgin olive oil enhances the flavor beautifully.
- Kosher salt – Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients; feel free to use sea salt or Himalayan salt instead.
For the Salad
- Yellow bell pepper – Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color; red bell pepper or cucumber can be substituted for variety.
- Red onion – Contributes sharpness and color; can be swapped for green onions or shallots for a milder flavor.
- Avocado – The star ingredient that provides creaminess; ensure use of ripe avocados for the best texture, or get creative with diced mango as a substitute.
- Cilantro – Offers fresh, herbaceous notes; substitute with parsley if you’re not a fan of cilantro’s flavor.
Enjoy creating this Ensalada de Aguacate that bursts with freshness and deliciousness!
How to Make Ensalada de Aguacate
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Whisk Together: In a large bowl, combine fresh lime juice, olive oil, and kosher salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they’re well blended, creating a bright and flavorful dressing.
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Add Veggies: Gently add the chopped yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, and diced avocado to the bowl. The vibrant colors will look beautiful against the green of the avocado.
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Toss Gently: Carefully toss the ingredients together, ensuring that each piece is evenly coated in the dressing. Be gentle to retain the shape of the avocado chunks, avoiding any mashing.
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Sprinkle with Cilantro: Add chopped cilantro over the top of the salad. Toss everything gently once more to combine the flavors, ensuring that the cilantro is evenly distributed.
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Serve Fresh: Serve the Ensalada de Aguacate immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors. It makes a delightful side dish for tacos or grilled fish, or a satisfying snack with tortilla chips!
Optional: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for a zesty kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Ensalada de Aguacate
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Prevent Browning: Dice the avocado just before serving to keep it looking fresh and vibrant—this prevents any unsightly browning which can occur quickly.
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Gentle Mixing: Use a gentle hand when tossing the ingredients to avoid mashing the avocado. You want those creamy chunks intact for the best texture in your Ensalada de Aguacate.
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Season to Taste: Always taste your salad before serving. Adjust the seasoning with extra salt or lime juice if necessary, ensuring the flavors are balanced and bright.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Choose ripe avocados and fresh vegetables for the most flavorful salad. The quality of your ingredients makes a noticeable difference in the final dish.
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Add Nutritional Variety: Consider adding black beans or chickpeas for more protein and fiber, transforming your Ensalada de Aguacate into a hearty meal option.
Make Ahead Options
These Ensalada de Aguacate are fantastic for meal prep, allowing busy cooks to enjoy fresh flavors with ease! You can chop the yellow bell pepper, slice the red onion, and prepare the lime dressing up to 24 hours in advance; just store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. For the best results, dice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning. When you’re ready to enjoy your salad, simply combine all the prepped ingredients in a bowl, toss gently, and sprinkle with cilantro for that perfect finishing touch. With these simple make-ahead tips, you’ll have a vibrant Ensalada de Aguacate ready to delight your taste buds whenever you need!
Ensalada de Aguacate Variations
Explore the delightful possibilities with this enchanting salad that embraces versatility and flavor.
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Dairy-Free: Swap traditional cheese toppings like feta for nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy, umami flavor without the dairy.
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High-Protein: Toss in black beans or chickpeas for an extra boost of protein, making your salad more filling and satisfying. These additions offer a hearty texture that complements the creamy avocado wonderfully.
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Spicy Kick: For a fiery twist, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give your salad a nice heat that balances the creaminess of the avocado.
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Herb Variations: Try substituting cilantro with fresh basil or dill for a different herbaceous note; each herb brings its unique flavor profile that can elevate your salad.
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Fruit Fusion: Mix in diced mango or pineapple for a refreshing sweet contrast that brightens the overall taste of your Ensalada de Aguacate, providing a delightful tropical flair.
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Crunch Factor: Add toasted sunflower seeds or crushed tortilla chips for added crunch; they bring a delightful texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy avocado.
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Zesty Citrus: Enhance the dressing with a splash of orange juice in addition to lime juice for a fruity twist that brightens the salad even more.
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Asian Inspired: Incorporate sliced cucumbers and sesame oil in place of olive oil for an Asian flair, giving you an entirely new experience with fresh, light flavors.
Storage Tips for Ensalada de Aguacate
- Room Temperature: Best enjoyed fresh; if left out, consume within 2 hours to ensure food safety.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 day; add extra lime juice over the avocado to minimize browning.
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing, as the texture of the avocado and veggies can become mushy after thawing.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold and does not require reheating; enjoy it fresh for the best flavor and texture.
What to Serve with Ensalada de Aguacate?
Elevate your meal with delightful sides that embrace the vibrant flavors of this avocado salad.
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Grilled Fish: The juicy, smoky flavor of grilled fish blends beautifully with the creaminess of the salad, enhancing your dining experience. Think fresh mahi-mahi or tilapia to complete a coastal vibe!
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Tacos: Serve alongside soft tacos filled with savory meats or beans. The refreshing salad offers a crunchy, zesty contrast that complements rich fillings perfectly.
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Quinoa: Fluffy quinoa provides a nutty flavor and a wholesome base that pairs nicely with the bright ingredients in the salad, creating a satisfying, balanced meal.
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Corn Tortilla Chips: A playful snack to accompany your salad, these crispy chips add a delightful crunch factor and a fun way to enjoy every last bit of the dressing.
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Fresh Burgers: Classic beef or grilled veggie burgers with fresh toppings work wonderfully with the Ensalada de Aguacate; the salad’s freshness cuts through the savory richness of the burgers.
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Sangria: This fruity, refreshing drink complements the flavors of the salad, making it an ideal pairing for a sunny gathering or a lively dinner party.
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Pico de Gallo: The bright, chopped salsa added to your plate boosts freshness and offers a pop of flavor that syncs perfectly with the creamy avocado salad.
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Chili Lime Roasted Vegetables: Earthy and sweet vegetables roasted with lime and chili add robust flavors that beautifully contrast with the cool tones of the Ensalada de Aguacate.
Enjoy the harmony of textures and flavors as you assemble a memorable meal that truly highlights the wonderful Ensalada de Aguacate!
Ensalada de Aguacate Recipe FAQs
What kind of avocados should I use for Ensalada de Aguacate?
Absolutely! For the best texture and flavor, use ripe avocados. Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a rich green color. If they’re not ripe yet, store them at room temperature until they soften.
How can I store leftover Ensalada de Aguacate?
Very! To keep it fresh for a short period, store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. To prevent browning, sprinkle extra lime juice over the avocado before sealing.
Can I freeze Ensalada de Aguacate?
Unfortunately, freezing is not recommended. The avocado’s texture will become mushy upon thawing, making the salad less enjoyable. Instead, whip up a fresh batch whenever you’re craving it!
What can I do if my avocado is browning quickly?
I recommend dicing the avocado just before serving to maintain its freshness and vibrant color. If you have prepped the salad early, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it against the surface of the salad to limit air exposure.
Are there any common allergies to consider for this salad?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally plant-based, but check for any specific allergies to the ingredients. If you’re avoiding cilantro, you can swap it with parsley or omit it completely without losing flavor.
Can I adjust the ingredients in Ensalada de Aguacate?
Definitely! Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your tastes or what’s available. For example, diced tomatoes or corn can add sweetness, while black beans or chickpeas will boost the protein content. The more the merrier!
Refreshing Ensalada de Aguacate: Quick & Healthy Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine fresh lime juice, olive oil, and kosher salt. Whisk until well blended.
- Gently add chopped yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, and diced avocado to the bowl.
- Carefully toss the ingredients together, ensuring even coating.
- Add chopped cilantro over the salad and toss gently once more to combine.
- Serve the Ensalada de Aguacate immediately to enjoy fresh flavors.