In this avocado salad, creamy avocados are paired with tomatoes, cucumber and crumbled cotija cheese, then gently tossed with a light dressing of honey, lime juice and cilantro.
It is hard not to start salivating when the words Cinco de Mayo (literal translation "Fifth of May") are mentioned. I mean, really, you just can't beat a celebration that involves margaritas and pounds of guacamole made from perfectly ripe avocados. Of course, this holiday is not just about food.
It is commonly, and incorrectly, thought that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day. However, it is the commemoration of the victory of the Mexican militia over French forces in 1862 at the Battle of Puebla.
If you are going to be indulging in dishes laden with melted cheese and rich mole sauces, it would be prudent to serve something on the lighter side to provide some balance in the meal. This salad is not a traditional Mexican dish, but uses some flavors reminiscent of the cuisine. In fact, this vegetable dish could be seen as a spin-off of a Greek salad. Ripe avocados are paired with tomatoes, cucumber and crumbled cotija cheese, then gently tossed with a light dressing of honey, lime juice and cilantro.
Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, honey and salt. While whisking constantly, slowly pour in the olive oil until combined. Stir in cilantro and minced jalapeno.
Make the salad
In a medium bowl, gentle toss together tomato, cucumber, avocado and cotija cheese.
Pour in dressing a little bit at a time, tossing to combine and tasting to determine the amount of desired dressing. Serve.
Other recipes for Cinco de Mayo
Roasted Tomatillo Shrimp Tacos with Honey-Lime Slaw
Rick Bayless' Smoky Peanut Mole with Pork Tenderloin
Printable Recipe
Avocado Salad with Tomato
Ingredients
The dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 ½ teaspoons honey or agave nectar
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
- 1 teaspoon minced jalapeño pepper adjust to taste
The salad:
- 3 cups chopped English cucumber 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups chopped tomato 1-inch pieces
- 2 Hass avocados cut into 1-inch pieces
- â…“ cup crumbled Cotija cheese
Instructions
The dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, honey and salt. While whisking constantly, slowly pour in the olive oil until combined. Stir in cilantro and minced jalapeno.
The salad:
- In a medium bowl, gentle toss together tomato, cucumber, avocado and cotija cheese. Pour in dressing a little bit at a time, tossing to combine and tasting to determine the amount of desired dressing. Serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
The Lucky Wife
This sounds delicious. I really want some ideas for avocado... so healthy but not a favorite of mine. I'm thinking with other ingredients like these, though, I'd like it.
Gave you an award today... stop by to check it out when you can!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thank you. The taste of the avocado melds nicely with the dressing and other veggies. Give it a try!
yeni
what a refreshing and light salad. i love cotija cheese! i agree this would be a great complement to a filling mexican meal, or served with chips like in your photo. thanks for sharing!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
I think next time I'll scoop this up with tortilla chips.
briarrose
Oooo....this makes me wish I hadn't just used up my avocados last night. Beautiful, fresh salad.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Well, luckily there are plenty more avocados waiting in the stores in preparation for Cinco de Mayo.
Jules
Looks delish! Have to go out shopping today so printing out recipe to take to with me. Thanks for another wonderful recipe! 🙂
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Jules. I hope you enjoy it.
Pretend Chef
Avocado... enough said! I am sold on any recipe with avocado in it. This sounds amazing and a recipe I'd love to try. Yummy!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
LOL. I have the same feeling about avocados.
Mimi from California Avocados Direct
Thank you for this beautiful salad! We're always looking for creative salad ideas that include avocados since we raise them on our family farm in So. California. There's nothing like getting an avocado right from the tree and letting it ripen in your own kitchen. For more information, video and recipes about our farm, visit us online. http://www.CaliforniaAvocadosDirect.com
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thank you, Mimi. Living in Utah I don't have the opportunity to pick avocados directly from a tree, but am grateful for the ones I find at the market.
claudia lamascolo/aka pegasuslegend
Looks like so much fun, I love avocado anything so this is a must try when I go get these ingredients I am going to love it!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Avocados are a favorite in our household, too. I'd be happy to eat one plain.
Kathy - Panini Happy
This sounds just wonderful. I threw together an impromptu avocado and tomato salad a few nights ago - would have been even better with some cotija cheese. 🙂
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
That's the great thing about a salad like this - almost all of the ingredients are staples, so the salad comes together quickly and with little effort.
stephanie
Happy Cinco De Mayo! I love all these ingredients. Yum!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thank you, Stephanie.
Heather (Heather's Dish)
ah, cheese and avocado...match made in heaven! long live cinco de mayo!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
I agree - it doesn't get much better than cheese and avocado.