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. Store that little gem away for your next game of Trivial Pursuit (serving the opposing team an extra pitcher of margaritas might not hurt either).
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.
This past weekend, I attended Camp Blogaway, set in the mountains near beautiful Big Bear, California. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow food bloggers, pick up some useful information from the multiple workshops and enjoy the crisp mountain air.
During one of the sponsor presentations, Jan DeLyser of the California Avocado Commission drove home the importance of buying avocados that are grown close to home. Considering that 90 percent of the United States avocado crop is produced in California, these are the avocados that are most likely to be found in your local market. The advantage to buying fruits grown in the United States is the shorter travel time, which translates to avocados that are less likely to be stringy. This salad was made using some perfectly rip avocados I brought home with me from Camp Blogaway.
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.
Other recipes for Cinco de Mayo:
Roasted Tomatillo Shrimp Tacos with Honey-Lime Slaw
Rick Bayless' Smoky Peanut Mole with Pork Tenderloin
Avocado, Tomato & Cotija Cheese Salad
Dressing:
2 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 ½ teaspoon honey
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
½ teaspoon minced jalapeno pepper
Salad:
3 cups chopped (1-inch pieces) English cucumber
2 cups chopped (1-inch pieces) tomato
2 large avocados, cut into 1-inch pieces
â…“ cup crumbled Cotija cheese
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.
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.
Serves 4 to 6.
Delishhh
Ohh just fabulous. This is not only perfect for Cinco de Mayo but all the time. My type of salad.
Marly
What a perfect recipe for Cinco de Mayo...now for those margaritas!!!
Alison @ Ingredients, Inc.
looks amazing!
Maria
Love this salad!
Carolyn
This is exactly my kind of salad, so fresh and flavourful. Camp Blogaway looks like a lot of fun...we need to have some sort of thing like this in the Northeast!
Kimby
Thank you for the interesting tidbits, enticing salad recipe, and tips on Trivial Pursuit strategies -- your link to the Meyer Lemon Margaritas recipe was greatly appreciated! 🙂 Also, thanks for the fritatta recipe a couple of blogs back -- I'm making it for supper tonight. Yum...
Megan
I've never heard of cotija cheese, but anything with avocado in it must go in my recipe book! This looks great!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks, Megan. Cotija cheese is a Mexican cheese that has a similar taste as feta cheese. If your supermarket carries queso fresco cheese, it is likely that they also carry Cotija.
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga)
Dara this looks awesome!
I have been on a huge avo kick with avo recipes this week and yours looks stellar.
I am KICKING myself that i didnt go to Camp Blogaway. Next year, next year 🙂
Marla decided to go last minute and I wish I coulda joined her and met you,too!
Belinda @zomppa
What a great fun gathering!! This salad is beautiful and photos are stunning.
Christine
Sounds wonderful! I do love a good tomato salad. Will have to try this. Thanks for sharing!
Geni
Fresh and delicious looking salad! I love enjoying salads with crunchy veggies, smooth cheese and a tangy dressing in the summer. I cannot wait to try this as the weather warms up!
Heather at FarmgirlGourmet
Wow. That's all I can say! WOW! Oh and YUM! Looks great Dara!!
d.liff @ yelleBELLYboo
I have been eating too much while traveling the last week - this looks like such a light dinner I MUST make it! Thanks!
bellini
It sounds like a wonderful weekend and then there is the salad!
HeatherChristo
It is like Mexican Greek Salad! I love it!!
Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels
What a gorgeous salad. Love the combination of flavors. My mama would especially love this! I'll have to make it for her. 🙂
Mary @ Mary's Nest
This looks lucious. And perfect fare to make here in Texas!
Thanks for sharing your recipe...and the fantastic photos too. Just beautiful.
Love,
Mary
Kelsey/TheNaptimeChef
This looks amazing Dara, I love all the flavors. I agree, hard to temper all that good melty cheese stuff!! 🙂
Jessica
This looks delicious Dara! I love the combination of flavors. It sounds like the perfect addition to my Cinco De Mayo plans! But then again...there is always room for anything that includes some Cotija cheese! 😉
Barbara Bakes
A perfect side dish to any Cinco de Mayo meal.