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
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Avocado Salad with Tomato
Ingredients
The dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 Ā½ teaspoons honey or agave nectar
- Ā¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons minced cilantro
- 1 teaspoon minced jalapeƱo 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
- ā 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.
Megan
Ive never tried cotija cheese. Well, maybe at a restaurant and didn't really know what it was. This salad looks so fresh and tasty. Now if I could only get some perfect avocados.
Heather @ Multiply Delicious
You had me at avocado! What a beautiful salad and perfect for tomorrow's Cinco de Mayo celebrations....or for any celebration! Thanks for another wonderful recipe.
Maris (In Good Taste)
I am a huge fan of avocados and this looks like the perfect salad for them.
Drick
ya know, anything with avocado is just good eating, we pretty much get only calif haas ones down here, but I did remember getting a gwen variety once that was exceptional, of course, there is a Floridan grown avocado I believe that is much larger and to me, more pulpier, not as tasty... this is a exceptional salad Dara, one that I like a lot, and you know how much I adore my Mexican foods
Kalynskitchen
It looks fantastic, and perfect for Cinco de Mayo!
Marla
Funny you say "a spin-off" of a Greek salad. That is the first thing I thought. Lovely fresh ingredients & colors. Perhaps some of my random Avocado Scones for dessert š xo
Nancy@acommunaltable
Perfect Cinco de Mayo fare!! This would be wonderful scooped onto some tortilla chips and chased with a tall, cold mexican beer (can you tell I haven't had lunch yet??)
Gorgeous photos as always!!
JENNA
this salad looks so light and refreshing! a perfect spring/summer side dish, snack or light lunch!
Katrina
Love this salad! It looks so healthy and tasty. Yum.
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thank you, Katrina.
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme
Just the perfect salad to go with my Cinco de Mayo dinner! I love every single ingredient in this and imagine that the combination of them is heavenly. Thanks for a great recipe, Dara!
Dara (Cookin' Canuck)
Thanks so much, Lana. I'd imagine you have a wonderful Cinco de Mayo meal planned.