Fresh Guatemalan Avocado and Tomato Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, refreshing salad featuring ripe avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crisp onions tossed in a tangy lime and cilantro dressing. This Latin American-inspired salad recipe (vegan, gluten free), ready in about 15 minutes, pairs ripe avocados, roma tomatoes, white onion into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 210 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 medium diced ripe avocados, 3 medium diced roma tomatoes, 1/2 small thinly sliced white onion, and 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 small finely chopped jalapeño pepper if using, until well emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour the lime-cilantro dressing over the avocado and tomato mixture and gently toss to coat without mashing the avocado.
  4. Step 4: Let the salad rest for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side dish or fresh topping for grilled meats.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Fresh Guatemalan Avocado and Tomato Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Fresh Guatemalan Avocado and Tomato Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ripe avocados from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Fresh Guatemalan Avocado and Tomato Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Fresh Guatemalan Avocado and Tomato Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Fresh Guatemalan Avocado and Tomato Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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