Half-and-Half Avocado and Tomato Salad with Balsamic Glaze

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

A fresh salad combining half-ripe avocados with juicy tomatoes, drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze for a bright flavor. This mediterranean-inspired salads (gluten free, vegetarian) ready in about 18 minutes pairs halved and diced ripe avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red 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 180 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: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar and 1 tsp honey. Simmer gently for 6-8 minutes until reduced by half and syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 2 diced ripe avocados (halved and diced), 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves.
  3. Step 3: Drizzle 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil over the salad, then season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss gently to combine without mashing the avocado.
  4. Step 4: Just before serving, drizzle the cooled balsamic glaze over the top and serve immediately for a fresh and vibrant salad.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Half-and-Half Avocado and Tomato Salad with Balsamic Glaze take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Half-and-Half Avocado and Tomato Salad with Balsamic Glaze?

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 halved cherry tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Half-and-Half Avocado and Tomato Salad with Balsamic Glaze?

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 Half-and-Half Avocado and Tomato Salad with Balsamic Glaze 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 Half-and-Half Avocado and Tomato Salad with Balsamic Glaze gluten free?

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

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