Heirloom Tomato and Avocado Salad with Smoked Bacon
A refreshing salad of sun-warmed heirloom tomatoes, creamy avocado, and house-smoked bacon, dressed with a tangy lemon-herb vinaigrette. This american-inspired salads ready in about 20 minutes pairs heirloom tomatoes, avocados, smoked bacon 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 240 calories and feeds 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs heirloom tomatoes
- 2 avocados
- 8 slices smoked bacon
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/2 cup red onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice tomatoes into 1/2-inch cubes and slice avocados into 1/4-inch rounds. Finely chop bacon, basil, and thyme. In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, avocados, bacon, and red onion.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Let sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 3: Serve chilled, garnished with additional basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Best enjoyed within 2 hours of preparation.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Heirloom Tomato and Avocado Salad with Smoked Bacon take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 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 Heirloom Tomato and Avocado Salad with Smoked Bacon?
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 heirloom tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Heirloom Tomato and Avocado Salad with Smoked Bacon?
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 Heirloom Tomato and Avocado Salad with Smoked Bacon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.
What goes well with Heirloom Tomato and Avocado Salad with Smoked Bacon?
American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better salads dishes though.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.