Lime-Cilantro Avocado Tomato Salad
A refreshing, nutrient-packed salad featuring creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and a bright lime-cilantro dressing, perfect for a light lunch or side dish. This mexican-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped 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 200 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.
Ingredients
- 2, diced avocados
- 2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp (about 2 limes) lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro.
- Step 2: Whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Drizzle dressing over salad ingredients and gently toss until evenly coated, taking care not to mash the avocados.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lime-Cilantro Avocado Tomato Salad 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 Lime-Cilantro Avocado Tomato Salad?
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 diced avocados from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lime-Cilantro Avocado Tomato Salad?
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 Lime-Cilantro Avocado Tomato Salad 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.
What goes well with Lime-Cilantro Avocado Tomato Salad?
Mexican 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
- ★★★★★
My go-to for a light lunch. The recipe is spot on.
- ★★★★★
The avocado and tomato combination is divine with the lime-cilantro dressing.
- ★★★★★
So simple, yet so delicious. I'll be making this every week now.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.