Sweet Plantain and Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
A refreshing salad combining sweet fried plantains, creamy avocado, and a bright cilantro lime dressing for a perfect balance of flavors. This caribbean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes blends large, diced avocado, mixed salad greens, divided olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 medium, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch pieces ripe plantains
- 1 large, diced avocado
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 3 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp honey
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 medium peeled and sliced plantains (1/2-inch pieces) and fry, stirring occasionally, for 6-8 minutes until golden and tender. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: In a large salad bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1 large diced avocado, and the fried plantains.
- Step 4: Drizzle the cilantro lime dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately as a light meal or side dish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sweet Plantain and Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Sweet Plantain and Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet Plantain and Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime 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 Sweet Plantain and Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime 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 Sweet Plantain and Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
