The Best Avocado Tomato Salad

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

A vibrant, nutrient-packed salad with creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty lime dressing that's perfect for summer. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs avocado, cherry tomatoes, 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 280 calories and feeds 2, 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 2 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 2 diced avocados, 1.5 cups halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
  3. Step 3: Pour dressing over avocado-tomato mixture and gently toss until evenly coated, being careful not to mash the avocado.
  4. Step 4: Fold in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro until just combined.
  5. Step 5: Chill for 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and prevent browning.

Frequently asked questions

How long does The Best 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 The Best 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 avocado from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in The Best 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 The Best Avocado Tomato Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 The Best Avocado Tomato Salad?

Mediterranean 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.

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