What Was Best Summer Salad
A vibrant salad celebrating peak-season produce, where the best ingredients speak for themselves without excess dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs mixed heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil, avocado 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 290 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.
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed heirloom tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 cup cucumber
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice 2 cups heirloom tomatoes into 3/4-inch cubes, then gently toss with 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, 1 diced avocado, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion in a medium bowl.
- Step 2: Whisk together 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1/4 tsp sea salt until emulsified and slightly thickened.
- Step 3: Pour dressing over salad ingredients, using a fork to gently fold until evenly coated—avoid mashing the avocado.
- Step 4: Let sit for 5 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does What Was Best Summer 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 What Was Best Summer 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 mixed heirloom tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in What Was Best Summer 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 What Was Best Summer 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 What Was Best Summer 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
