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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
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.
