Are you looking for a refreshing twist on traditional salads? Look no further! Avocados are a game-changer when it comes to adding creaminess and healthy fats to your favorite dishes. In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious and innovative creamy avocado salad recipes that will elevate your mealtime routine.
From classic combinations like avocado and tomato to bold and spicy options like black bean and cilantro, there’s something for everyone in our collection of avocado salads. Whether you’re a fan of grilled chicken or prefer plant-based options, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
In the following pages, we’ll dive into each of these mouthwatering salad recipes, highlighting the key ingredients, preparation methods, and presentation ideas that make them truly special.
Classic Avocado and Tomato Salad
A refreshing summer salad that combines creamy avocado with juicy tomatoes, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados, diced
– 4 large tomatoes, diced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced avocado, tomatoes, and red onion.
2. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top of the salad.
3. Squeeze the lime juice over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Avocado Corn Salad with Lime Dressing
This refreshing salad combines creamy avocado, sweet corn, and tangy lime juice for a delicious summer side dish or light lunch. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients:
– 3 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 cup fresh corn kernels (from about 2 ears)
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine diced avocado and corn kernels.
2. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Just before serving, garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is best served chilled, so no cooking required.
Spicy Avocado and Black Bean Salad
This vibrant salad combines the creamy richness of avocado with the bold flavors of black beans, all wrapped up in a spicy package. Perfect for a quick lunch or as a side dish to spice up your meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced avocado, black beans, red onion, and chopped jalapeño.
2. Squeeze the lime juice over the mixture and toss to coat.
3. Stir in the chopped cilantro and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes of prep time.
Avocado Cucumber Salad with Feta
A refreshing summer salad that combines the creaminess of avocado, the coolness of cucumber, and the tanginess of feta.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 2 cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine diced avocado, sliced cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese.
2. Drizzle the olive oil over the salad and toss gently to coat.
3. Squeeze lemon juice over the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
5. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None!
Grilled Chicken and Avocado Salad
A refreshing summer salad that combines the smoky flavor of grilled chicken with the creaminess of avocado, all on top of a bed of crisp mixed greens.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken breast with salt and pepper. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
3. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
5. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the salad, then top with grilled chicken strips.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Avocado Mango Salad with Cilantro
This vibrant salad combines the creamy richness of avocado with the sweet and tangy flavors of mango, all tied together with a sprinkle of cilantro. Perfect for a light and refreshing lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe mangos, diced
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 1 tablespoon lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mango and avocado.
2. Sprinkle chopped cilantro over the top.
3. Squeeze lime juice over the salad and toss gently.
4. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in minutes.
Quinoa Avocado Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This refreshing salad combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the creaminess of avocado, all tied together with a bright and tangy lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this recipe is also great as a side dish or added to a packed lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, diced avocado, parsley, and cherry tomatoes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (includes cooking time for quinoa)
Avocado Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze
Elevate the classic Italian caprese salad by adding creamy avocado and a drizzle of rich balsamic glaze. This refreshing summer side dish or light lunch is perfect for warm weather gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 large ripe avocados, diced
– 2 large tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped
– Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Arrange tomato slices on a serving plate.
2. Top with mozzarella cheese slices.
3. Scatter diced avocado over the top.
4. Sprinkle chopped basil leaves over the avocado.
5. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the salad, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (assembly only)
Avocado and Shrimp Salad with Lime Dressing
A refreshing and flavorful salad that combines the creaminess of avocado, the sweetness of shrimp, and the brightness of lime.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 pound large shrimp, cooked and chilled
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped cilantro or scallions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the diced avocado and toss gently to coat with the dressing.
3. Add the chilled shrimp and toss until they are well coated with the avocado mixture.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Garnish with chopped cilantro or scallions, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including preparation time)
Avocado Strawberry Spinach Salad
This refreshing salad combines the creaminess of avocado with the sweetness of strawberries and the earthiness of spinach, making it a perfect summer treat. With only a few simple ingredients, you’ll be enjoying this delightful salad in no time!
Ingredients:
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 2 cups sliced strawberries
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the spinach leaves.
2. Arrange the diced avocado on top of the spinach.
3. Add the sliced strawberries and crumbled feta cheese (if using) around the avocado.
4. Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Avocado and Chickpea Salad with Tahini
This refreshing salad combines the richness of avocados and chickpeas with the creaminess of tahini, perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup tahini
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced avocado, chickpeas, and minced garlic.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and tahini until smooth.
3. Pour the tahini mixture over the avocado-chickpea mixture and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro leaves, if desired.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Avocado Taco Salad with Chipotle Dressing
This vibrant salad combines the creaminess of ripe avocados with the bold flavors of chipotle peppers, all wrapped up in a crunchy taco shell. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal or as a fresh twist on traditional greens.
Ingredients:
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1/2 cup cooked black beans, warmed
– 1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco (or feta)
– 6-8 taco shells, crushed
– Chipotle Dressing (recipe below)
Chipotle Dressing:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced
– 1 teaspoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, mixed greens, black beans, and queso fresco.
2. Top with diced avocado and crushed taco shells.
3. Drizzle Chipotle Dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Avocado and Bacon Ranch Salad
This refreshing salad combines the creaminess of avocado with the smokiness of bacon, all tied together with a tangy ranch dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for your next BBQ.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 cup mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup ranch dressing
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced avocado, crumbled bacon, and halved cherry tomatoes.
2. Drizzle the ranch dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Avocado Greek Salad with Kalamata Olives
A refreshing twist on the classic Greek salad, this recipe adds creamy avocado and briny kalamata olives for a flavorful and healthy side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
– 1 tsp. lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced avocado, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and red onion.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and squeeze with lemon juice; season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Toss gently to combine.
4. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Avocado and Edamame Salad with Sesame Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the creamy richness of avocado with the sweet, nutty flavor of edamame, all tied together with a zesty sesame dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or as a side dish for your favorite Asian-inspired meals.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 cup cooked edamame, shelled and sliced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced avocado and sliced edamame.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the avocado mixture and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Avocado and Watermelon Salad with Mint
Beat the heat with this unique and flavorful salad that combines creamy avocado, juicy watermelon, and cooling mint. Perfect for a light and refreshing meal or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon (about 1 small melon)
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the diced avocado and cubed watermelon.
2. Sprinkle the chopped mint leaves over the top of the salad.
3. Squeeze the lime juice evenly over the salad, making sure all ingredients are coated.
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: None required! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Avocado and Roasted Beet Salad
A vibrant and nutritious salad that combines the creamy richness of avocado with the sweet, earthy flavor of roasted beets.
Ingredients:
– 2 large beets
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Wrap the beets in foil and roast for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
3. Let the beets cool, then peel and dice into wedges.
4. In a large bowl, combine diced avocado, roasted beets, chopped mint leaves, olive oil, and lemon juice.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional mint leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes (roasting the beets), 10-15 minutes (preparing the salad)
Avocado and Farro Salad with Herbs
This refreshing salad combines the nutty flavor of farro with the creaminess of avocado, all tied together with a blend of fresh herbs. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for your favorite main course.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked farro
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked farro, diced avocado, parsley, and basil.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil.
3. Pour the dressing over the farro mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Summary
Get ready to refresh your salad game with these 18 creamy avocado recipes! From classic combinations like tomato and avocado to more adventurous pairings like mango and cilantro, there’s something for everyone. Spice up your salads with spicy black beans or chipotle dressing, or keep it light with quinoa and lemon vinaigrette. Whether you’re in the mood for something refreshing and fruity or rich and savory, these creamy avocado salads are sure to hit the spot.