Deconstructed Guacamole Salad: A Vibrant & Easy Heirloom Tomato and Avocado Creation
Ripe heirloom tomatoes, crisp red onion, creamy avocado, and fragrant cilantro, all beautifully tossed in a zesty homemade lime dressing. This Deconstructed Guacamole Salad isn’t just a dish; it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal flavors that absolutely needs to be on your table tonight!
Experience the Essence of Summer with this Fresh Guacamole Salad
There’s nothing quite like the taste of summer, and this Deconstructed Guacamole Salad perfectly captures that essence. Forget the traditional mashed guacamole; this recipe takes all those beloved flavors and presents them in a beautiful, vibrant salad that lets each ingredient truly shine. It’s an explosion of color, texture, and taste, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or even a star component of your summer dinner spread. It brings all the zesty, creamy goodness of guacamole but in an exciting new format that highlights the freshness of its components.
Seriously, friends, if you want to experience this salad at its peak, sprint – don’t merely walk – to your nearest farmers market. Grab yourself an armful of those gorgeous, perfectly ripe heirloom tomatoes and make this salad, pronto! The difference that truly fresh, sun-ripened produce makes is monumental, transforming a simple dish into an unforgettable culinary experience that you’ll want to recreate again and again.
While this Deconstructed Guacamole Salad would undoubtedly be delicious at any time of the year, it truly excels when made with homegrown tomatoes bursting with natural sweetness and acidity. This is especially true during the peak of summer when tomatoes are at their absolute best. My youngest son, a true green thumb at heart, has always been passionate about planting and tending to our garden. There’s a funny challenge that comes with growing tomatoes, though: he would venture out to pick them, and almost half would mysteriously vanish between the garden patch and the kitchen counter. He devoured those fresh, sun-warmed tomatoes like they were the sweetest candy! It’s hard to complain when your kids are eating fresh, healthy vegetables with such enthusiasm, even if it means fewer for the salad!
The Irresistible Allure of Heirloom Tomatoes
I suppose I shouldn’t grumble about disappearing tomatoes, right? They’re just that good! While I wholeheartedly recommend using heirloom tomatoes for this Deconstructed Guacamole Salad, you certainly don’t *have* to. Heirloom tomatoes are a culinary delight, cherished for their rich, complex flavor profiles that industrial varieties often lack. They haven’t been bred for uniform appearance or long shelf life, but purely for their extraordinary taste. Beyond their incredible flavor, they also bring a stunning visual variety, with their myriad shapes, sizes, and captivating colors – from deep reds and purples to bright yellows, oranges, and even variegated patterns. Just look at those captivating hues in the photos! Beyond being incredibly delicious, this salad is undeniably gorgeous, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
If heirloom tomatoes aren’t readily available in your area, or if they’re out of season, don’t let that deter you from making this incredible salad! You can easily substitute them with high-quality beefsteak tomatoes, ripe Roma tomatoes, or even a medley of colorful cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half. The key is to choose tomatoes that are ripe, firm, and heavy for their size, signaling their juiciness and flavor potential. Good quality, fresh produce is the absolute foundation of any great salad, and this Deconstructed Guacamole Salad is no exception. Pair them with perfectly ripe avocados, which should yield slightly to gentle pressure, and you’re well on your way to a perfect dish.
A Recipe Born from Friendship: The Freaky Friday Blog Hop Adventure
I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my dear friend, Candi, who blogs over at The Devilish Dish, for this absolutely awesome recipe. You see, it was once again time for our “Freaky Friday Blog Hop”! For those unfamiliar with this exciting event, Freaky Friday is a seasonal tradition within a wonderful group of food bloggers. Each participant is secretly assigned another blog from the group to cook or bake from. The fun part is, we all keep our assignments and the chosen recipes a complete secret until the grand reveal day, which happened to be today!
Being assigned Candi’s fantastic blog, The Devilish Dish, was an absolute joy and a delightful challenge. Candi is not only a talented blogger but also an incredible cook with a natural knack for creating delicious, approachable recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Her blog is a treasure trove of culinary inspiration, always offering something new and exciting to try, from comforting family meals to innovative side dishes. Exploring her extensive archives for the perfect recipe to share was a delightful process, as there were so many tempting options that caught my eye.
Our friendship actually dates back much further than either of our food blogging careers. We first met way back in 1997 – that’s over two decades ago! Can you believe how quickly time flies when you’re having fun? Back then, I was working as a Creative Memories consultant, and Candi was here, supporting her Air Force husband, who was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base. She attended one of my classes, and we instantly connected, forming a bond that has lasted through the years, through various life stages, and across different states. One thing I can tell you firsthand about Candi is that she is an absolutely amazing cook, with a natural flair for creating dishes that are both comforting and exciting, always infused with her unique touch.
Given her extensive collection of incredible dishes, choosing just one of her recipes for the Freaky Friday reveal was no easy feat. In fact, I ended up making three different recipes from her blog because I simply couldn’t decide! The first recipe I tackled was her mouth-watering Slow Cooker Smothered Burritos, which I had the pleasure of sharing with all of you a couple of weeks prior. I also prepared her delightful rendition of the Ruth’s Cris Salad, a sophisticated and flavorful dish that I’m eagerly looking forward to sharing in an upcoming post. Each dish was a testament to her culinary skill and passion for creating delicious food that brings joy.
Ultimately, her fantastic Deconstructed Guacamole Salad was the perfect choice to feature for this particular Freaky Friday reveal. It’s absolutely ideal for summertime gatherings, picnics, and barbecues, and it perfectly showcases all those mouth-watering, juicy tomatoes that are at their seasonal peak. It’s a fresh, light, and incredibly satisfying dish that truly embodies the vibrant spirit of summer eating and offers a delightful twist on a classic favorite.
Simple Steps to a Sensational Deconstructed Guacamole Salad
The beauty of this Deconstructed Guacamole Salad lies not only in its vibrant flavors but also in its incredible simplicity and speed of preparation. With just a few fresh ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a show-stopping dish that will impress your family and guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s truly an ideal recipe for those busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings when you want something fresh and flavorful.
To begin your culinary journey, gather all your star ingredients. Take your beautiful, ripe heirloom tomatoes and slice them into halves, wedges, or even rustic chunks, depending on their size and your preference. For the red onion, thinly slice it to ensure its piquant flavor is present but not overwhelming, adding a delightful crunch. Chop your fresh cilantro leaves; feel free to be generous here, as cilantro adds a fantastic burst of herbaceous freshness and authentic Mexican-inspired flavor. Finally, carefully cube your perfectly ripe avocados into bite-sized pieces. The key here is to handle the avocado gently to maintain its shape and creamy texture, preventing it from turning into a mush.
Crafting the Zesty & Flavorful Lime Dressing
The homemade lime dressing is what truly ties all these incredible flavors together, creating a harmonious and invigorating salad. It’s refreshingly simple yet incredibly potent and essential for balancing the richness of the avocado and the sweetness of the tomatoes. In a small bowl, combine freshly squeezed lime juice – always opt for fresh, as it makes a monumental difference in taste compared to bottled varieties – with a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a subtle kick and a touch of warmth. Add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar for an extra layer of tangy brightness, and a generous amount of rich extra virgin olive oil to create a beautifully emulsified dressing. I personally like to add a pinch of flaky sea salt and a generous grind of fresh cracked black pepper to really awaken all the flavors and balance the dressing. Whisk everything together vigorously until well combined and slightly emulsified.
Assembling and Serving Your Deconstructed Guacamole Masterpiece
Once your ingredients are meticulously prepped and your vibrant dressing is ready to go, it’s time to bring it all together into a glorious Deconstructed Guacamole Salad. Place the sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and fragrant chopped cilantro in a spacious mixing bowl. Drizzle the homemade lime dressing generously over these colorful vegetables and toss them gently but thoroughly to ensure every single piece is beautifully coated with the zesty flavors. Finally, and with utmost care and a light hand, fold in the delicate avocado chunks. You want them to retain their beautiful shape and creamy texture, so a gentle touch is absolutely best here. Serve this amazing Deconstructed Guacamole Salad immediately to enjoy it at its freshest, when the tomatoes are juicy, the avocado is perfectly creamy, and the dressing is bright and invigorating, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors in every bite.
This Deconstructed Guacamole Salad is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. It can stand alone as a satisfying and healthy vegetarian meal, especially on a hot summer day when you crave something light yet fulfilling. Alternatively, serve it as an exquisite side dish to elevate any main course. We particularly enjoyed it alongside perfectly grilled chicken breasts, which complemented its fresh, zesty flavors beautifully. It would also be fantastic with grilled fish, as a vibrant topping for shrimp or beef tacos, or even served with a side of crispy tortilla chips for a lighter, scoopable “guacamole” experience. The possibilities are truly endless for incorporating this delicious and healthy salad into your menu, making it a staple for your summer entertaining and everyday meals!
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Print Recipe
Deconstructed Guacamole Salad
Ingredients
- 4 ripe avocados Cut into chunks
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup cilantro leaves chopped (I used a little more)
- 2 cups heirloom tomatoes sliced in half (can sub cherry or grape tomatoes)
- For the dressing:
- juice of one large lime
- 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
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Prepare dressing by whisking together lime juice, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
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Prepare veggies: slice heirloom tomatoes in half, thinly slice the red onion, and chop cilantro. Add tomatoes, onion, and cilantro to a medium sized bowl. Toss to combine.
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Drizzle the prepared dressing over the tomato mixture. Gently fold in the avocado chunks, being careful not to mash them.
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Serve immediately for the best fresh flavor and texture.
Notes
Nutrition
More Delish Recipes from The Devilish Dish!
With so many incredible recipes from Candi’s blog, I’m already planning my next culinary adventure. I’ve got a bunch of juicy strawberries in my fridge just begging to be eaten, and I think next on my list will be her tempting Orange Julius Dip! It sounds like the perfect sweet and creamy treat for any occasion, and I can’t wait to give it a try.
Explore More Deliciousness from Freaky Friday Summer 2017!
Be sure to check out all the other fantastic recipes shared by my fellow bloggers during the Freaky Friday Summer 2017 Edition. Each link leads to a unique and delicious creation, offering a wide array of culinary inspiration for your summer table and beyond!
A Dish of Daily Life – Mexican Black Beans
An Affair from the Heart – Deconstructed Guacamole Salad
A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures – Homemade Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Popsicles
Aunt Bee’s Recipes – P.F. Chang’s Lettuce Wrap Salad
Belle of the Kitchen – Crock Pot Honey Sriracha Meatballs
Bowl Me Over – Grilled Shrimp Nicoise Salad
The Devilish Dish – Southwestern Coleslaw
The Flavor Blender – Creamy Frozen Margarita Pie Slice with a Pretzel Crust
Full Belly Sisters – Bacon Scallion Deviled Eggs
The Foodie Affair – New Zealand Bacon and Egg Pie
Honey & Birch – Grilled Guacamole
Hostess at Heart – Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Fajitas
Lemoine Family Recipes – Easy Peach Dumplings
Lisa’s Dinnertime Dish – Tortellini Caprese Salad
PicNic – Oreo Scones
PlatterTalk – Black Bean and Roasted Corn Chowder
Seduction in the Kitchen – Peach Sweet Tea
Take Two Tapas – Spicy Margarita Shrimp Skewers
Who Needs a Cape? – No Bake Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake Parfait