Growing up, the best memories were made in the kitchen. My mom constantly looked for ways to reinvent meals and make cooking fun.  I am now a mom myself, constantly on the go, who appreciates shortcuts and easy meals as many of you reading this blog. I promise, once you try this version of my quick salad, it will change your life, as it did mine.

Guilt -free, quick, easy and healthy recipe to serve at your next summer soiree.  You may serve as a side for a quick dinner after a long day’s work or dip at your next “meeting of the minds” (aka, Girls Night).  It’s a crowd favorite when I host get-togethers and can be prepared in under 30 minutes, no stress, no mess!

You will need:

• 1 Haas Avocado which you will pick up from your local grocer, make sure to hold the avocado in the palm of your hand and softly squeeze. If the avocado gives in slightly to the gentle pressure then that baby is ready to be taken home to momma! Tip: If you take it home and find it’s not ripe enough, place in a paper bag for quicker ripening, truly works! Don’t let it get too ripe, otherwise, you will be having Guacamole instead.
• 1 Vine Ripe Tomato, we use vine ripe for its juicy, rich, delicious flavor. If you’d like to get creative Kumato tomatoes or grape tomatoes work well, they can also add sweetness, goes great with a creamy avocado. Tip: You want tomato slightly firm when you gently press.
• 1 Yellow Onion, wouldn’t recommend red or white onions as they will change the flavor of the salad. Tip: Vidalia onion can be used as a substitute, they are also sweet and delicate in flavor.
• Apple Cider Vinegar, Heinz is recommended. The brand Bragg’s has become popular recently for reported health benefits. You can decide which is best for you. Tip: Brand of Apple Cider Vinegar will change the taste of the salad. For best results use Heinz.
• Extra Light Olive Oil is used because it’s light in flavor. Using Extra Virgin will modify taste.
• Salt, Tip: Use Table or Fine Sea Salt to make sure completely dissolves and blends in well with rest of ingredients.

Step 1: Dice ¼ of an onion, small pieces work best. Sweet onions are delicious but mood killer, if you have a date afterwards or enjoying this colorful salad in the company of others. Set aside the diced onions in a small bowl with a pinch of salt and tablespoon of apple cider vinegar while you cut your other ingredients.

Step 2: On both sides, slice avocado top to bottom, using tip of the knife to cut through the skin. You will feel the pit but do not despair, your avocado will hopefully be ripe enough that you will hold on both sides and part ways, now leaving you with two halves. Slice each half into 3 then cube, set aside in large bowl.

Step 3: Tomatoes can be diced in small squares if vine ripe. If using smaller such as grape, halves are good.

Final Step:  Mix in the tomato into bowl of avocado. Add 3-4 tablespoons of Olive Oil, mixing your ingredients to ensure that they meld well. Once salad is well blended, slowly add in the onions you had set aside. You want to make sure you don’t oversaturate the salad with liquids, add salt to taste, if needed.

Tip:  Please, always taste your food. You should know what your food tastes like before your guests, in case adjustments need to be made before serving your dish.

Avocados are full of nutrients, rich in vitamins C, E, K and B-6, potassium among them. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids which our body highly benefits from, as you know. Tomatoes are a great source of Vitamin C, biotin and Vitamin K, as well as potassium and B6. You can enjoy this salad and break from the usual leafy greens and vegetables that sometimes we feel like we’ve had too much of!

I hope you and your guests will enjoy the beautiful display of colors and taste of Mami’s Avocado Salad, as much as my guests have over the years.