This creamy avocado salad recipe is one of those dishes that looks fancy but takes just minutes to make. It’s fresh, colorful, healthy, and that homemade avocado dressing? Let’s just say you’ll want to drizzle it on everything.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weekday lunch, a light dinner, or a healthy side dish to go with grilled chicken thighs best Carne Asada or baked chicken wings, this salad is going to be your new go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Avocado Salad
Here’s why this salad is on repeat at my house:
- Versatile – perfect on its own, or add your favorite protein for a full meal.
- So fresh – crunchy romaine, crisp cucumber, zesty red onion, and of course creamy avocado.
- Quick to make – 10 minutes from fridge to fork.
- Healthy & nourishing – packed with fiber, healthy fats, and vitamins.
- That dressing! – rich, creamy, and so much better than store-bought.
Ingredient Needed for Avocado Salad Recipe
- Avocado – Use a ripe avocado for both the dressing and the salad. It should feel slightly soft when you press it gently (but not mushy).
- Garlic – Fresh garlic gives the dressing a little kick. If you prefer it milder, roast the garlic first or use a small pinch of garlic powder.
- Avocado oil – Has a light, neutral flavor that lets the avocado shine. You can swap with olive oil.
- Cilantro – Adds a fresh, herby flavor. Don’t like cilantro? Try parsley or fresh basil instead.
- Lime juice – Bright and zesty! Fresh lime is best, but lemon juice also works.
- Romaine lettuce – Crisp and sturdy, perfect for holding the creamy dressing. You could also use spinach or mixed greens.
- Red onion – Adds crunch and a sharp bite. For a milder flavor, soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes.
- English cucumber – Thin-skinned and seedless, so no peeling required. A regular cucumber works too—just peel if the skin is thick.
- Chives or extra cilantro – A pretty garnish that adds flavor and freshness.
See the recipe card for the full information on recipe ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Avocado Salad – Step by Step
- Blend the dressing: Combine avocado, garlic, oil, cilantro, and lime juice in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the salad: Layer romaine lettuce, sliced avocado, cucumber, and red onion on a plate or in a large bowl.
- Add the dressing: Drizzle the creamy avocado dressing over the salad. Toss gently with two forks.
- Garnish & serve: Top with fresh chives or cilantro and a pinch of black pepper. Enjoy immediately.
Tips for the Perfect Avocado Salad
Here’s how you can make this salad your own:
- Use ripe avocados for a creamy, smooth dressing.
- Add cherry tomatoes or radishes for extra crunch and color.
- For a protein boost, serve with stuffed chicken breast, bang bang shrimp, bang bang chicken or boiled eggs.
- Make ahead: Store the salad ingredients separately and toss with dressing just before serving.
- No avocado oil? Olive oil works just fine.
- Meal prep tip: Make the dressing in a jar with a lid so you can shake it up before drizzling.
What to Serve with Avocado Salad
This salad is versatile enough to be a side dish or the main event. I love serving it with:
- Grilled chicken or steak dish like Mongolian Beef (for a hearty dinner)
- Shrimp skewers or salmon (hello, summer BBQs!)
- A bowl of soup (great lunch combo)
- Crusty no knead bread or sourdough focaccia bread on the side
Storage & Make Ahead Tips
- Store chopped veggies in airtight containers in the fridge.
- Keep the dressing in a small jar for up to 3 days. Shake well before using.
- Always add avocado last for the freshest flavor.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, avocado salad is healthy! It’s rich in healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins while being naturally gluten-free and vegetarian.
To keep avocado fresh, toss slices in lime or lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
You can prep the veggies and dressing ahead, but add avocado and toss with dressing right before serving to prevent browning.
Grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or chickpeas pair perfectly with avocado salad for a balanced meal.
Once dressed, avocado salad is best eaten the same day. If stored separately, it can last up to 3 days in the fridge.
Serve with These Easy Dishes
- Chicken Marsala Recipe Easy
- Super Juicy Oven Baked Chicken Wings
- Baked Chicken Pasta in Buttery White Sauce
- Oven Baked Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
- The Best Creamy Chicken Pasta
Did you try this recipe? Please leave us a ⭐ review below!
Thank YOU for YOUR Comment, Share & Recipe Review!
When YOU make this Creamy Avocado Salad Recipe tag us @munchkintimeblog on Instagram, and follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, Tik Tok and YouTube! Thank you for visiting!!!
📖 Recipe
Avocado Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
Ingredients
Avocado Salad Dressing
- ½ large ripe avocado peeled and seed removed
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ⅓ cup avocado oil or any oil of your choice
- 1 tablespoon cilantro
- 1 lime juice of 1 lime
- salt & pepper to taste
Avocado Salad Ingredients
- 1 head organic romaine lettuce chopped & washed
- ½ large avocado cut in half & sliced
- ½ red onion cut in half & sliced
- ½ English cucumber cut in half & sliced
- chives or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Make the dressing: In a blender, combine avocado, garlic, avocado oil, cilantro, and lime juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Assemble the salad: On a serving plate or in a large bowl, layer chopped romaine lettuce, sliced avocado, red onion, and cucumber. Drizzle the avocado dressing evenly over the salad.
- Toss and serve: Using two forks, gently toss the salad to coat the vegetables with the dressing. Garnish with chopped chives or cilantro. Add a sprinkle of black pepper if desired. Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Use ripe avocado.
- For extra flavor, add cherry tomatoes or radishes.
- Make the dressing a few hours ahead to let the flavors meld.
- This salad pairs perfectly with Grilled Chicken Shawarma, Grilled Chicken Thighs or Shrimp Scampi for a light meal.
Nutrition
Quote of the Day
Have a wonderful day!
WANDA
LOVED THIS SALAD, GREAT & EASY.
Munchkin Time
Thank you! 😀
Grace jones
We made this and it was so good my daughter who doesn’t like salad loved it . Definitely make the dressing to it is so good . Recommend this recipe highly .
Munchkin Time
Thank you, Grace! So happy your daughter loved it, too!