Avocado Fruit Stand Salad

Avocado Fruit Stand Salad Recipe - Delicious and Healthy

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

The Avocado Fruit Stand Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that combines the creamy texture of avocado with the sweet and tangy flavors of various fruits, all brought together with a zesty homemade dressing. This salad is perfect for those looking to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal that's both easy to prepare and visually appealing. Whether you're hosting a summer picnic, looking for a nutritious lunch option, or simply want to enjoy a light dinner, this salad is sure to delight your taste buds.

History

The Avocado Fruit Stand Salad is inspired by the fresh produce found at local fruit stands, where the combination of ripe avocados, citrus fruits, and berries often catches the eye of health-conscious shoppers. The recipe pays homage to the tradition of using fresh, seasonal ingredients to create dishes that are both nutritious and flavorful. Over time, it has evolved to include a variety of fruits and a homemade dressing, making it a modern classic that celebrates the bounty of the garden.

Ingredients

Dressing

0.25 cup olive oil
2 tbsp raspberry vinegar
2 tbsp chopped walnuts, toasted
1 tsp grated lime peel
1 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves
0.5 tsp dry mustard
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground black pepper

Salad

1 package Ready Pac® European-style salad, any variety
3 kiwis, peeled, cut in half lengthwise and sliced in half rounds
2 red or pink grapefruits, peeled and segmented
2 cups sliced strawberries
1 ripe california avocado, seeded, peeled, one-half sliced into 8 portions, remaining avocado cubed

How to prepare

Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients and set aside.

Salad

In a large salad bowl, combine all the ingredients for the salad except for the avocado slices.
Whisk together the dressing and pour it over the salad just before serving.
Toss the salad to coat it with the dressing.
Arrange the avocado slices on top.

Variations

Feel free to experiment with different fruits based on seasonality and personal preference. Mangoes, peaches, or blueberries make excellent additions or substitutions. For a more savory version, add crumbled feta or goat cheese.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure the best flavor and presentation for your Avocado Fruit Stand Salad, consider the following tips:

- Use ripe but firm avocados to avoid mushiness in the salad.

- To prevent the avocado from browning, add it to the salad just before serving.

- Toast the walnuts for the dressing to enhance their flavor.

- For an extra burst of freshness, consider adding a handful of fresh mint leaves to the salad.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is perfect on its own for a light lunch or dinner. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood for a more substantial meal. For a complete dining experience, pair it with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in preparing this salad is in the dressing. Whisking the dressing ingredients thoroughly ensures a smooth, emulsified dressing that coats the salad evenly. Gently tossing the salad without crushing the fruits and avocado is also crucial for a beautiful presentation.

Ingredient Substitutions

If raspberry vinegar is unavailable, red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as substitutes. Similarly, if you're not a fan of walnuts, almonds or pecans can be used in the dressing for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The dressing can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The fruits can be prepped and stored in separate containers, but it's best to cut the avocado and assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the salad in a large, clear bowl to showcase the vibrant colors of the fruits and avocado. Garnish with additional basil leaves or edible flowers for an extra touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs beautifully with light, crisp wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Rosé. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling water with a squeeze of lime complements the flavors of the salad perfectly.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not store well once dressed. If you have leftovers, store the undressed salad components separately in the refrigerator and consume within a day.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of this salad contains approximately 200-250 calories, making it a light yet satisfying option for a meal or side dish.

Carbohydrates

This salad is relatively low in carbohydrates, with the majority coming from the fruits used in the recipe. Kiwis, grapefruits, and strawberries are all excellent sources of dietary fiber and natural sugars, providing a healthy energy boost without the need for added sugars.

Fats

The primary source of fats in this salad comes from the avocado and olive oil, both of which are rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. These fats are beneficial for cardiovascular health and can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Proteins

While this salad is not high in protein, the nuts in the dressing provide a modest amount. For those looking to increase the protein content, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the salad.

Vitamins and minerals

The Avocado Fruit Stand Salad is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. Avocados are rich in vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, as well as folate, magnesium, and potassium. The fruits add an additional boost of vitamin C, along with other antioxidants that support overall health.

Alergens

The primary allergens to be aware of in this recipe are nuts (walnuts) in the dressing. Those with nut allergies can easily omit the walnuts or substitute them with a nut-free alternative.

Summary

Overall, the Avocado Fruit Stand Salad is a nutritious and balanced dish, rich in healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, with a moderate calorie count. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a delicious and healthful meal.

Summary

The Avocado Fruit Stand Salad is a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients. It's a versatile dish that can be customized to suit any taste or occasion. With its easy preparation and healthful benefits, it's sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Avocado Fruit Stand Salad. It was a sunny day in the summer of 1965, and I was visiting a local farmers market with my dear friend Martha. As we perused the various stands filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, we stumbled upon a stand that specialized in avocados. The vibrant green color of the avocados caught my eye, and I couldn't resist buying a few to take home with me.

As we chatted with the owner of the stand, a kind elderly woman named Mrs. Rodriguez, she mentioned that she had a special recipe for avocado salad that she had been making for years. Intrigued, I asked her for the recipe, and she graciously agreed to share it with me.

Mrs. Rodriguez explained that the key to making the perfect avocado salad was to use ripe avocados and a variety of fresh fruits to enhance the flavor. She also stressed the importance of using a simple dressing made from olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey to bring out the natural sweetness of the fruits.

Eager to try out the recipe for myself, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in my kitchen. I carefully peeled and diced the avocados, then added in a medley of diced strawberries, mangoes, and kiwi. The colors of the fruits were so vibrant and inviting, and the sweet aroma that filled my kitchen was simply intoxicating.

Next, I whisked together the dressing, being sure to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. The combination of the tart lemon juice, the rich olive oil, and the sweet honey was the perfect complement to the fresh fruits and creamy avocados.

As I tossed everything together in a large salad bowl, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of the dish before me. The bright colors of the fruits contrasted beautifully with the deep green of the avocado, creating a visually stunning presentation that was almost too beautiful to eat.

But eat it I did, and oh, what a delight it was! The creamy texture of the avocados paired perfectly with the juicy sweetness of the fruits, while the tangy dressing added a bright, refreshing finish to each bite. It was a symphony of flavors and textures that danced on my taste buds and left me craving more.

From that day on, Avocado Fruit Stand Salad became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for myself when I wanted a simple yet satisfying meal. Each time I made it, I thought of Mrs. Rodriguez and the kind soul who had shared her recipe with me, passing down a piece of her culinary wisdom that would live on for generations to come.

As the years went by, I continued to experiment with the recipe, adding in different fruits and herbs to create new variations of the dish. I discovered that a sprinkle of fresh mint added a burst of freshness, while a drizzle of balsamic vinegar provided a subtle tang that elevated the flavors even more.

But no matter how many times I tweaked the recipe, the essence of Mrs. Rodriguez's original creation remained at its core. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul.

And so, whenever I make Avocado Fruit Stand Salad, I say a silent thank you to Mrs. Rodriguez for her generosity and her wisdom. Her recipe has become more than just a dish to me – it's a connection to the past, a tribute to the joy of cooking, and a celebration of the simple pleasures that life has to offer.