California Avocado Tower Salad

California Avocado Tower Salad Recipe - Fresh & Flavorful

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

California Avocado Tower Salad is a visually stunning and delicious dish that showcases the vibrant colors and flavors of fresh avocados, mozzarella, and tomatoes. This salad is perfect for a light and refreshing meal or as an elegant appetizer for a special occasion.

History

The California Avocado Tower Salad is a modern twist on the classic caprese salad, which traditionally consists of tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic vinegar. This recipe adds creamy California avocados to the mix, creating a unique and flavorful dish that is sure to impress.

Ingredients

2.4 lb (1.09 kg) of fresh mozzarella, cut into 0.25 inch dice
8 (4 lb (1.81 kg)) of Genuine california avocados, cut into 0.25 inch dice
2.81 lb (1.27 kg) of tomatoes, cut into 0.25 inch dice
salt, as needed
White balsamic vinegar, as needed
Micro-greens, as needed
Hot chile oil, as needed

How to prepare

METHOD:
In a 3-inch ring mold, layer 0.25 cup of mozzarella, 0.33 cup of avocado, and 0.25 cup of tomato. Repeat the layering process in the remaining ring molds.
Per ORDER:
Slide 1 ring mold onto a serving plate and carefully remove the ring mold. Lightly sprinkle with salt and lightly drizzle with vinegar. Garnish the top with micro-greens. Put drops of chile oil on the plate around the salad in a decorative pattern.

Variations

Add fresh basil leaves or arugula for an extra burst of flavor.
Substitute cherry tomatoes for the diced tomatoes for a sweeter twist.
Drizzle the salad with a balsamic glaze for a richer flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture.

- Cutting the ingredients into uniform dice sizes will help create a visually appealing tower.

- Drizzling the salad with white balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness that complements the creamy avocados and fresh tomatoes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the California Avocado Tower Salad as a light lunch or appetizer alongside a crisp white wine or sparkling water.

Cooking Techniques

Layering the ingredients in a ring mold helps create a neat and elegant presentation for the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

If mozzarella cheese is not available, you can substitute it with fresh burrata or feta cheese for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the individual components of the salad ahead of time and assemble the towers just before serving to save time.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the towers on a bed of mixed greens or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the California Avocado Tower Salad with a light and crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing cucumber mint cocktail.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Do not reheat the salad as the avocados may become mushy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of California Avocado Tower Salad contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of California Avocado Tower Salad contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The main source of fat in this salad comes from the avocados and mozzarella cheese, with each serving containing approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of California Avocado Tower Salad provides approximately 15 grams of protein, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal option.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and calcium, thanks to the fresh avocados, tomatoes, and mozzarella.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy from the mozzarella cheese, so it may not be suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Summary

Overall, California Avocado Tower Salad is a nutrient-dense dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

California Avocado Tower Salad is a delightful and nutritious dish that is perfect for showcasing the fresh flavors of avocados, mozzarella, and tomatoes. With a few simple ingredients and a creative presentation, you can create a stunning salad that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for California Avocado Tower Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Sophia in her cozy kitchen. Sophia was known for her inventive and delicious recipes, and I always looked forward to our cooking sessions together.

On this particular day, Sophia greeted me with a mischievous sparkle in her eye. "I have a new recipe to share with you, my dear," she said, pulling out a tattered old cookbook from her collection.

As she flipped through the pages, she came to a photo of a stunning avocado tower salad. Layers of ripe avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce were stacked high on a plate, drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. My mouth watered just looking at it.

Sophia explained that she had first discovered the recipe during a trip to California many years ago. She had dined at a charming little cafe overlooking the ocean, where the chef had created this masterpiece of a salad. Sophia was so impressed by the dish that she had begged the chef for the recipe, promising to cherish it forever.

With a twinkle in her eye, she handed me a copy of the recipe. "I think you'll love this salad as much as I do," she said, her voice filled with excitement.

I couldn't wait to try my hand at making the California Avocado Tower Salad. I rushed home with the recipe clutched in my hand, eager to recreate the flavors of that sunny California day in my own kitchen.

I gathered all the ingredients I would need: ripe avocados, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and a handful of herbs from my garden. As I chopped and sliced, I thought of Sophia and the adventures we had shared over the years. Cooking together had always been a way for us to connect, to share our love of food and friendship.

I carefully arranged the layers of avocado, tomato, and lettuce on a plate, building my own tower of flavors. The vibrant colors and fresh ingredients came together in a beautiful display that mirrored the photo in the cookbook.

Finally, I drizzled the vinaigrette over the top, letting it cascade down the sides of the tower. The sweet and tangy dressing added the perfect finishing touch to the dish.

I sat down at the table and took a bite of the California Avocado Tower Salad. The creamy avocado melted in my mouth, the juicy tomatoes burst with flavor, and the crisp lettuce provided a refreshing crunch. Each bite was a symphony of tastes and textures, a tribute to the chef who had inspired Sophia all those years ago.

As I savored the salad, I couldn't help but think of the many recipes I had collected over the years, each one a treasure trove of memories and experiences. From Sophia's kitchen to that quaint California cafe, each dish had a story to tell, a journey to share.

And so, as I finished my meal, I made a promise to myself to continue seeking out new recipes, new flavors, and new adventures in the world of cooking. For it is through food that we connect with others, that we share our love and our stories, one delicious bite at a time.