Avocado Salad

Delicious and healthy dish that combines the creamy texture of avocados with the fresh flavors typical of Mediterranean cuisine. This salad often includes ingredients such as tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese, and it's dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs like parsley or mint. It's a versatile dish that can be customized based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here's a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: Fresh mint, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Dice the avocados, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion.
   • Pit and halve the Kalamata olives.
   • Chop the parsley and, if using, the mint.
2. Assemble the Salad:
   • In a large salad bowl, combine the diced avocados, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
3. Make the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Dress the Salad:
   • Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to mash the avocados.
5. Add Herbs:
   • Sprinkle the chopped parsley (and mint, if using) over the salad and give it a final gentle toss.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the salad immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.

Tips:

• If you're making the salad ahead of time, consider adding the avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning.
• For an extra touch of Mediterranean flavor, you can add a sprinkle of dried oregano or a squeeze of lemon zest.
• This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fish, or as a refreshing side for a summer barbecue.

Enjoy!