An avocado salad with cilantro lime dressing is the perfect dish for summertime. It’s light, refreshing, and easy to make. Who wants to be cooped up inside next to a hot oven when you can be outside enjoying the sunshine and pool? One of my favorite salads comes from a restaurant back in my hometown called El Torito.
They had great Mexican food and amazing pepita cilantro dressing. If they had put it in a glass, I probably would have drunk it. I have never found another dressing like El Torito’s, but this avocado salad with cilantro lime dressing comes pretty darn close.
The Star of Avocado Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
The main character of this amazing avocado salad with cilantro lime dressing is the creamy cilantro lime dressing. All you need is your food processor and a sturdy spatula. Blend the ingredients together until everything is smooth and creamy.
Step 1: Preparing the Dressing
The creamy cilantro lime dressing is the highlight of this avocado salad and the best part? It only takes about 5 minutes to whip up. With just a food processor and a sturdy spatula, you can blend all the ingredients into a smooth, flavorful masterpiece. This dressing adds a zesty, herbaceous kick that brings all the salad ingredients together beautifully. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You might find yourself using it as a dip for veggies or even a marinade for grilled meats.
The dressing keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, making it perfect for meal prepping or last-minute meals. Its creamy consistency and bold flavors will have everyone asking for seconds! Ready to give it a go? Grab the 5-minute printable recipe here. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to create this show-stopping addition to your avocado salad with cilantro lime dressing.
Step 2: Assembling the Avocado Salad
The avocado salad with cilantro lime dressing is simple to prepare. Just put the following ingredients in a large bowl, mix, and divide it into your desired portion sizes:
- 1 small head of Romaine lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, this forms the base of the salad with a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
- 1 large diced tomato: Juicy and tangy, it adds vibrant color and a burst of freshness to the dish.
- 2 ripe avocados cut in slivers: Creamy and rich, these provide a buttery texture that complements the dressing perfectly.
- 1 cucumber peeled and chopped: Cool and crunchy, it brings a refreshing contrast to the other ingredients.
- 1 bunch cilantro minced with stems removed: Fresh and aromatic, this herb enhances the salad with its signature citrusy flavor.
- 1/4 cup toasted pepitas (similar to pumpkin seeds): Nutty and crunchy, these seeds add a delightful texture and earthy taste to the salad.
The pepitas can usually be found near the croutons or nuts in the produce section of the grocery store. If you can’t find them at your market, then there are some fairly inexpensive ones on Amazon. They make a good snack too!
Step 3: Optional Toppings and Protein Additions
Optional: Sprinkle some Cotija or goat cheese on top, and oh boy! You’ll probably need to start your own restaurant! Now, put some of that amazing cilantro dressing on top, and you will have the most delicious and healthy avocado salad with cilantro lime dressing!
If I want a more robust meal, it is easy to add grilled chicken or shrimp on top of the avocado salad with cilantro lime dressing. Sometimes, I marinate my chicken in this lime juice marinade, and it gives the chicken a delicious crunch on the outside with a pop of flavor on the inside.
Find More Healthy Summer Recipes
Need more salad ideas or healthy summertime recipes? Check out my 30-minute grilled chicken artichoke salad or my teriyaki shrimp and vegetables. There are even more options on my recipe index or Pinterest Boards. Happy cooking, y’all!
