Guacamole Salad - Awaken Your Palate

Simple ingredients can yield an exquisite dish

Every time I pick up a new bag of avocados, I can't help but reminisce on my love for a smooth and savoury guacamole. Comfort food at it's best. When challenged with creating a salad for the lunch menu at Household China and Gifts this past Sunday, I was able to translate this love into one of my most favourite dishes yet. The result? A light, super fresh salad with bright and savoury flavours, perfect for an easy snack or to zest up a holiday family meal.

Pre-Method

Some general tips here,

- Always buy avocados before they are fully ripe and let them ripen in a paper bag. If you buy them when they look ready to use they are often overripe and you will have wasted your money. Unless you find cheap ripe ones at a local market.. they make great guacamole :)

- I like the contrast and sharpness red onion gives this dish, however white onions will also work.

- Ensure ingredients are chilled first if serving soon after making.

- Make ahead and let marinade in the fridge an hour before serving to let flavours develop. 

- If you are sensitive to garlic or onions, simply switch garlic for ginger and onion for shallots.

A Guideline,

You'll need:

- Avocado

- Tomato

- Red Onion

Dressing:

- Fresh Lime Juice

- EVO oil

- Garlic

- Cilantro

- Salt & Pepper

- Cayenne

- Honey

Method

1. For the dressing add fresh lime juice to a bowl, about ½ - ¾ of a lime per avocado. Press and roll limes first to make squeezing easier. Then add 1 - 2 tbsp EVO oil.

2. Mince garlic and sprinkle with salt. Using the flat side of your knife grind into a paste and add to dressing bowl. This way the salt helps release the juice and the flavour will distribute better. A mortar and pestle will also work but just save yourself the trouble.

3. Mince cilantro and add. Season to taste with salt and pepper.. and actually taste it! A couple good dashes of cayenne will add a welcome spice to the dressing. At this point the dressing should be sharp and alive, almost even a bit too strong. Adjust as necessary. Keep in mind it will season the mild flavoured salad ingredients. To balance these flavours add a small spoon of honey. Too much will ruin the dressing as sweetness is not a key flavour. Mix dressing well. Refrigerate to let flavours combine.

4. Slice/dice avocado, tomato, and red onion to desired sizes, but pick a size and stick with it, add to a bowl. Ratio is typically equal amounts of each, less onion if you prefer.

5. Add dressing to the salad. Gently mix, ensuring everything is coated well. 

Done! Serve Chilled

*Finishing Bonus Marks

- Line a plate/bowl with iceberg or romaine lettuce, the crisp/crunchier the better. Place Guac Salad over top

- Garnish with cilantro leaves

- Serve with a small lime wedge

**As always!

Let me know how it turns out for you, feel free to post your questions, comments, and stories below :)