A sweet pepper and avocado salad is a fresh, vibrant, and healthy dish that's perfect for a light lunch or as a side. The sweetness of the peppers pairs beautifully with the creamy avocado, and you can add a variety of other ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Sweet Pepper and Avocado Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet bell peppers (any color), diced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (or lemon juice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare Ingredients:
- Dice the bell peppers and avocado into bite-sized pieces.
- If using, thinly slice the red onion and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Chop the cilantro or parsley.
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Mix Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the diced bell peppers, avocado, red onion, and cherry tomatoes (if using).
- Gently toss to mix the ingredients.
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Dress Salad:
- Drizzle olive oil and lime juice over the salad.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
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Add Optional Ingredients:
- If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and sliced black olives over the salad.
- Garnish with the chopped cilantro or parsley.
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Serve:
- Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or chill in the refrigerator for up to an hour before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- Protein Boost: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make the salad a more substantial meal.
- Additional Veggies: You can include other vegetables like cucumber, radishes, or corn for extra crunch and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
- Vinegar Alternative: If you prefer, you can substitute the lime juice with balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar for a different flavor profile.
This salad is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Enjoy the fresh, colorful combination of flavors!
