Avocado Salad with Garlic Anchovy Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
– 2 ripe avocados, cut in half
– 4 cups mixed lettuce (such as romaine, arugula, or butter lettuce)
– 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or cilantro), roughly chopped
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
– 1 tablespoon sesame seeds or pumpkin seeds (optional for added crunch)
For the Garlic Anchovy Vinaigrette:
– 2-3 anchovy fillets (canned in oil or packed in salt, finely minced)
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for creaminess)
– 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
– Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for a tangy kick)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the vinaigrette:
– In a small bowl, combine the minced anchovy fillets, minced garlic, olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
– Whisk everything together until well combined, and taste for seasoning. Adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired. If you want a smoother texture, you can blend the vinaigrette using an immersion blender or a regular blender.
2. Assemble the salad:
– In a large salad bowl, toss the mixed lettuce and fresh herbs together.
– Gently add the diced avocados and sliced red onions (if using), being careful not to mash the avocado.
3. Dress the salad:
– Drizzle the garlic-anchovy vinaigrette over the salad, starting with a small amount and tossing gently. You can always add more dressing if desired.
– Optionally, sprinkle the sesame or pumpkin seeds on top for extra texture and crunch.
4. Serve:
– Serve the salad immediately for the best texture, or refrigerate the vinaigrette separately and dress the salad just before serving.
– Enjoy this umami-packed, vibrant, and healthy side dish alongside grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a light meal.
This Avocado Salad with Garlic Anchovy Vinaigrette is quick, full of flavor, and ideal for anyone following paleo, Whole30, or keto diets. The creamy avocado paired with the bold, umami-packed vinaigrette makes this a truly irresistible side dish. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a complement to grilled dishes!