America's Test Kitchen LogoCook's Country LogoCook's Illustrated LogoAmerica's Test Kitchen LogoCook's Country LogoCook's Illustrated Logo

Avocado Salad with Tomato and Radish

By America's Test Kitchen

Published on July 16, 2012

Time

25 minutes, plus 30 minutes soaking

Yield

Serves 6

Avocado Salad with Tomato and Radish

Ingredients

1 large shallot, sliced thin3 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 garlic clove, minced½ teaspoon mayonnaise Salt and pepper 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 3 avocados, halved, pitted, and cut into ¾-inch pieces12 ounces cherry tomatoes, quartered3 radishes, sliced thin½ cup chopped fresh basil 3 ounces ricotta salata, shaved thin

Before You Begin

Crumbled feta cheese can be substituted for the ricotta salata.

Instructions

  1. Place shallot in 2 cups ice water and let stand for 30 minutes. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Whisk vinegar, garlic, mayonnaise, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in nonreactive bowl until mixture appears milky and no lumps remain. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in oil. (Dressing should appear homogeneous, glossy, and slightly thickened, without pools of oil on surface.)
  3. Gently toss avocados, 2 tablespoons dressing, and ½ teaspoon salt in bowl. Transfer avocados to large platter or individual plates.
  4. Toss shallot, tomatoes, radishes, and basil with remaining dressing. Spoon tomato mixture over avocados and sprinkle with ricotta salata. Serve immediately.

Avocado Salad with Tomato and Radish

Headshot of America's Test Kitchen
By America's Test Kitchen
Save

Time

25 minutes, plus 30 minutes soaking

Yield

Serves 6

Ingredients

1 large shallot, sliced thin
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon mayonnaise
Salt and pepper
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 avocados, halved, pitted, and cut into ¾-inch pieces
12 ounces cherry tomatoes, quartered
3 radishes, sliced thin
½ cup chopped fresh basil
3 ounces ricotta salata, shaved thin

Ingredients

1 large shallot, sliced thin
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon mayonnaise
Salt and pepper
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 avocados, halved, pitted, and cut into ¾-inch pieces
12 ounces cherry tomatoes, quartered
3 radishes, sliced thin
½ cup chopped fresh basil
3 ounces ricotta salata, shaved thin

Ingredients

1 large shallot, sliced thin
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
½ teaspoon mayonnaise
Salt and pepper
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 avocados, halved, pitted, and cut into ¾-inch pieces
12 ounces cherry tomatoes, quartered
3 radishes, sliced thin
½ cup chopped fresh basil
3 ounces ricotta salata, shaved thin

Why This Recipe Works

Buttery avocados demand an acidic dressing to cut their richness. We were able to emulsify a highly acidic vinaigrette with a bit of mayonnaise to ensure cling. To add textural contrast, we steered clear of leafy greens and relied on crunchier vegetables and juicy fruits. Arranging the dressed avocado chunks below the other ingredients maximized visual appeal by preventing the avocado from turning the salad murky.

Before You Begin

Crumbled feta cheese can be substituted for the ricotta salata.

Instructions

  1. Place shallot in 2 cups ice water and let stand for 30 minutes. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Whisk vinegar, garlic, mayonnaise, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper in nonreactive bowl until mixture appears milky and no lumps remain. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in oil. (Dressing should appear homogeneous, glossy, and slightly thickened, without pools of oil on surface.)
  3. Gently toss avocados, 2 tablespoons dressing, and ½ teaspoon salt in bowl. Transfer avocados to large platter or individual plates.
  4. Toss shallot, tomatoes, radishes, and basil with remaining dressing. Spoon tomato mixture over avocados and sprinkle with ricotta salata. Serve immediately.

Gift This Recipe

Enjoyed this dish? Let others know by sharing it as a gift recipe.

This is a members' feature.