Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes (for eggs) | Total time: 25 minutes
Serves: 2 (as a main) or 4 (as a side)
This recipe replaces traditional mayonnaise with creamy, ripe avocado for a lighter, fresher, and nutrient-packed salad. It’s creamy, protein-rich, and bursting with fresh flavors.
Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Juice of ½ lemon or lime (about 1½ tbsp)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Optional Add-ins:
- 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (for a kick)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder or onion powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp chia seeds or hemp hearts (for extra nutrients)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Perfect Hard-Boiled Eggs:
- Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and cover with at least an inch of cold water.
- Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, immediately remove the pot from the heat, cover, and let it sit for 10-12 minutes.
- Drain and transfer the eggs to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let cool completely before peeling and slicing.
2. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Peel and slice the cooled hard-boiled eggs.
- Dice the avocados and chop the red onion, cherry tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
3. Combine and Gently Toss:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the diced avocado, sliced eggs, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh herbs.
- Drizzle with the fresh lemon juice and season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Gently toss to combine. Be careful not to over-mix—you want to maintain some texture from the avocado and egg pieces.
4. Serve Immediately:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve fresh on its own, on toasted whole-grain bread, in lettuce cups, or with crackers.
Why This Recipe Works & Chef’s Notes:
- Best Served Fresh: Because it contains avocado, this salad is best enjoyed immediately after making it. The lemon juice will help slow the browning, but it will not prevent it entirely.
- Prevent Browning: If you need to make it a little ahead of time, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salad to limit its exposure to air before refrigerating.
- Texture is Key: The combination of creamy avocado, firm egg whites, soft yolks, and juicy tomatoes creates a perfect textural experience.
- Dietary Note: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made keto-friendly. To make it vegan, substitute the hard-boiled eggs with 1 cup of cooked chickpeas, slightly mashed.
Enjoy your light, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying meal
