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Cilantro Salad

Cilantro Salad - Simple Easy Meals

There’s something exhilarating about a fresh salad during warm months. Imagine sitting outside, the sun shining, and enjoying a bowl of chunky freshness. That’s where cilantro salad comes in. It’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. A casual dish can impress just as much as anything fancy, especially when it’s made with love and fresh ingredients.
In this post, I'll take you through everything you need to know about making a cilantro salad that can be served at picnics, barbecues, or just a simple weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dressing
Cuisine: American
Calories: 69
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/4 cup thin cucumber slices Persian cucumbers work well, but any type is fine
  • 1/2 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sunflower seeds
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon raw apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice optional, but it adds brightness
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Method
 

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
  1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. Freshness is key, so opt for vibrant, green cilantro and ripe avocados.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
    • Rinse the cilantro thoroughly, shaking off any excess water. Gently pat it dry with a paper towel.

    • Slice the red onion thinly. A sharp knife is your friend here—make those cuts clean for the best texture.

    • For the cucumber, thinly slice it. If you're using Persian cucumbers, you may not need to peel them; otherwise, feel free to remove the skin.

    • Dice your avocado into small, bite-size pieces. Be careful with that knife!

Step 3: Mix the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cilantro, red onion, cucumber, and diced avocado. Toss gently to mix everything. You want all those colors to shine without smashing the avocado.
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Get a good blend going; this dressing will bring everything together.
Step 5: Dress the Salad
  1. Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently, ensuring every ingredient gets coated without mushing it all together.
Step 6: Add the Sunflower Seeds
  1. Finally, sprinkle the toasted sunflower seeds on top. They’ll add a delightful crunch to the salad.

Notes

  • Quality Ingredients: Always use fresh herbs and vegetables. Good quality makes a difference.
  • Customize It: Don’t hesitate to add other ingredients such as bell peppers, tomatoes, or even corn for more variety.
  • Adjust the Dressing: Taste as you go. If you like it tangier, increase the vinegar or lime juice.
  • Serve Cold: This salad is best served chilled, so consider letting it sit in the fridge for a bit before eating.
  • Try Different Nuts: If you’re not a sunflower seed fan, chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts can be a great alternative.