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    Home » Recipes » Salads

    Avocado Tomato Arugula Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette

    First Published: July 20, 2020 . Last Modified: July 26, 2023 lisa19 Comments This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe

    Avocado tomato arugula salad is healthy, easy, and so delicious. With a light cilantro vinaigrette, this salad is a wonderful side that won't leave you feeling heavy.

    Overhead shot of plateful of avocato tomato arugula salad

     

    Avocado Tomato Arugula Salad

    A while back, I was invited to sample the new spring menu offerings at Seasons 52. They served this delicious tomato and Haas avocado salad with a balsamic dressing and grilled bread. It was just one highlight of the dinner. I couldn't stop thinking of that salad and decided to create my own version. I love the taste of avocados and will also add them to anything any chance I get.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • It's full of flavor and healthy ingredients.
    • It's a light salad that won't bog you down.
    • The combination of avocado, arugula, tomato, and cilantro vinaigrette makes a brightly-flavored salad with wonderful, rich notes.

    Choosing the Best Avocado Tomato Arugula Salad Ingredients

    The best dishes start with the best ingredients. With that in mind, I've got some tips here to help you choose the best avocados, tomatoes, and arugula, three foods that can be difficult to find at peak freshness.

    Choosing the Best Tomatoes

    • Look for skins that are free of bumps and bruises. Some cracking near the stem is normal.
    • Ripe tomatoes will usually have a vibrant red color unless they're heirloom varieties that aren't naturally red.
    • Sniff the tomatoes. If they have a tomato fragrance, they're ripe. Tomatoes with no aroma could have been picked before they were ready and won't ever ripen properly.

    Choosing the Best Avocados

    There are two ways to choose avocados for your avocado tomato arugula salad.

    • If you'll be making your salad right away, look for avocados that are darker in color. They should have some give but shouldn't feel mushy when gently squeezed.
    • If you'll be making your salad in a couple of days, look for avocados that are brighter green with a firm texture. They'll reach full ripeness in 4 to 5 days.
    • More detailed information about avocado ripeness can be found here.

    Choosing the Best Arugula

    • The leaves should have a vibrant green color.
    • Avoid arugula that has wilted or soft-looking leaves.
    • Yellow or slimy arugula is bad, bad, bad.
    • Inspect pre-packaged arugula for excess moisture in the bag which can promote rotting.
    • Arugula is at peak freshness during the summer, however, quality arugula can be found in late spring and early fall, as well.

    Avocadoes and Tomatoes

    Ingredients

    This recipe uses simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. You'll find them here, but the exact quantities are in the recipe card at the end of the post.

    • Finely chopped cilantro
    • Olive oil
    • Balsamic vinegar
    • Sugar
    • Water
    • Salt
    • Black pepper
    • Baby arugula
    • Chopped tomato
    • Peeled, pitted, and chopped avocado
    • Shredded parmesan cheese

    How to Make Tomato Arugula Salad

    This salad is as easy to make as it is delicious. In just a few minutes, you'll have a light, summery salad! The recipe highlights are here, but you'll find the exact instructions in the recipe card below.

    Step 1: Make the Vinaigrette

    Combine all vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

    Step 2: Make the Salad

    Add the tomato, arugula, and avocado to a bowl and toss with the dressing. Top with parmesan cheese. Season with extra salt if desired.

    Variations

    • Any of your favorite vinaigrettes will work with this recipe.
    • If you're not a fan of arugula, baby spinach greens or mesclun mix would also work well with this recipe. 
    • Try adding sunflower seeds, almonds, croutons, or my homemade Parmesan Frico (cheese crisps).
    • For some extra protein, chickpeas would make a delicious addition without bogging down all of the flavors.
    • Top with grilled shrimp or chicken and turn this into a main course!

    Equipment

    • Measuring spoons
    • Knife
    • Cutting board
    • Whisk
    • Mixing bowls

    plated arugula salad recipe

    Storage

    You can store this salad for a maximum of two days in the refrigerator in an air-tight container. After that, it will get soggy.

    Tips

    • Make this salad immediately before you want to serve it for the best flavor and texture.
    • Always buy the freshest ingredients for the best flavor.
    • A salad spinner is a great way thoroughly dry your arugula after washing it.

    What to Serve with Avocado Tomato Arugula Salad

    This light and flavorful salad is absolutely perfect when paired with main courses that are as equally flavorful. Try some of these great main dishes with your salad.

    1. Roasted Spicy Ranch Salmon with Asparagus
    2. Pappardelle Pasta with Bacon, Egg, and Cheese
    3. Mushroom Chicken Thighs with Rosemary
    4. Asian Pan-Seared Scallops with Spinach
    5. Cumin Rubbed Steak Kabobs with Mexican Street Corn Salad
    6. Dutch Oven Corned Beef and Cabbage

    FAQ

    What is arugula?

    Arugula is a popular salad green that is often mistaken for a lettuce variant. However, arugula is actually a member of the same vegetable family as broccoli, cabbage, and mustard greens.

    What does arugula taste like?

    Arugula has a distinctive flavor best described as fresh, tart, bitter, and peppery.

    Is this a healthy salad?

    This avocado tomato arugula salad is exceedingly healthy! All of the ingredients are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and the dressing ingredients are light and healthy, as well.

    More Arugula Recipes

    If you love arugula as much as I do, then I think you're going to be very happy with these delicious recipes.

    1. Pan Roasted Potato Salad with Arugula and Crispy Prosciutto
    2. Arugula Salad with Beets and Fennel 
    3. Blueberry Caprese Salad with Balsamic Dressing
    4. Grilled Arugula Salad Pizza with Prosciutto via Swirls of Flavor

    If you like this arugula salad recipe, please give it a 5-star rating below!

    Closeup shot of plateful of avocado tomato arugula salad.

    RECIPE

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe SaveSaved!
    5 from 11 votes

    Avocado, Tomato and Arugula Salad with Cilantro Vinaigrette

    This avocado tomato arugula salad is light and refreshing and so easy to put together. Whether you're looking for a healthy side or a simple way to impress guests, this salad will get the job done!
    Prep Time10 minutes mins
    Course: appetizer or side dish
    Cuisine: salad
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 404kcal
    Author: Jersey Girl Cooks (Lisa Grant)

    Ingredients

    • 2 TBS finely chopped cilantro
    • 2 TBS olive oil
    • 1 ½ TBS Balsamic vinegar
    • 2 teaspoon sugar
    • 2 TBS water
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ½ teaspoon black pepper
    • 2 to 3 cups baby arugula
    • 1 medium size tomato chopped
    • 1 avocado peeled, pitted and chopped
    • 2 TBS shredded Parmesan cheese
    • Salt to taste if necessary

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl, whisk together the cilantro, oil, vinegar, sugar, water, salt and pepper. Set aside.
    • Toss together the arugula, tomato and avocado.
    • Mix together with dressing.
    • Top with Parmesan cheese. Season with extra salt if necessary.

    Notes

    Top it with grilled shrimp or chicken for a great main course.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 404kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 736mg | Potassium: 1506mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 6343IU | Vitamin C: 54mg | Calcium: 452mg | Iron: 4mg

    First Published April 2012; Last Updated May 2021

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ramona

      April 03, 2012 at 4:29 pm

      I had one for lunch but it didn't look this good!

      Reply
    2. claudia @whats cookin italian cuisine

      April 03, 2012 at 8:30 pm

      I just cant wait to try this all my favorites nice one!

      Reply
    3. Pam

      April 03, 2012 at 11:03 pm

      What a beautiful and delicious looking salad.

      Reply
    4. Kate

      April 04, 2012 at 10:25 am

      I've been getting some really great salads at restaurants too!

      Reply
    5. Carrie's Experimental Kitchen

      April 05, 2012 at 6:48 am

      It looks delicious, I love avocados in a salad.

      Reply
    6. leslie

      April 12, 2012 at 9:31 pm

      Love Seasons 52!! thi salad sounds wonderful! I could drink that dressing

      Reply
    7. Emily Flint

      July 20, 2020 at 3:28 pm

      5 stars
      I always have arugula in my house and I can't wait to make this one with avocado and tomato!

      Reply
    8. Estelle Forrest

      July 20, 2020 at 3:31 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing tips on how to choose the produce! Thanks for sharing this yummy recipe

      Reply
    9. Sue

      July 20, 2020 at 3:31 pm

      5 stars
      I love avocado and tomato and I'm growing my own arugula so this salad is in my future for sure!

      Reply
    10. Andréa Janssen

      July 20, 2020 at 4:58 pm

      5 stars
      What a great idea this delicious salad. I love all the flavors!

      Reply
    11. Chef Dennis

      July 20, 2020 at 7:00 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a perfect time for salads! This Salad recipe of yours looks really tasty and refreshing to eat.

      Reply
    12. Alexandra

      July 20, 2020 at 8:18 pm

      5 stars
      Fresh and delicious salad - a lovely side dish, or light lunch!

      Reply
    13. Mama Maggie's Kitchen

      July 21, 2020 at 3:47 am

      5 stars
      This dish looks amazing. I wish I could eat that right now!

      Reply
    14. Debra

      July 21, 2020 at 2:01 pm

      5 stars
      So much summer yumminess.

      Reply
    15. Leslie

      July 21, 2020 at 4:01 pm

      5 stars
      This is a great salad recipe with wonderful flavors!

      Reply
    16. Marina

      July 21, 2020 at 4:57 pm

      5 stars
      Fantastic side salad to go on the dinner table!

      Reply
    17. Lathiya

      July 24, 2020 at 3:54 pm

      5 stars
      The salad looks vibrant and hearty. Healthy choice with a protein side.

      Reply
    18. Concetta Martinez

      September 01, 2021 at 4:34 pm

      I'm not a fan of cilantro, so substituted flat parsley. Also used mixed salad greens, which did have arugula in it, some croutons. Very Good. This was an accompaniment to your Tenderloin of beef with mushrooms recipe....Delicious.

      Reply
      • lisa

        September 02, 2021 at 6:21 pm

        Sounds good!

        Reply

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