The delightful Smoked Paprika Dressing in this salad can double as a marinade for meats and poultry. But it was incredible with the pretty fanned avocado.
It would pair well with most meats, poultry and seafood. I served this pretty avocado salad with some chargrilled tuna steaks and it was a fantastic combination!
LOW CARB SALAD WITH 3.5 g NET CARBS
More on Smoked Paprika…
This delectable spice brings a deep, smoky aroma and flavour to meals. It originates from Spain and is made from pimiento peppers that have been dried and smoked over an oak fire, then ground into a fine powder. Use in moderation as it can be overpowering.
More on Avocados…
Avocados are native to Central America and the West Indies. Avocado seeds were brought to Australia from the West Indies in the early 1900s. Avocado trees eventually flourished and the fruit has been popular since the 1960s. Australia is now one of the biggest producers of avocados. Different varieties are available throughout the year.
Avocado varieties to choose from…
Hass Avocados
The most popular avocado variety they have a classic oval shape with a small stone and pebbly outside texture and a creamy texture on the inside. This is the only variety that darkens when ripe and they keep very well.
Shepherd Avocados
Are longer and more elongated with a thin, smooth glossy green skin which stays green. They remain firm when ripe with a nutty flavour and buttery texture. The only avocado that doesn’t turn brown when cut. Great for salads.
Fuerte Avocados
Similar in shape and size to a Hass, it has smooth, medium-thin skin that peels easily, with dense, pale green flesh.
It is marginally oily with a rich, creamy flavour and notes of hazelnut.
Reed Avocados
Are easily recognisable because of their distinct round shape. They have a medium skin texture with pale flesh.
Also well known for remaining green even when fully ripened. Another one great for salads.
Choosing the best avocados…
The majority of avocados are sold unripe as they bruise easily. Make sure that your avocados are firm, heavy and on the large size as this usually means that there is more flesh than pit.
To choose a ripe avocado gently press around the stem and if it yields then the fruit is ripe.
Hass avocados are the only varieties that change colour from green to black when they are ripe, all other types are green when ripe.
How to prepare your avocados for this recipe…
1Cut the avocado in half lengthwise around the pit, make sure you have control over the avocado and be careful with your fingers.
2Once cut, twist and separate the two halves.
3To remove the pit, fold a kitchen towel then use to securely hold the avocado half with the seed.
4Then, gently hack the knife blade into the pit, twist to remove the pit on the blade. Alternatively, you can use a spoon to remove the seed, but you may lose some of the flesh doing it this way.
5Then cut in slices by placing your peeled avocado half on your chopping board and then slicing lengthwise.
How to store your avocados…
Avocados should be stored at room temperature until they are ripe, you may be able to speed up the avocado ripening process by placing unripe avocados in a brown paper bag with an apple or banana for two to three days.
After an avocado has ripened you may store it in your fridge, otherwise, its flavour may be ruined.
You can store cut avocados by squeezing lemon juice on the cut flesh and keeping them covered in your fridge.
Avocado with Smoked Paprika Dressing
Ingredients
For the salad…
- 2 avocados
- ½ red capsicum (pepper)
- ½ small onion | diced finely
- ¼ cup coriander (cilantro) leaves | loosely packed
For the Smoked Paprika Vinaigrette…
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 4 tbsps olive oil | extra virgin
- Sea salt and cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Wash the capsicum, remove the core, seeds and membranes then finely dice.
- Remove the papery skin, tops and ends of the onion then finely dice.
- Peel the avocados and remove their seeds. Slice the avocados thinly and fan out onto a platter, scatter the diced capsicum, diced onion and coriander leaves.
- Place all the vinaigrette ingredients in a glass jar and shake until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings according to your taste.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and serve immediately.
Video
Nutrition
The video in this recipe is courtesy of The Raw Chef.
Try some more avocado salad recipes here…
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We have a tradition in our family of getting together once a week at Mum’s house for “Family Dinner Night”. Mum was always responsible for getting the meat and starch side of the dinner organised and it was always my responsibility to do the salads and vegetable sides. It was always a huge production with the dinner table groaning under the strain of the variety of dishes created.
