It has been HOT in Los Angeles recently which means that hearty salads have become my new best friend. Why you ask? Well, because it doesn’t involve standing over a hot stove at the end of the day when it’s already super warm in my house! This Tropical Avocado Salad is packed with tons of different but complimentary flavors and fills you right up! The bed of arugula is perfectly peppery and then topped with slivered jalapenos for a hint of heat, red onions for that crunch, cucumbers to cool things down a touch and bits of mango and California Avocados for that smooth and creamy addition. Everything is then dressed in an orange champagne dressing and it’s ready for its debut.
You might remember a few months ago when I took a trip down to a California Avocado Farm to leave all about growing and harvesting avocados. It was probably one of the most exciting day trips I’ve ever taken because I got to see first hand what kind of love and care is put into growing avocados in California. That’s what makes me so happy to continually support the California avocado farmers! Not only are they the best darn avocados because the growers get to take advantage of the coastal climate here in CA but also they are grown with love and it translates into a perfect piece of fruit.
As a personal chef, I’m all about cooking with love. That means showing my clients how simple and healthy food can be just as satisfying as something heavier when you use amazing ingredients and really care about what you’re cooking. Take this Tropical Avocado Salad for example, it’s a combination of a few simple but amazing ingredients but when you throw them all together it’s a vibrant and tasty salad!
| Tropical Cucumber and California Avocado Salad |
- 3 cups arugula
- 1/4 red onion, sliced
- 1 mango, seeded and cut
- 2 California avocados, sliced
- 1 jalapeno, slivered
- 1/2 English cucumber, sliced on a bias
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 2 tbsp champagne vinegar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- In a large bowl combine the arugula, red onion, mango, California avocado, jalapeno and cucumber. Toss gently to combine.
- In a small bowl, combine the freshly juiced orange juice and champagne vinegar. Slowly stream in the olive oil while whisking together to form an emulsion. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle some of the dressing over the salad and toss. Taste and add more dressing if needed being careful not to add too much.
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I’m loving all these ingredients! Perfect recipe for those hot summer nights!
The avocados!! I’ve gotta try this one since I just got some Himalayan pink salt and organic peppercorns from Sustainable Sourcing https://secure.sustainablesourcing.com — can’t wait to try them out in this recipe. T
It sounds like we have very similar views on healthy eating and yummy foods. I couldn’t agree more that simple, light and whole foods can and do taste much better than when slathered with sauces or dressings.
This salad is right up my alley and I can’t wait to try it! Living in Phx. I feel ya about the heat. Cool, light dishes like this are perfect. I’m glad I came across your blog on TK and look forward to following!
Loved this salad! Thew a peach on there too- it was excellent. Thanks for a delicious dinner! I am loving avocado month.
Yum! I love all the different flavors in this salad – arugula, mango, jalapeno and avocado! Sounds refreshing and summery!
What a delicious bowl of summer flavors!
Still jealous of your trip to the avocado farm!
I love anything with arugula and avocado! I will make this soon!
Terrific recipe, Gaby. I made it today and added some thinly sliced chicken breast to make it a main dish. I think this would be great with poached shrimp as well. Thanks!
Just made this today! It was a delicious lunch for a 100 degree day in Chicago… cool and refreshing. Thanks for the recipe.
I made this lovely salad, but used baby spinach instead of arugula. It was delicious.
yum! This salad looks beautiful! I’m craving some light meals with this heat wave, might have to try this out!
Yum! Just made this, and it’s really good. Having with soup and garlic bread.
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