A fresh twist on a classic tomato salad, add avocado and a balsamic vinaigrette for a lovely garden balsamic avocado salad!

How do You Know if an Avocado is Ripe?

Gently squeeze the avocado without applying pressure from your fingertips, as this can cause bruising.

If the avocado yields to firm, gentle pressure, it is ripe and ready to eat.

If the avocado does not yield to gentle pressure, it is “firm” and will be ripe in a couple of days.

A few summers ago we were at my parent’s house in Idaho gathering up as much of their garden to bring home as possible. I mean, their garden is lush and ginormous so they weren’t going to miss anything. While Cade and I were out picking raspberries with the girls Mom was inside tossing together this garden balsamic avocado salad.

I say this over and over again but it’s something Cade and I fully believe in, simple, fresh ingredients are all you need. Nothing fancy, just bright flavors that can carry themselves.

Do Green, Yellow and Orange Bell Peppers Taste Different?

The different colors of bell peppers actually do taste different.

Green is the least ripe and the bitterest in taste.

The others are much sweeter, with red being the sweetest.

If a recipe calls for green peppers, or you simply feel like adding some peppers to your meal, I would choose yellow or red instead.

Red has the most nutrients and is one of the healthiest “vegetables” you can eat.

Mom just chops up some peppers, slices grape tomatoes and of course a creamy avocado and tosses all of it with a simple mixture of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic and salt. That’s it you guys!

What is the Difference Between Grape and Cherry Tomatoes?

Grape tomatoes are oblong and shaped like grapes.

They’re about half the size of cherry tomatoes, with thicker skins.

Grape tomatoes aren’t as sweet as cherry tomatoes, and their flesh is meatier and less watery.

You don’t even have to let it marinate or anything. Just toss and serve! I love the simple flavors of summer!

Garden Balsamic Avocado Salad

Yield: 6

Garden Balsamic Avocado Salad

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A fresh twist on a classic tomato salad, add avocado and a balsamic vinaigrette for a lovely garden balsamic avocado salad!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 Cups Grape Tomatoes, halved
• 1 Cup Mini Sweet Peppers, chopped
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, sliced
• 1 Avocado, chopped
• 1/4 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar
• 3 Cloves Garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl or platter, add all of the veggies and sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, and garlic.
3. Toss with the veggies and chill for 10-15 minutes.
4. Gently toss again and serve.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 146 Total Fat: 13g Saturated Fat: 2g Trans Fat: 0g Unsaturated Fat: 10g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 57mg Carbohydrates: 8g Fiber: 3g Sugar: 4g Protein: 1g

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