This deconstructed guacamole salad features avocado, tomatoes and a lime dressing. Serve as a healthy side or top with grilled protein for a meal-sized salad.

Let me start by saying that I love love love guacamole. The one thing I don’t love is eating a bazillion chips. Okay, I do actually enjoy eating a bazillion chips, but usually I feel blah if I eat too many. And let’s be honest, it’s insanely difficult to stop eating chips once you start.

That’s where this guacamole salad comes in.

It’s like deconstructed guacamole. No chips needed so you can feel good about eating it any time you please and don’t have to worry about getting caught in a can’t stop, won’t stop moment with those tortilla chips.

Ingredients Needed

• spring mix – the base of this salad. I like using spring mix but feel free to use your favorite type of green for this recipe. Romaine lettuce, spinach, kale or any type of lettuce would all work well in this salad!
• avocados – look for avocados that give slightly when you press on the flesh. If they’re too firm that means they aren’t ripe yet!
• red onion – adds a little zest, crunch and a ton of flavor to the salad. If raw red onion feels too pungent you can soak the onion slices in a bowl of ice-cold water for 10-15 minutes before using. After soaking, just drain and use! This will mellow out the flavor a bit.
• cherry tomatoes – halved for a burst of juicy sweetness with every bite. Substitute roma or grape tomatoes or your favorite variety of tomatoes.
• feta cheese – not traditionally in guacamole, but I love topping this salad with feta cheese. It has some tang and saltiness which pairs nicely with the rest of the ingredients.
• cilantro lime dressing – two key ingredients of guacamole are cilantro and lime so I figured why not make a cilantro lime dressing! It’s made by whisking together olive oil, lime juice, fresh garlic, maple syrup, cilantro, coriander, salt and black pepper.

Don’t Skip the Cilantro Lime Dressing

I must say… the cilantro lime dressing totally makes this salad! It adds the citrus, salty component that all good guacamole has and makes the salad insanely delicious. I could literally eat it every day. If only I had an endless supply of avocados.

What to Serve With Guacamole Salad

This salad is great as a light lunch or side dish with a Mexican-themed meal. It can also work as a healthy meal-sized salad when paired with a protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu or tempeh. Here are some ideas on what to serve this salad with:

How to Store Leftover Guacamole Salad

This deconstructed guacamole salad is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers it should last 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Just a note, that the avocado will start to turn brown as it sits.

Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. Keep cilantro lime dressing in a separate container or jar. Assemble and dress the salad when ready to serve.

More Healthy Salads to Try

More Mexican Favorites

Be sure to check out all of the salad recipes as well as the full collection of Mexican recipes on EBF!