Creamy Avocado Romaine Salad
Enjoy an invigorating and flavorful Creamy Avocado Romaine Salad that combines the crisp freshness of romaine lettuce with a rich and creamy avocado dressing. Fresh tomatoes, savory cheddar cheese, and tangy olives mingle beautifully in this colorful dish, making it perfect for gatherings or a light, nutritious meal. This salad is not only visually appealing but packed with healthy fats and nutrients, making it a delightful choice for any season. Elevate your dining experience by serving it with crunchy corn chips for an added texture!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
ripe avocado
1 (peeled and cubed)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup
vegetable oil
1/4 cup
lemon juice
3 tablespoons
garlic cloves
2 (peeled)
salt
1/2 teaspoon
hot pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon
romaine lettuce
1 bunch (torn)
medium tomatoes
3 (cut into wedges)
shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup
sliced ripe olives
1 (2 1/4 ounce) can (drained)
green onions
2 (chopped)
corn chips
to taste
Instructions
1
To prepare the dressing, combine the ripe avocado, mayonnaise, vegetable oil, lemon juice, garlic cloves, salt, and hot pepper sauce in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, and set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, add the torn romaine lettuce, tomato wedges, shredded cheddar cheese, drained olives, and chopped green onions.
3
Drizzle the creamy avocado dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are coated evenly.
4
Finish the salad by sprinkling with corn chips for an added crunch, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Avocado Romaine Salad?
It is a fresh and flavorful salad that combines crisp romaine lettuce with tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and olives, all tossed in a rich, homemade avocado dressing.
What are the main ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include ripe avocado, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced olives, green onions, and corn chips.
How do I make the avocado dressing?
Blend the avocado, mayonnaise, vegetable oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and hot pepper sauce in a food processor until smooth.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It is best served immediately after tossing to keep the lettuce crisp and the avocado dressing fresh, though you can prep components separately.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a substitute for mayonnaise if you prefer a different tang.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, this Creamy Avocado Romaine Salad is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
What type of lettuce is best for this recipe?
Romaine lettuce is used for its crisp texture, which holds up well against the heavy avocado dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the specific serving count is not provided, the recipe uses one large bunch of romaine and three tomatoes, making it suitable for a medium-sized group.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would make excellent protein additions to this salad.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, though the lettuce may wilt over time once the dressing is applied.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely, you can substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even feta for a different flavor profile.
What if I don't have hot pepper sauce?
You can omit it entirely or use a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
Is this salad gluten-free?
The salad is naturally gluten-free, but ensure your mayonnaise and corn chips are certified gluten-free if you have a sensitivity.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, use a vegan mayonnaise alternative and a dairy-free shredded cheese.
How many tomatoes are needed?
This recipe calls for 3 medium tomatoes, which should be cut into wedges.
What kind of olives should I use?
The recipe specifies one 2 1/4 ounce can of sliced ripe olives, which are typically black olives.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil?
Yes, you can use extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil as a healthier alternative to vegetable oil.
How do I keep the avocado dressing from browning?
The lemon juice in the recipe acts as an antioxidant to help keep the avocado dressing bright green.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Yes, though fresh lemon juice provides a brighter and more vibrant flavor.
What can I use instead of corn chips?
If you don't have corn chips, you can use croutons, toasted pepitas, or sunflower seeds for added crunch.
Is this salad spicy?
The recipe includes a small amount of hot pepper sauce, providing a very mild kick that is generally not considered spicy.
How many garlic cloves are required?
You will need 2 garlic cloves, which should be peeled before blending into the dressing.
Can I use frozen avocado for the dressing?
Fresh, ripe avocado is recommended for the best flavor and texture, but thawed frozen avocado chunks can work in a pinch.
What are the best tomatoes to use?
Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes are great choices because they are firm and easy to wedge.
Can I use different greens?
Yes, you can substitute romaine with butter lettuce or a spring mix, though the texture will be softer.
How do I clean the romaine lettuce?
Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and rinse thoroughly in cold water, then use a salad spinner or paper towels to dry it.
Is this recipe suitable for parties?
Yes, its colorful appearance and crowd-pleasing ingredients like cheese and chips make it a great party side dish.
Can I add nuts to this salad?
Toasted walnuts or sliced almonds would add a nice nutritional boost and extra crunch.
What is the texture of the dressing?
The dressing is smooth, thick, and creamy thanks to the avocado and mayonnaise base.
Can I omit the olives?
Yes, if you are not a fan of olives, you can leave them out without affecting the overall structure of the salad.