Healthy Eritrean and Ethiopian Recipes

If you looking for a light and refreshing salad to accompany your meal or serve as a wholesome main dish, look no further! This Romaine Salad with Avocado and Tomato is the perfect choice. It’s a symphony of fresh flavors and vibrant colors that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re making it as a side dish or adding some protein for a satisfying main course, this salad is sure to please. Let’s dive into the recipe and enjoy the culinary journey!

Ingredients for Two People (as a Side Dish)

• 4-5 leaves of crisp Romaine lettuce
• 1 medium-sized, slightly firm Roma tomato, diced
• ¼ medium-sized red onion, finely chopped
• 1 ripe and ready-to-use avocado, diced
• Spices: Salt to taste, 1 tbsp. of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar (ACV), 1 tsp. of lemon juice, freshly ground black pepper to taste, 2 tbsp. of olive oil
• Optional additions: Radishes, cucumber, serrano pepper, basil, parsley, garlic, and olives

Equipment Needed

• Cutting board and a sharp knife
• One large mixing bowl
• One small bowl for the dressing

Instructions

1. Prepare the Romaine Lettuce: Begin by washing and drying the Romaine lettuce leaves. Place the leaves on a cutting board and chop them into approximately ¼-inch strips. Transfer the chopped lettuce to a large mixing bowl.
2. Take the Roma tomato and cut it into quarters lengthwise. Then, finely dice the tomato pieces. Finely chop the red onion and add to the large mixing bowl.
3. If you’ve decided to include any optional vegetables like radishes, cucumber, serrano pepper, or olives, prepare and chop them into bite-sized pieces as well.
   • Add these diced vegetables to the large mixing bowl with the Romaine lettuce.
4. Slice the ripe avocado in half and remove the pit. Carefully scoop out the flesh and dice it into small, uniform pieces.
   • Add the diced avocado to the bowl with the other vegetables.
5. For the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients to make the dressing: salt (to taste), 1 tbsp. of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar (ACV), 1 tsp. of lemon juice, freshly ground black pepper (to taste), and 2 tbsp. of olive oil.
   • If you’re a fan of herbs like basil, parsley, or garlic, finely chop them and add them to the dressing for an extra burst of flavor.
6. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the contents in the large mixing bowl. Ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed.
   • Gently toss all the ingredients together, coating them with the delicious dressing.
   • Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar to suit your preferences.
   • Serve the salad as a refreshing side dish, or enhance it with proteins like grilled chicken, fried shrimp, tuna, or salmon to create a satisfying main course.

This Salad is not only a feast for the eyes during a hot Texas summer but also a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or your favorite proteins, this salad is a delightful addition to any meal. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and savor the crisp, tangy goodness of this salad. Bruk ygberelkum (ብሩኽ ይግበረልኩም)