Short, Catchy Intro

So you want something crunchy, bright, and foolproof without turning your kitchen into a drama scene? I got you. This Divorce Salad is the kind of bowl that says I moved on and I look great doing it. It is fresh, simple, and makes you feel strangely proud about chopping vegetables. If you like salads with attitude and zero fuss, this is your new go to.

Want a fruit spin later on? Try this watermelon salad for when the weather gets flirty.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Okay real talk. Why is this salad so good? First, it requires almost zero brain power. You can make it between email replies or while waiting for your takeout to arrive. Second, the flavors actually behave like adults together. The lemon wakes everything up. The avocado brings comfort food vibes. The red onion gives attitude.

Best part The whole thing takes five to ten minutes depending on your knife skills and your patience level with avocado. It is idiot proof, even I did not mess it up. Also it scales like a dream. Need one serving or eight servings Nobody judges.

Ingredients Youll Need

Mixed greens. Use whatever looks happy in the bag.
Cherry tomatoes. Halved or whole if you like surprises.
Cucumbers. Sliced or diced, your choice.
Avocado. Ripe but not mushy. Gentle with this one.
Red onion. Thinly sliced so nobody cries too hard.
Olive oil. A decent bottle not the mystery shelf thing.
Lemon juice. Fresh squeezed if you can, bottled works in a pinch.
Salt. Salt is not optional.
Pepper. Freshly cracked if you want to feel fancy.

Step by Step Instructions

In a large bowl combine mixed greens cherry tomatoes cucumbers avocado and red onion. Toss gently so the avocado does not get offended.
In a small bowl whisk together olive oil lemon juice salt and pepper. Taste it and adjust. You want it bright not bland.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Use just enough dressing to keep everything glistening not soggy.
Serve immediately and enjoy a refreshing start. This is best fresh so someone should eat it now.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overdressing the salad and turning it into a soggy mess. Less is more. Drizzle add a little more if needed.
Using an avocado that is still a brick. If it resists like it has unresolved feelings let it ripen first.
Cutting tomatoes so big they steal the show. Bite sized is polite and functional.
Slicing red onion like you are building a sculpture. Thin is the goal. No one needs onion confetti.
Letting the salad sit for too long. Greens wilt and mood declines. Eat it while it is proud.
Skipping salt because you think it is optional. Salt makes everything sing. FYI salt is not a suggestion.

Alternatives & Substitutions

No mixed greens Use spinach or kale for a different texture. If you use kale massage it with a little lemon juice first so it stops being intimidating.
No cherry tomatoes Use halved grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes. Both work.
No cucumber Use sliced radish or snap peas for crunch. Radish adds pep.
No avocado Use crumbled feta or chickpeas for creamy protein. I am team avocado but feta gets an honorary mention.
No lemon juice Try a splash of white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. It will still be bright and sassy.
Want a heartier bowl Add cooked quinoa or roasted sweet potato. These ramps up the meal factor fast.

Prefer something with apples instead of avocado Try this autumn harvest apple salad for a cozy swap.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

What if I only have bottled lemon juice Is that a deal breaker No way. Use the bottled stuff if that is what you have. Fresh is nice but the salad will still be happy.

Can I make this ahead of time Will it survive an afternoon Yes but not perfectly. Keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving. If avocado browns you can squeeze a bit of lemon on it to slow the drama.

Can I add protein Like chicken or tofu Absolutely. Grilled chicken leftover rotisserie or pan seared tofu all work. This salad scales nicely into a meal. Add protein if you are hungry.

How do I keep the avocado from browning Use it when fresh or toss the slices with a little lemon juice. If you need to store leftovers press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to limit air contact.

Is this kid friendly Will picky eaters revolt Maybe. Cherry tomatoes and cucumber usually pass inspection. If you have a resistant diner try serving components separately so they assemble their own bowl.

Can I use a different oil Olive oil complements this salad best. But neutral oils work in a pinch. If you want extra flavor try a light drizzle of toasted sesame oil very lightly.

How long does this keep in the fridge One day is ideal. If you must it keeps a bit longer but the greens will relax and the avocado might sulk.

Final Thoughts

This salad is proof that simple can be sensational. It takes almost no time and rewards you immediately with bright fresh flavors and crunchy vibes. If you are making dinner for one or feeding a small crowd it behaves nicely.

Tip Keep the dressing separate until the last minute for peak freshness. Also be gentle with the avocado it is the salad heart and should be treated with care. IMO adding a sprinkle of flaky salt at the end is a small ceremony that pays off.

Now go impress someone or just yourself with this refreshing bowl. You earned a little kitchen win today.

Conclusion

If you want the origin story that inspired this cheeky name check out this Bon Appetit essay about Divorce Salad for a lovely read about food and life.

Divorce Salad

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A fresh, simple salad that is crunchy, bright, and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Mixed greens
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Cucumbers, sliced or diced
Avocado, ripe but not mushy
Red onion, thinly sliced
Olive oil
Lemon juice, fresh squeezed
Salt
Pepper, freshly cracked

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, and red onion. Toss gently.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring it does not become soggy.
Serve immediately and enjoy a refreshing start.

Notes

Keep the dressing separate until the last minute for peak freshness. Be gentle with the avocado to prevent bruising.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No cooking required
Cuisine: American