Name: Cilantro Avocado Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 cups cilantro leaves (1 large bunch); 1 large avocado, diced; 1/2 pound roma tomatoes, chopped (4-6 small tomatoes); 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup canned whole kernel corn, drained; juice of a large lime; 2 tablespoons olive oil; salt and black pepper (or red pepper flakes), to taste; 1 cup crumbled cotija or queso fresco cheese

This fresh Cilantro Avocado Salad is a fiesta to the mouth! Loaded with black beans, corn, tomato and red onion with a simple lime dressing, cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of spice, it’s filling and fabulous!

A large white serving bowl of cilantro avocado salad with chopped tomatoes and sliced red onion. There are two wooden salad spoons sticking out of the bowl.

A Show-Stopping Side Salad

One night when we were making a cilantro pesto to go with steak tacos, I was munching on cilantro leaves and told Brandon we should make a Cilantro Avocado Salad. He said, “You mean like toss cilantro in a green salad? Sounds great!”

Nope! I meant I was going use cilantro as the main green in a salad. He was skeptical, but I showed him! No, seriously! This salad is so simple to toss together and it’s a show-stoppper!

A hand holding a fork in a white bowl of cilantro avocado salad.

For the Cilantro Lovers

Are you a cilantro lover or hater? I’m a lover! I can’t get enough of the stuff. It’s fresh and has this distinctive sharp bite that makes me want more and more. I’ve always got it on hand.

I love to blend in salsa or guacamole, put on tacos, sprinkle over avocado toast, garnish just about any dish with and now as the star ingredient in this scrumptious salad. I’m obsessed.

Simple Ingredients, Full of Flavor

I’ve made this salad several times since creating it a few weeks ago and I can’t get over how delicious it is. It keeps great in the refrigerator for several days and goes well with just about any meal, or do like me and make a meal out of it by itself. So yummy!

A whole bunch of cilantro, a diced avocado, black beans, corn, tomatoes and red onion are all tossed together with the juice of a lime, a few tablespoons of olive oil, salt and either black pepper or red pepper flakes, if you like a little spice.

Oh and cheese, don’t forget to sprinkle it with some cotija or queso fresco.

Isn’t she lovely?! So fresh and so full of amazing flavor.

A large white serving bowl of cilantro avocado salad with chopped tomatoes and sliced red onion. There is a wedge of lime on top of the salad.

My Favorite Creative Salad Recipes

Hummus Pasta Salad: is The easiest, most deliciously healthy pasta salad you will ever make and that everyone will love!
Favorite 5-Minute Lunch Salad: A fresh, filling and flavorful salad that you can toss together in a matter of minutes for an amazing lunch any day of the week with these great salad staples always on hand. Our Favorite 5-Minute Lunch Salad!
BLT Chopped Salad: With crumbled bacon, tangy blue cheese, and grilled corn, this BLT Chopped Salad makes a light but satisfying summer meal. Homemade ranch and croutons add flavor and texture you’ll love in every bite!

Ingredients and Supplies

(see recipe card at the bottom of this post for measurements and details)

Ingredients:

Cilantro leaves: adds vibrant, herbaceous flavor that keeps the dressing fresh and bright. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh parsley can be used for a different but still fresh herbal note. Learn how to wash cilantro properly so that it adds flavor, not grit, to your favorite Mexican and Southwest dishes.
Avocado: adds a creamy, buttery texture. The fat content makes it very filling and hearty.
Roma tomatoes: brings juicy sweetness and acidity that brightens the salad. Roma tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, or thick slices of beefsteak tomato all work as well.
Red onion: adds a crisp texture and sharp bite that brightens the overall flavor of the salad. Thinly sliced shallots or green onions offer a milder onion flavor.
Canned black beans: add protein, fiber, and a hearty texture that makes the salad more satisfying. Pinto beans or kidney beans are good alternatives.
Canned whole kernel corn: adds natural sweetness, a slight crunch, and smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the Southwest-inspired ingredients. Frozen corn (thawed and grilled or sautéed) or cooked fresh corn can be used, too.
Large lime: provides bright acidity that ties all of the dressing’s flavors together. Fresh lemon juice can be used for a different citrus flavor.
Olive oil: acts as a simple dressing for this flavorful salad.
Kosher salt: enhances the natural flavors of the fresh ingredients.
Black pepper: adds a subtle touch of warmth and mild spice. Alternatively, red pepper flakes add a bit more kick.
Cotija cheese (crumbled): adds a salty, crumbly finish that enhances the fresh flavors throughout the salad. Feta cheese is the closest substitute, though queso fresco can also be used for a milder flavor.

Supplies:

Large mixing bowl

Ingredients to make cilantro avocado salad in small glass dishes on a white marble counter.

How to Make Cilantro Avocado Salad

Submerge cilantro in a bowl of clean cold water a few times to clean thoroughly. Let dry between paper towels and then remove cilantro leaves from the stems.
Place cilantro leaves in a large mixing bowl.

Add diced avocado, chopped tomatoes, sliced red onion, black beans and corn.
Squeeze lime juice over ingredients in the bowl and drizzle with 2 tablespoon olive oil. Toss gently to combine well.

Add salt and pepper (or red pepper flakes) to taste.

A large white serving bowl of cilantro avocado salad with chopped tomatoes and sliced red onion.

Sprinkle with cheese

Toss again and serve!

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Toss again before enjoying.

A large white serving bowl of cilantro avocado salad with chopped tomatoes and sliced red onion. There is a metal fork sticking out of the bowl.

More Fresh and Flavorful Salads

My Fresh and Flavorful Salad Recipes make it easy to bring the green to any meal. From side salads to hearty dinner salads, there’s a salad for every occasion and every taste!

Citrus caesar, layered taco salad, pesto rice salad, and kale salad.

If you make my Cilantro Avocado Salad, be sure to snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see. If you’re on Facebook, be sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama group to connect and share all the fun and yummy recipes of mine that you make! 😍 I just love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy!

xoxo,