ABOUT THE RECIPE:

Here’s a festive and fabulous way to serve a first course or side salad, any time of the year. Spooned into tiny parfait cups, dessert dishes, or champagne glasses, these Avocado Salad Parfaits provide a refreshing change to a standard green salad. Bonus: They prep in 10 minutes!

Makes 4 to 5 servings

INGREDIENTS:

DRESSING
Juice from half a medium lemon
1 small clove garlic, minced
1 to 3 teaspoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil (to taste, optional)
1⁄8 teaspoon sea salt, plus more as needed

SALAD
10 to 14 grape or cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
1 medium-to-large avocado, pit removed, peeled and diced

INSTRUCTIONS:

Put all of the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk briskly to emulsify.

Put all of the salad ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Pour in the dressing and gently stir to combine. Season with more salt, to taste.

Cover and refrigerate about 30 minutes before serving. Serve as a fancy first course or simple summer side salad, spooned into pretty glasses or small dishes, displayed on a decorative plate.