This Is the Salad of the Summer

Whisking the dressing in the salad bowl makes cleanup a breeze. Caitlin Bensel/TNS

This vibrant salad is perfect for barbecues and backyard parties. The dressing is whisked together right in the salad bowl before you add the vegetables, so it’s also incredibly easy to make. Choose a fairly firm avocado so it holds its shape in the salad.

Cucumber, Tomato, and Avocado Salad

Active Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes

Serves 4

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder
• 1 large English cucumber, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 ripe avocado, halved, pitted, and chopped

Whisk oil, vinegar, orange zest, salt, honey, and chile powder in a large bowl. Add cucumber; toss gently. Cover and let marinate for 15 minutes.