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Deconstructed Summer Salad

Deconstructed Summer Salad

This Deconstructed Summer Salad offers a colorful and flavorful presentation of summer’s best ingredients, from creamy avocado and sweet grilled corn to smoky bacon and briny olives. The freshness of each component is enhanced by a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and Hawaiian Volcano Sea Salt, adding a touch of sophistication and smoky depth. Perfect for summer gatherings, this salad allows guests to customize their plates, creating a fun and interactive dining experience.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe avocado, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 bunch asparagus, grilled and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 ear of corn, grilled and kernels removed
  • 2 green onions, sliced thinly
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and diced
  • 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1-2 teaspoons Hawaiian Volcano Guava Smoked Sea Salt or Spicy Sea Salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Ingredients:
    Avocado: Peel and chop into bite-sized pieces.
    Cherry Tomatoes: Halve for bite-sized pieces.
    Asparagus: Grill the asparagus spears for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender. Cut into 2-inch pieces.
    Corn: Grill the ear of corn until lightly charred, then remove the kernels.
    Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy, then dice.
    Cucumber: Slice thinly for a refreshing crunch.
    Olives: Pit and halve the Kalamata olives for a briny addition.
  2. Assemble the Salad: On a large serving platter, arrange the prepared ingredients in sections. Each vegetable or topping should have its own space, creating a colorful and artistic layout.
  3. Season and Dress: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil evenly over the entire platter, followed by a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with Hawaiian Volcano Guava Smoked Sea Salt or Spicy Sea Salt for a smoky or zesty finish. Optionally, add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  4. Serve: Serve the salad deconstructed so guests can take their favorite combinations of ingredients. This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light, fresh summer meal.