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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.