Inspiration: I recently ran across a recipe for a blueberry avocado salsa that was unlike any salsa that I’d ever seen. I filed it away somewhere in the back of my mind, and I think it inspired this blueberry avocado salad that I first served with chicken cordon bleu and pina coladas. B originally gave me the side eye when I was planning this one, but in the end, both of us loved it more than nearly any side dish that we’ve ever made!

What we Loved: If you’re looking for something a little different for a summery, island-y recipe, than this salad really is the perfect option. B and I absolutely loved it, and I’ve made it twice in one week, which says a lot around our house! It’s a wonderful, cool blend of creamy, sweet, and salty flavors. I particularly adored how well the sweet tang of the blueberries and the salty, savory ham paired with the rest of the flavors in the dish, and B immediately listed this as something that we need to make all of the time from now on throughout the summer.

Helpful Hints: We ate this as a side dish to chicken cordon bleu the first time around, but the second time that I made this, I made a little extra and we ate it as a main course for a light supper. Both ways were fantastic! Just make sure to serve this alongside a pina colada (it’s a must!) and to use plenty of Kosher salt (I just love the flavor that it gives to avocado!).

Avocado Salad with Blueberries, Grape Tomatoes, and Shaved Ham
Source: Original recipe

1 avocado, diced
1/2 pint grape tomatoes, sliced in half
1/2 pint blueberries
1/8 lb shaved ham
Handful cilantro, chopped
Juice from 1/2 small lime
Kosher salt and black pepper

1. Gently mix the avocado, tomatoes, blueberries, ham, cilantro, and lime juice together in a bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Chill before serving.