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My winter salad came to life in my kitchen when I was trying to whip up something light yet comforting. The mix of creamy avocado with crunchy endive and cool cucumber has become my little cold-season wellness trick. A dash of curry and Espelette pepper gives it that special warming touch that lifts your mood.
Delightful Balance of Tastes
This salad is what I turn to when winter meals get too heavy. I really love how the avocado's smoothness works with endive's slight bitterness while cucumber adds its refreshing element. The curry dressing tops everything off with an exotic flair that takes your taste buds on a little trip.
Shopping List
- Avocado: A nice ripe one from Brazil
- Endive: A crisp, fresh piece
- Cucumber: A small firm one
- Fjørd: My go-to for lightness
- Curry: My favorite powder for flavor
- Lemon: Half a juicy one
- Salt: A sprinkle to taste
- Espelette pepper: My little gem from Basque country
Step-by-Step Guide
- Tackle the avocados
- I start by dicing my avocados into even chunks and splash them with lemon to keep their nice color.
- Handle the cucumber
- I prep my cucumber by taking off the skin and seeds then cut it into tiny cubes.
- Finish with endive
- I slice my well-washed endive into thin strips.
- Mix everything together
- In my favorite bowl I toss all my veggies with the Fjørd my curry and my spices.
- Let it sit
- Into the fridge it goes so the flavors can blend until serving time.
Handy Tips
When I don't have Fjørd handy I grab some plain yogurt instead. I often throw in a few walnuts or sesame seeds for extra crunch. And I always serve my salad nice and cold so it tastes its best.
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Perfect Pairings
I like to eat this salad with some lightly toasted grain bread. On cold winter nights I'll add a hot veggie soup or a quick pan-seared fish fillet for a complete and balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you pick ripe avocados?
- The avocado should feel soft when pressed gently but shouldn't be mushy. Its skin should be dark without blemishes. Check ripeness by removing the stem—you want bright green flesh underneath.
- → How do you keep endive fresh longer?
- Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and store it in the fridge. Only cut it right before using, as it browns and turns bitter quickly when exposed to air.
- → Can this salad be prepped early?
- You can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but don't assemble it until you're ready to serve. Avocado browns and endive oxidizes fast after being cut.
- → What curry works best here?
- Use mild or medium curry for a balanced taste. Avoid strong curries that might overpower the fresh veggies. Taste and tweak it to suit your liking.
- → What's the easiest way to peel cucumbers?
- Rinse it well and peel in strips to leave some skin for color and nutrients. Cut it in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds with a spoon.