Grilled Avocado Salad

Active time: 15 minutes;  Total time: 20 minutes;  Yield:  Serves 6

Grilled Avocado Salad

Ingredients:

• 3 firm, ripe avocados, peeled and halved
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from 2 limes), divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 12 ounces multicolored cherry tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 1 1/2 ounces Cotija cheese, crumbled (about 1/3 cup)
• 1/2 cup Pickled Red Onions (see recipe below)

How to Make It:

1. Preheat grill to medium (350°F to 400°F).
2. Brush avocado halves evenly with 1 tablespoon each of the oil and lime juice. Sprinkle evenly with 1 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper.
3. Grill, cut side down, uncovered, until edges begin to char, 5 to 7 minutes. Carefully remove from grill; set aside.
4. Toss together tomatoes, cilantro, and remaining 2 tablespoons each oil and lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Let stand 5 minutes.
5. Place avocado halves, cut side up, on a platter. Top evenly with tomato mixture, Cotija, and Pickled Red Onions.

Pickled Red Onions

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons coriander seeds
• 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 3 fresh bay leaves
• 3 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

How to Make It:

1. Place a small skillet over medium-high heat until hot; add coriander and mustard seeds, and cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes or until toasted. Set aside.
2. Fill a large bowl with ice water; place onion in bowl. Soak 20 minutes. Drain; pat dry. Return onion to bowl.
3. Bring red wine vinegar and next 4 ingredients to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Pour over onion. Let stand 5 minutes. Drain. Stir in seeds and remaining ingredients. Store in an airtight jar in refrigerator until ready to use.

Recipe from Coastal Living