thank you, food pyramid

for lack of a better metaphor, we're force-fed an endless string of cliches concerning our food, health, and lifestyle every single day. "eat five servings of vegetables per day" and "the more colorful your plate, the better," etc.

while i'm usually one to ignore annoying rules, last night both of these silly health-nut sayings applied. my mom and i made a delicious salad that was so easy i nearly kicked myself for not coming up with it on my own! and although my brother will, who lacks any sense of adventure when it comes to food, declined our new dish, i think its something almost everyone can enjoy.

the bright colors and undeniable healthiness are just an added bonus to the bright summery flavors, and i personally think avocado makes any food even better.

we got the recipe out of this month's instyle magazine:

tomato, avocado & red onion salad (serves 6)

{ingredients}

1 pint chery tomatoes, cut into wedges

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup plus 2 tbsp e.v.o.o. [extra virgin olive oil] + some for drizzling

3 tbsp red wine vinegar

3 Hass avocados

freshly ground black pepper

fine sea salt

{preparation}

1. in a large bowl, combine tomatoes, onion slices, and a big pinch of salt, oil, and vinegar. gently toss and divide among serving plates.

2. halve, pit, peel and slice avocados; divide among plates.

3. sprinkle each plate with a small pinch of salt and drizzle with olive oil. finish with a few grinds of black pepper just before serving.

bon appetit!

-emily