Fresh tomatoes and avocado make the perfect side salad to comfort food

Here in southern California, the weather is beginning to warm up and spring is most definitely in the air! As the evenings last a little bit longer thanks to the later sunset, our family spends a lot of time gathered in the kitchen, which leads directly the the backyard. The kids play, we cook and the time together before the sun goes down is priceless.

Today, we’ve mixed a little bit of comfort food with a fresh, family-favorite salad. The two combined create a wonderful spring meal!

What makes this salad the best is that it actually gets tastier if you prepare it early and allow the ingredients to marinate together in the refrigerator. We like to chop up all of the ingredients in the afternoon and bring it out with dinner in the early evening.

Serves 5

Prep time: 20 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 ripe avocados
• 2 large tomatoes
• 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
• Italian dressing

Directions:

1. Remove the skin and the seed from the avocados and cut the avocados into small, bite-sized chunks.
2. Slice the large tomatoes into small pieces.
3. Slice the red onion into very thin slices (as pictured).
4. Place the avocado, tomato and onions in a bowl or dish and gently stir in the Italian dressing.
5. Serve with a freshly cooked pot pie

Use as much dressing as you prefer on a normal salad. In fact, you can even use another salad dressing if you prefer. But, the light taste of the Italian dressing pairs wonderfully with the hearty chicken pot pie.

What does this quick meal mean? More time spent together on beautiful spring evenings! We like to open all of the windows, let the kids run in and out between the kitchen and the backyard, and savor each fleeting moment of sunlight! Time saving dinners like this allow us to enjoy more of our day! Quick-prep meals are essential for busy families.

These chicken pot pies can be made in a matter of minutes! Our kids split one, but my husband and I can each eat a whole pot pie (they’re sort of addicting if you didn’t know already). Next time we will try the family sized chicken pot pie to enjoy as a family together. The flaky crust of the pot pie, the chicken and veggies on the inside, and your meal is complete with an avocado and tomato salad! So simple, so filling, so quick and so delicious!

This post is part of a sponsored collaboration between Marie Callender’s and SheKnows