This smoky salad from chefs Christopher Kostow and David Guilloty at The Charter Oak in St. Helena is pure California magic. Searing the firm-ripe avocado transforms into a creamy treat with a hint of char.

April 2020

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Credit: Victor Protasio

Recipe Summary test

active:
30 mins
total:
40 mins
Yield:
4
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Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

Directions

Instructions Checklist
  • Process 1 cup grapeseed oil, cilantro, and parsley in a high-powered blender until hot, about 2 minutes. Line a fine wire-mesh strainer with a double layer of damp cheesecloth. Pour oil mixture through prepared strainer into a bowl; discard solids. Set cilantro oil aside.

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  • 一起搅拌蛋黄和1 1/2茶匙柠檬juice in a medium bowl. Whisking constantly, very slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup grapeseed oil until completely incorporated and mixture is creamy and slightly thickened. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup cilantro oil until completely incorporated and mixture is thick and creamy. Whisk in kosher salt.

  • Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Make 1/4-inch-deep cuts in a crosshatch pattern on cut sides of avocado halves; brush evenly with remaining 2 teaspoons grapeseed oil. Place in skillet, cut sides down, and sear until charred, about 4 minutes. Remove from skillet, and let cool completely, about 15 minutes. Cut each avocado half lengthwise into 2 pieces. Carefully peel and discard skin.

  • Arrange 1/2 cup greens on each of 4 serving plates. Top each with 2 avocado quarters. Drizzle evenly with remaining 4 teaspoons lime juice, and sprinkle with sel gris. Arrange small dollops (about 11/2 tablespoons per plate) of cilantro mayo on greens around avocado. Drizzle each plate with 2 teaspoons cilantro oil. Serve immediately.

Make Ahead

Cilantro oil and mayo can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in airtight containers in refrigerator.

Suggested Pairing

Crisp, Grenache-based rosé.

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