GRILLED AVOCADO WITH STRAWBERRY-MANGO SALSA

Grilled Avocado with Strawberry-Mango Salsa image

Provided by Rick Browne

Yield Makes 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 medium avocados, just turning soft, not fully ripe
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium mango, peeled, pitted, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1/2 pound strawberries (about 1 cup), hulled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup orange juice
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Leaves of lettuce, such as romaine or iceberg, to serve

Steps:

1. Preheat a well-oiled grill to medium-high, 300°F to 400°F.
2. Slice the avocados in half lengthwise, and carefully remove the pit; do not peel them. In a small bowl, mix the honey with the oil. Brush the avocado flesh with this mixture, cover with plastic wrap and set aside in a cool place (do not refrigerate).
3. In a medium bowl, mix the mango and strawberries with the vinegar, orange juice, and lemon juice. Let the mixture rest for at least 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, so the flavors can blend.
4. Grill the avocados, skin side down, for 2 to 3 minutes, until the skin begins to lightly char and take on grill marks. Brush the flesh side of the avocados again with the honey-oil mixture and place them, flesh side down, on the hot grill for another 2 or 3 minutes.
5. With a spatula, carefully remove the avocados from the grill and place them on a bed of lettuce on a serving plate, 2 halves per person. Fill the seed cavity with mango-strawberry salsa, generously dribbling some on top of each half. Serve with a spoon to scoop out the avocado flesh and salsa.