Refreshing Cucumber Avocado Salad Recipe

Have you ever tasted a dish that bursts with freshness and vitality? The cucumber avocado salad does just that. Imagine the crispness of cool cucumbers paired with the creamy richness of ripe avocados. This delightful combination transforms simple ingredients into a vibrant culinary experience that tantalizes your taste buds.

This salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of health and flavor. Perfect for summer picnics, casual gatherings, or as a refreshing side dish for any meal, it’s an ideal choice when you want something light yet satisfying. With its bright colors and refreshing taste, this dish promises to elevate any dining occasion. Get ready to enjoy an explosion of flavors in every bite!

Why You’ll Love This cucumber avocado salad

  • Quick and Easy Preparation: This cucumber avocado salad comes together in just minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
  • Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad provides essential nutrients while keeping your meal light and satisfying.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a standalone dish, a side for grilled meats, or even as a topping on whole grain toast for a wholesome snack.

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for cucumber avocado salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Cucumbers: Choose firm cucumbers; English cucumbers work well because they are less bitter and have fewer seeds.
  • Ripe Avocados: Opt for avocados that yield slightly to pressure; they should be creamy and flavorful.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color; select bright red ones for optimal flavor.
  • Red Onion: Use thinly sliced red onion to add a mild sharpness; soak them in water if you prefer less intensity.
  • Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice enhances freshness and prevents browning of avocados.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make cucumber avocado salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing all your vegetables thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds and cut the cherry tomatoes in half. Set aside.

Step 2: Dice the Avocados

Carefully slice open the ripe avocados. Remove the pit and scoop out the flesh using a spoon. Cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Slice the Onion

Thinly slice the red onion. If desired, soak it in cold water for about five minutes to reduce its sharpness before draining.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Gently toss everything together without mashing the avocados.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixed vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste before giving it another gentle toss.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Transfer to plates or bowls for serving. Enjoy immediately as a light meal or refreshing side dish!

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

  • Selecting Ripe Avocados: Ensure your avocados are ripe but not overripe; check by gently pressing them.
  • Add Fresh Herbs: Enhance flavor by adding chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or basil if desired.
  • Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients like feta cheese or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.

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Mistakes to avoid

  • Using Overripe Avocados: One common mistake when making cucumber avocado salad is using overripe avocados. An overripe avocado can ruin the texture and flavor of your salad. Look for avocados that yield slightly to pressure, indicating they are ripe but not mushy. A perfectly ripe avocado will add a creamy texture without overpowering the salad’s crunch. Always check the skin for dark spots, which can signal overripeness.
  • Neglecting Seasoning: Another mistake is forgetting to season your cucumber avocado salad properly. While cucumbers and avocados are naturally flavorful, they need a little boost. A pinch of salt enhances the flavors, while lime juice adds acidity that brightens the dish. Don’t skip on herbs like cilantro or mint for added freshness. Taste your salad before serving; it should have a balanced flavor profile to make every bite enjoyable.
  • Cutting Vegetables Incorrectly: The way you cut your vegetables can affect the overall texture and presentation of your cucumber avocado salad. Aim for uniform sizes when dicing cucumbers and avocados; this ensures even distribution in each bite. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts, avoiding bruising the delicate avocado flesh. Additionally, consider slicing cucumbers thinly for crunch while keeping avocado pieces larger for creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

This cucumber avocado salad is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

  • Grilled Chicken: The freshness of the cucumber avocado salad complements the savory flavors of grilled chicken perfectly. The lightness of the salad adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meat.
  • Fish Tacos: Serve this salad alongside fish tacos for a delightful meal. The crisp texture of cucumbers and creamy avocado enhances the flavors of the spices in the tacos, creating a balanced dish.
  • Pita Bread: Enjoy this cucumber avocado salad as a dip with warm pita bread. The creamy avocado and crunchy cucumbers make for a delicious spread that everyone will love.

FAQs

FAQs

What are the health benefits of cucumber avocado salad?

Cucumber avocado salad offers numerous health benefits. Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, helping to keep you hydrated. They also provide vitamins K and C, which support bone health and boost your immune system. Avocados, on the other hand, are rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fat, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels. This combination makes cucumber avocado salad not only delicious but also a nutritious addition to your diet.

Can I customize my cucumber avocado salad?

Absolutely! One of the best aspects of cucumber avocado salad is its versatility. You can easily add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences. For instance, diced tomatoes or red onion can enhance flavor and color. Adding some feta cheese or chickpeas can increase protein content. Feel free to experiment with herbs like cilantro or mint for an extra fresh touch. This way, you can tailor the recipe to suit your taste buds.

How long does cucumber avocado salad last in the fridge?

Cucumber avocado salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, it’s essential to note that avocados tend to brown quickly once cut, so it’s advisable to prepare it shortly before serving if possible. If you do have leftovers, consider adding a splash of lemon juice to help preserve its vibrant green color.

Is cucumber avocado salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, cucumber avocado salad can be suitable for meal prep with some considerations. To maintain freshness, consider storing each component separately until you’re ready to eat. For instance, keep diced cucumbers and avocados in separate containers. Mix them together just before serving to prevent browning and sogginess from moisture release.

Conclusion for cucumber avocado salad

In summary, cucumber avocado salad is a delightful dish that combines fresh ingredients for a nutritious experience. Its versatility allows you to pair it with various meals or enjoy it as a standalone side dish.

Print
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Cucumber Avocado Salad


  • Author: Mery Mack
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Cucumber avocado salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly balances the crispness of cucumbers with the creamy texture of ripe avocados. Bursting with flavor and nutrients, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also ideal for summer picnics, light lunches, or as a delightful side dish for your favorite meals.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 firm cucumbers
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes
  • 1 small red onion
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Slice cucumbers into thin rounds and halve the cherry tomatoes.
  2. Cut the ripe avocados in half, remove the pit, scoop out the flesh, and dice into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Thinly slice the red onion; soak in cold water for five minutes if a milder flavor is preferred.
  4. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients: cucumbers, avocados, tomatoes, and onion. Gently toss without mashing the avocados.
  5. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper; toss gently again.
  6. Serve immediately for best freshness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 10mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 7g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, consider mixing in fresh herbs like cilantro or basil.- Customize with additional ingredients like feta cheese or bell peppers for extra texture.- To prevent browning, prepare shortly before serving or add a splash of lemon juice to leftovers.

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Mery Mack

Chef & Blogger

Hi, I’m Mery Mack! Growing up in the heart of Louisiana, I discovered my love for cooking while helping my mom prepare family dinners. After earning my degree at Le Cordon Bleu, I embarked on a journey to explore diverse cuisines and unique cooking styles. This blog is my labor of love—a place to share mouthwatering recipes that celebrate good food and great company. Join me as we create memories, one dish at a time!

Chef Ann