Crisp, cool, and bursting with flavor, Cucumber Avocado Salad is the refreshing dish you didn’t know you were craving. Imagine crunchy cucumbers mingling with creamy avocado, all tossed together in a zesty dressing that dances on your palate. It’s like a summer picnic in a bowl, perfect for those hot days when the thought of cooking seems unbearable. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Now let me take you back to my first encounter with this delightful creation. Picture this: a sunny afternoon barbecue where I was tasked with the “salad” duty. I panicked and reached for whatever was in my fridge, and voilà! Cucumber Avocado Salad was born. The compliments flowed like lemonade, and I realized I had stumbled upon something magical. This salad has since become my go-to dish for gatherings, picnics, or simply when I want to impress myself. For more inspiration, check out this light lunch ideas recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Cucumber Avocado Salad is quick to prepare, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights
- Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors are sure to brighten any table
- The salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with nearly any protein you have on hand
- Plus, it’s a healthy option that’s as delicious as it is nutritious!
I remember one summer day when my friends devoured this salad so fast that I barely got a bite! Their laughter filled the air as they begged for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cucumbers: Opt for firm cucumbers; Persian or English varieties work wonders for crunchiness.
- Ripe Avocados: Choose avocados that yield slightly when pressed; they’ll add the perfect creaminess.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems add color and sweetness; select vibrant ones for maximum flavor.
- Red Onion: A small amount finely chopped adds a lovely bite; soak it in water first to mellow its sharpness.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice brightens up the flavors; bottled juice just won’t cut it here.
- Olive Oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for richness; it elevates the whole salad experience.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings bring everything together; adjust according to your taste preferences.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Strong cucumber game: Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly under cold water. Slice them thinly into rounds or half-moons depending on your texture preference. I recommend using a sharp knife to avoid squishing them.
Avocado magic: Next, slice open your ripe avocados. Remove the pit carefully (no one wants an impromptu trip to the ER), then scoop out the green goodness with a spoon. Cut into bite-sized chunks and toss gently with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Tomato party: Now grab those cherry tomatoes and slice them in halves or quarters if they’re big enough. Their juicy sweetness will complement the other ingredients beautifully.
Onion finesse: For the red onion, chop finely after soaking it in cold water for ten minutes. This brings out its sweetness while softening its flavor—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Dressing delight: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, remaining lemon juice, salt, and pepper until combined. Drizzle this over your salad mixture and toss gently but thoroughly so each piece gets its fair share of deliciousness.
Serve it up: Finally, serve immediately or chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes if you want those flavors to marry even more! Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
And there you have it—a simple yet sublime Cucumber Avocado Salad that will leave everyone singing your praises! Enjoy every crunchy and creamy bite while basking in the glory of your culinary skills—because let’s be honest; cooking doesn’t always have to be complicated!
You Must Know
- This refreshing Cucumber Avocado Salad is not just a feast for your taste buds, but also a vibrant splash of color on your plate
- The creamy avocado paired with crisp cucumbers creates a delightful texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by chopping your cucumbers and avocados into uniform pieces to ensure even flavor distribution. Prepare the dressing while you chop to save time and keep everything fresh.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preference. Add some feta cheese for a salty kick or toss in cherry tomatoes for extra sweetness and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Avoid reheating; this salad is best enjoyed cold and fresh.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate your Cucumber Avocado Salad, use ripe avocados and fresh herbs; they add amazing flavor
- Consider chilling ingredients before mixing to enhance the salad’s refreshing nature
- Lastly, dress just before serving to keep everything crisp and vibrant
Sometimes, I whip up this salad for summer barbecues, and it always steals the show. Friends rave about it as they munch away, making my heart swell with pride!
FAQ
Can I make Cucumber Avocado Salad ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare this salad right before serving to maintain freshness.
What can I add for extra protein?
Consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for a satisfying protein boost.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat!
Cucumber Avocado Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cucumber Avocado Salad is a refreshing blend of crisp cucumbers, creamy avocados, and vibrant cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a zesty dressing. Perfect for summer picnics or quick weeknight dinners, this salad combines healthy ingredients that make every bite a delight. Enjoy it as a standalone dish or as a side to your favorite protein for a nutritious meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cucumbers, sliced
- 1 cup ripe avocados, diced (about 2 medium)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers thoroughly and slice into rounds or half-moons.
- Cut avocados in half, remove the pit, scoop out the flesh, and dice into chunks. Toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Slice cherry tomatoes in halves or quarters.
- Soak finely chopped red onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its flavor.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, remaining lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and drizzle with dressing. Toss gently to coat.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg