Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a refreshing dish that bursts with vibrant colors and fresh flavors, this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s an easy-to-make, quick salad that feels like summer in every bite, combining the crispness of cucumbers, the juicy sweetness of tomatoes, and the creamy richness of avocado. Whether you want a light lunch, a side for your dinner, or a healthy addition to your BBQ spread, this salad checks all the boxes for deliciousness and simplicity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are not just simple—they are essential for creating a balance of taste, texture, and color in this salad. Each one plays a crucial role, bringing freshness, creaminess, or a zing that lifts the whole dish.

• 2 large cucumbers, peeled and diced: Crisp and hydrating, cucumbers add a refreshing crunch that’s unbeatable.
• 3 medium tomatoes, diced: Juicy and slightly tart, tomatoes bring vibrant color and a sweet acidity.
• 2 ripe avocados, diced: Creamy and buttery, avocados smooth out the flavors and add richness.
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a subtle sharpness and a slight crunch to brighten the salad.
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (or parsley): Herbs bring a fresh, fragrant lift that ties everything together.
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Smooths out the dressing and enriches the salad with healthy fats.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (or lime juice): Adds the perfect zesty tang to wake up all the flavors.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing every ingredient’s natural flavor.

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe

Step 1: Dice the Cucumbers

Start by peeling the cucumbers if you prefer a smoother texture, then dice them into bite-sized pieces. The fresh crunch of cucumber is the soul of this salad, creating a cool and crisp base that other vegetables will shine upon.

Step 2: Dice the Tomatoes

Next, dice your tomatoes into smaller chunks. Removing excess seeds is optional but helpful if you want a less watery salad. The tomatoes add juiciness and a pop of sweetness that brightens the entire mix.

Step 3: Dice the Avocado

Carefully cut and dice the ripe avocados, ensuring you remove the pit first. Their creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the other vegetables, making each bite indulgent yet fresh.

Step 4: Slice the Red Onion

Thinly slice the red onion to avoid overpowering the salad while still lending a gentle sharpness. The onion’s slight bite adds depth and a satisfying crunch.

Step 5: Chop the Cilantro or Parsley

Chop your fresh herbs finely and toss them in. Cilantro provides a bright, citrusy note, while parsley offers a more mellow herbal flavor—either way, this step injects vibrancy and freshness.

Step 6: Add Olive Oil and Lemon (or Lime) Juice

Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice over the salad. This dressing is incredibly simple but crucial, bringing creaminess, acid, and a luxurious mouthfeel all at once.

Step 7: Season with Salt and Pepper

Sprinkle salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Seasoning not only enhances the salad’s flavors but also pulls all the ingredients into harmony.

Step 8: Gently Toss

Gently toss the salad to ensure every bite is evenly coated with the dressing and mixed perfectly. Take care not to mash the avocado; you want those creamy chunks to stay intact.

Step 9: Serve Immediately or Chill

For the freshest experience, serve the salad right away. If you want a more chilled, refreshing version, pop it in the fridge for 15-20 minutes before serving. Either way, it makes a fantastic light dish or side.

How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your salad even further, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or a handful of crumbled feta cheese. These add interesting textures and flavor contrasts that complement the fresh ingredients beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled proteins like chicken or fish, but it also shines alongside a hearty grain bowl or a slice of crusty bread. Its refreshing nature helps balance richer meals perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this salad in individual mason jars layered with the dressing at the bottom and salad on top for a portable, picnic-friendly meal. You can also scoop it into avocado halves for a beautiful, edible presentation that impresses every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad is best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because avocado can brown, you might notice some color change, but stirring in a bit of fresh lemon juice before serving can brighten it up again.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to the high water content in cucumbers and tomatoes as well as the creamy texture of avocado, which can become mushy and watery upon thawing.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh salad meant to be enjoyed cold, reheating is not advised. Instead, simply give it a gentle stir and serve chilled to maintain its fresh texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I substitute the cilantro with another herb?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley is a great alternative that still adds a fresh herbal note without overpowering the other flavors.

How can I keep the avocado from browning?

To prevent browning, make sure to toss the avocado with lemon or lime juice right after dicing. Keeping the salad covered tightly in the fridge also helps slow oxidation.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

It can be prepped a few hours in advance, but for the best texture, add avocado just before serving. Storing the other ingredients separately and mixing before eating is a good tip for meal prep.

What can I use instead of lemon juice?

Lime juice is a perfect substitute and adds a slightly different but equally wonderful citrus vibrancy to the salad’s flavor profile.

Can I add other vegetables or ingredients?

Sure! Feel free to experiment by adding ingredients like diced bell peppers, radishes, or even a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for added crunch and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe is a delightful combination of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly to create something truly special. It’s a perfect dish to brighten your table and satisfy your taste buds with natural flavors and textures. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your go-to salad for every season!

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