If you are craving something fresh, vibrant, and packed with wholesome flavor, this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe will quickly become your go-to. It is a delightful medley of crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocados, and zesty red onion, all tied together with a simple lemon-olive oil dressing. Each bite bursts with texture and color, making it not only a feast for your palate but also for your eyes. Quick to prepare and refreshingly light, this salad is perfect for warm days, casual meals, or whenever you want a quick, healthy boost.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the balance right in this salad is all about choosing fresh, high-quality ingredients that shine on their own but also work harmoniously together. Each item enhances the overall texture, taste, or color to make the salad truly special.
- English cucumbers: Thinly sliced for that satisfying crunch and fresh, watery bite.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved to showcase their juicy sweetness and add vibrant red pops.
- Hass avocados: Diced creamy richness that balances the crisp veggies perfectly.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced to bring a subtle pungency and striking purple color.
- Fresh cilantro: Chopped to add herbal brightness and a hint of citrusy flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil: For silky texture and a slight fruity note in the dressing.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds zesty acidity that wakes up all the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance and unify every ingredient.
How to Make Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables
Start by washing all your fresh produce thoroughly to ensure every bite is clean and crisp. Then, thinly slice your English cucumbers about 1/4 inch thick. This thickness offers a satisfying crunch that isn’t overwhelming. Next, halve the cherry tomatoes so that their juicy centers can mingle with the other salad components perfectly. Carefully thin-slice the red onion to avoid its sharpness overpowering the other flavors.
Step 2: Dice the Avocados
Cut each avocado in half and remove the pit. Score the flesh into a grid pattern without piercing the skin and then scoop out neat cubes with a spoon. The ripe, buttery avocado pieces add a luscious and creamy element that makes this salad irresistibly smooth.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss together the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, red onion slices, and chopped fresh cilantro. The colors and textures will start to blend, giving you a visually stunning and well-balanced salad base.
Step 4: Make and Add the Dressing
Whisk together two tablespoons each of extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice in a small bowl. This simple yet vibrant dressing complements the natural flavors of the vegetables without masking them. Pour the dressing over your salad and toss gently to coat every bite with this light, tangy goodness.
Step 5: Season and Chill (Optional)
Finally, season your cucumber tomato avocado salad recipe with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. If you like, refrigerate the salad for 15 to 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill slightly, making it even more refreshing.
How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Consider garnishing your salad with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or crumbled feta cheese for added texture and flavor contrast. A few lemon zest curls or an extra drizzle of olive oil can also elevate the visual appeal and richness.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even as a refreshing side to a spicy curry. Its fresh flavors act as a perfect foil to heavier or richly spiced dishes, balancing your plate with lightness and brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out avocado halves or on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves. You can also use it as a colorful topping for toasted baguette slices or homemade tacos to impress guests with both taste and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The cucumber tomato avocado salad recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. The avocado will start to brown, so adding a little extra lemon juice can help slow discoloration if you plan to save some.
Freezing
This salad does not freeze well because of the watery cucumbers and creamy avocados which can become mushy or separate upon thawing. It’s best to prepare fresh whenever possible.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating is not recommended. It’s designed to be served cold or at room temperature to maintain its crisp and creamy textures.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Absolutely! Just be sure to peel regular cucumbers and remove any large seeds to maintain that crisp texture without added bitterness.
How ripe should the avocados be for this salad?
Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure; they should be soft enough to dice easily but not so mushy that they lose shape in the salad.
Is it okay to substitute cilantro with another herb?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh basil or parsley can add their own fragrant notes while still keeping the salad fresh and aromatic.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Of course! The olive oil and lemon juice dressing can be whisked up a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it to dress your salad.
What can I serve this salad with at a barbecue?
This cucumber tomato avocado salad recipe is fantastic alongside grilled meats, kebabs, or even as a light appetizer to complement smoky flavors typically found at barbecues.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe is truly a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients that come together beautifully in just minutes. It’s a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the burst of textures and flavors that will brighten up any mealtime!
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Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad that combines crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocados, and zesty red onion tossed in a light lemon and olive oil dressing. This quick and easy salad is perfect for a healthy side dish or light meal, ready in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 medium English cucumbers (thinly sliced)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 2 ripe Hass avocados (diced)
- 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash Vegetables: Wash all vegetables thoroughly under cold running water to ensure they are clean and free of any dirt or residues.
- Slice Cucumbers: Thinly slice the cucumbers about 1/4 inch thick to create crisp, bite-sized pieces perfect for the salad texture.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Halve the cherry tomatoes to release their juices and enhance the salad’s freshness.
- Dice Avocados: Cut the ripe avocados in half, remove the pit, score the flesh in a grid pattern inside the skin, and scoop out the diced pieces with a spoon.
- Slice Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion to add a sharp, slightly sweet bite without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently toss together the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and sliced red onion.
- Add Cilantro: Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the salad to add a burst of herbal freshness.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice until well combined to create a light and tangy dressing.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to ensure all components are evenly coated.
- Season: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh taste or chill it for 15-30 minutes to enhance flavors and enjoy it cool.
Notes
- Use ripe avocados for the best creamy texture and flavor.
- Chilling the salad briefly before serving allows the flavors to meld together better.
- Feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as avocado may brown if stored too long.
- Substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a slightly different citrus note.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
