When the sun is shining, and the temperatures are rising, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a crisp, vibrant salad. And if you’re looking for something that’s not only fresh but also full of healthy goodness, this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is just what you need. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor, making it a perfect side dish for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light lunch on those busy days when you need something satisfying but healthy.
What makes this salad stand out? It’s the perfect balance of textures and flavors: juicy, sweet tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, and a tangy, zesty dressing. Each bite is a delightful contrast of crunch and creaminess, while the fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil add a refreshing depth. Plus, it comes together in under 10 minutes, so it’s ideal for quick family meals, easy weeknight dinners, or when you just want to throw something healthy together without much effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a dish that’s not only delicious but also healthy and easy to make, this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad has got you covered. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:
- Fresh and healthy: This salad is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients. Cucumbers and tomatoes are low in calories but high in vitamins and hydration, while avocados provide healthy fats that keep you feeling full and satisfied. It’s a salad you can feel good about eating, and it’s full of the good stuff!
- Quick & easy: Ready in just 10 minutes, this salad requires minimal prep work. There’s no cooking involved, just a little chopping, mixing, and tossing — perfect for when you’re short on time but want a fresh, healthy dish. It’s the ultimate budget-friendly recipe for a healthy meal plan.
- Customizable: One of the best things about this salad is its flexibility. You can tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand. Want more protein? Add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Feeling fancy? Add a handful of crumbled feta or fresh mozzarella for extra creaminess. The possibilities are endless!
- Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, prepping a light meal, or looking for a side to serve with your high-protein meals, this salad fits the bill. It’s just as great at a family gathering as it is for a quick lunch during the week.
- Crowd-pleaser: This salad is a hit with kids and adults alike. Its bright, fresh flavors are universally loved, and the creamy avocado makes it comforting yet light.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
This Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is so simple, yet the combination of ingredients creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist. Let’s break it down:
- Avocados: The creamy, smooth texture of ripe avocado pairs perfectly with the crispy, hydrating cucumbers and the juicy tomatoes. Plus, avocados are packed with healthy fats, making this salad filling and satisfying, while still being light and refreshing.
- Cucumbers: These crisp, cool vegetables bring a satisfying crunch that balances the creaminess of the avocado. Their mild flavor allows the other ingredients, like the tomatoes and dressing, to really shine.
- Tomatoes: Whether you use cherry, grape, or vine-ripened tomatoes, their juicy sweetness adds a burst of flavor that complements the richness of the avocado and the freshness of the cucumber.
- Dressing: A simple, tangy dressing made with olive oil, lemon or lime juice, garlic, and salt and pepper brings the whole salad together. It’s light, zesty, and refreshing, making every bite pop.
Ingredients
This salad is made with a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients, each bringing something special to the table. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cucumbers, sliced
- Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- Avocados, diced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing:
- Olive oil
- Lemon or lime juice
- Garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make It Step-by-Step
Making this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is as easy as 1-2-3. Here’s how you can whip it up in no time:
- Prepare the Salad: Start by slicing the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. Dice the avocados into bite-sized chunks, and thinly slice the red onion. Toss them all together in a large bowl. You want to make sure everything is evenly sized so each bite has a nice balance of flavors and textures.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon or lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This dressing is simple but flavorful, and it brings a light, tangy brightness to the salad. If you want a little more zing, feel free to add extra lemon or lime juice.
- Assemble the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss to coat. Be sure to mix it all together evenly so that every bite has a bit of the dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the salad with fresh parsley or cilantro for an added burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or if you want to let the flavors meld for a few minutes, that’s fine too.
Tips for Best Results
- Use ripe avocados: To get that perfect creamy texture, make sure your avocados are ripe but not overripe. Look for ones that yield to gentle pressure but aren’t mushy. If you need to ripen them faster, place them in a paper bag with a banana for a day or two.
- Customize the dressing: If you prefer a richer dressing, swap the olive oil for avocado oil or add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a bit more tang. You can also add a pinch of honey if you like a touch of sweetness in your dressing.
- Chill the salad: While this salad is best served fresh, if you have the time, refrigerate it for about 10-15 minutes before serving. The cool temperature enhances the flavors, especially in the summer heat.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and a burst of herbaceous flavor. You can also experiment with different herbs like basil or mint for a fun twist.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
One of the best things about this salad is how easily you can make it your own! Here are some ways to switch it up:
- Add Protein: To turn this into a full meal, toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein. This is a great way to make it a high-protein meal or a keto meal plan if you skip the croutons.
- Cheese: If you want to make the salad a little richer, add crumbled feta cheese or fresh mozzarella. The creamy cheese pairs wonderfully with the tangy dressing.
- Add Crunch: For extra texture, consider adding sliced radishes or toasted nuts like almonds or sunflower seeds. These additions give a great crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
- Different Greens: While this recipe calls for cucumbers and tomatoes, you can easily swap in other vegetables like bell peppers, arugula, or spinach for a different twist.
- Spicy Kick: If you’re a fan of heat, throw in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to spice things up.
Serving Suggestions
This Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with so many different dishes:
- Grilled meats: Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken, steak, or salmon for a complete and satisfying meal. The freshness of the salad complements the smoky flavors of grilled protein perfectly.
- As a topping: You can use this salad as a topping for grain bowls or tacos. The freshness adds a lovely contrast to rich or spicy dishes.
- On its own: This salad is perfect on its own for a light, refreshing lunch. Add some crusty bread for a more filling meal.
Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)
- Drinks: Pair this salad with a chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime.
- Sides: For a more substantial meal, serve this salad with roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a side of garlic bread. It’s also a great accompaniment to a low-calorie chicken meal prep.
- Dessert: For dessert, a light fruit sorbet or lemon mousse would be the perfect way to end the meal on a fresh note.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
While this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is best served fresh, you can store leftovers for a short time:
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The avocado may brown slightly, but the flavors will still be great.
- Reheating: This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold, so don’t try reheating it. If the salad has been sitting for a while and the avocado has browned, just toss it and add fresh avocado before serving.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the salad just before serving to ensure the avocados stay fresh.
- Freezer-Friendly: This salad doesn’t freeze well because of the avocado, but you can freeze the croutons separately and add them just before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overripe Avocados: Avoid using overripe avocados, as they will make the salad mushy. Opt for firm yet ripe avocados for the best texture.
- Soggy Salad: To avoid sogginess, store the dressing and salad components separately until you’re ready to serve.
- Not Enough Flavor: Don’t forget to season your salad generously with salt and pepper. These simple seasonings make a big difference in bringing out the flavors of the vegetables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but add the avocado and dressing just before serving to keep it fresh.
What type of cucumber works best?
English cucumbers are ideal because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin. Regular cucumbers work as well, but may need peeling and seeding.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes, this salad is keto-friendly! The ingredients are low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it perfect for a keto meal plan.
Cooking Tools You’ll Need
- Knife and cutting board
- Large salad bowl
- Small bowl for dressing
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
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Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (or lime juice)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss to coat.
- Sprinkle the salad with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley and serve immediately.