Introduction
When the weather warms up or you’re craving something light, refreshing, and nutrient-packed, few dishes hit the spot like a Cucumber Avocado Salad. This vibrant salad is the ultimate combination of crisp, creamy, and tangy—featuring crunchy cucumbers, buttery avocado, fresh herbs, and a zesty citrus dressing that ties it all together.
Not only is this salad quick and easy to make (hello, 10-minute prep time!), it’s also gluten-free, dairy-free, low-carb, and bursting with healthy fats and hydration. Whether you serve it as a side at a BBQ, bring it to a potluck, or top it with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal, this salad adapts beautifully to any table.
For more healthy, vibrant, and easy salads, visit us at recipeservice.net and find your next favorite side or light meal.
🛒 Ingredients
🥒 Produce
- 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 ripe avocados, cubed
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional: 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (for a spicy kick)
🧂 Pantry & Spices
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes or chili flakes
- Optional: 1 tsp sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for garnish
👨🍳 Directions
🔪 Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Wash and dry your cucumber and avocado.
- Thinly slice the cucumber. If using a regular cucumber, peel and seed first.
- Dice the avocados into bite-sized chunks.
- Thinly slice red onion and optional jalapeño.
- Chop the fresh cilantro or parsley.
- Mince the garlic.
🥗 Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Taste and adjust seasoning or acidity to your liking.
🥒 Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine:
- Sliced cucumber
- Red onion
- Cubed avocado
- Fresh herbs
- Optional jalapeño
- Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to mash the avocado.
- Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or red pepper flakes if desired.
🍽️ Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled or room temperature.
- Top with grilled shrimp, chicken, or salmon for a full meal.
- Pair with pita chips or crusty bread for dipping.
- Perfect side for BBQ, tacos, or any summer spread.
🧑🍳 Variations
- Mediterranean Style: Add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and cherry tomatoes.
- Asian-Inspired: Use rice vinegar, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil instead of lime and olive oil.
- Creamy Twist: Mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy lime dressing.
- Add Protein: Chickpeas, edamame, or grilled tofu make great additions.
- Crunch Factor: Add sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, or pepitas for texture.
❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Short-Term Storage:
- Best served fresh.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The avocado may brown slightly but will still taste great.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Slice cucumber, onion, herbs, and mix the dressing up to 1 day in advance.
- Add avocado and dress the salad right before serving to keep it fresh and green.
❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a regular cucumber?
Yes, just peel and seed it first for best texture.
2. What if I don’t like cilantro?
Swap it for fresh parsley, dill, or basil.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep components ahead, but mix and add avocado right before serving to prevent browning.
4. Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally both!
5. How do I keep the avocado from turning brown?
Toss it in lime juice as soon as you cut it to slow oxidation.
6. Can I add tomatoes?
Absolutely—grape or cherry tomatoes work best for minimal mess.
7. What can I serve this with?
Great with grilled meats, seafood, tacos, burgers, or grain bowls.
8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just be sure to add avocado right before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.
9. Can I add cheese?
Sure! Crumbled feta, cotija, or goat cheese are delicious additions.
10. What can I use instead of lime juice?
Fresh lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar works as a substitute.
📝 Conclusion
This Cucumber Avocado Salad is everything a quick salad should be: fresh, flavorful, fast, and flexible. With minimal prep and max nutrition, it’s perfect for busy days, summer meals, or when you just want something light and wholesome. The mix of creamy avocado, hydrating cucumber, and zesty lime dressing is simple but unforgettable.
Find more refreshing salads, quick lunches, and healthy recipes at recipeservice.net — and don’t forget to share your creations with us!
Cucumber Avocado Salad – Fresh, Creamy, and Perfectly Crunchy
Ingredients
🥒 Produce
- 1 large English cucumber thinly sliced
- 2 ripe avocados cubed
- ¼ red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro or parsley chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional: 1 small jalapeño thinly sliced (for a spicy kick)
🧂 Pantry & Spices
- 1 –2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes or chili flakes
- Optional: 1 tsp sesame seeds or everything bagel seasoning for garnish
Instructions
🔪 Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Wash and dry your cucumber and avocado.
- Thinly slice the cucumber. If using a regular cucumber, peel and seed first.
- Dice the avocados into bite-sized chunks.
- Thinly slice red onion and optional jalapeño.
- Chop the fresh cilantro or parsley.
- Mince the garlic.
🥗 Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1–2 tbsp olive oil
- Minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Taste and adjust seasoning or acidity to your liking.
🥒 Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine:
- Sliced cucumber
- Red onion
- Cubed avocado
- Fresh herbs
Optional jalapeño
- Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to mash the avocado.
- Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Serve chilled or room temperature. Top with grilled shrimp, chicken, or salmon for a full meal. Pair with pita chips or crusty bread for dipping. Perfect side for BBQ, tacos, or any summer spread. 🧑🍳 Variations
Mediterranean Style: Add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and cherry tomatoes. Asian-Inspired: Use rice vinegar, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil instead of lime and olive oil. Creamy Twist: Mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy lime dressing. Add Protein: Chickpeas, edamame, or grilled tofu make great additions. Crunch Factor: Add sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, or pepitas for texture. ❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Short-Term Storage:
Best served fresh. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The avocado may brown slightly but will still taste great. Make-Ahead Tips:
Slice cucumber, onion, herbs, and mix the dressing up to 1 day in advance. Add avocado and dress the salad right before serving to keep it fresh and green. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a regular cucumber?
Yes, just peel and seed it first for best texture. 2. What if I don’t like cilantro?
Swap it for fresh parsley, dill, or basil. 3. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep components ahead, but mix and add avocado right before serving to prevent browning. 4. Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally both! 5. How do I keep the avocado from turning brown?
Toss it in lime juice as soon as you cut it to slow oxidation. 6. Can I add tomatoes?
Absolutely—grape or cherry tomatoes work best for minimal mess. 7. What can I serve this with?
Great with grilled meats, seafood, tacos, burgers, or grain bowls. 8. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just be sure to add avocado right before serving for the freshest flavor and texture. 9. Can I add cheese?
Sure! Crumbled feta, cotija, or goat cheese are delicious additions. 10. What can I use instead of lime juice?
Fresh lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar works as a substitute. 📝 Conclusion
This Cucumber Avocado Salad is everything a quick salad should be: fresh, flavorful, fast, and flexible. With minimal prep and max nutrition, it’s perfect for busy days, summer meals, or when you just want something light and wholesome. The mix of creamy avocado, hydrating cucumber, and zesty lime dressing is simple but unforgettable. Find more refreshing salads, quick lunches, and healthy recipes at recipeservice.net — and don’t forget to share your creations with us!