If you’re after a vibrant, fresh burst of summer in every bite, this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe delivers exactly that. It’s a bright, colorful medley of crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocados, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing, all coming together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re craving a light lunch, a refreshing side, or a quick snack, this salad balances crunch and creaminess with a hint of herbaceous zing, making it a go-to favorite for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and color contrast that makes this salad absolutely irresistible.
- English cucumbers: Their thin, delicate skin and crisp texture give the salad a refreshing crunch without bitterness.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these add a pop of vibrant red color and a tangy burst with every bite.
- Hass avocados: Creamy and buttery, they soften the salad’s texture and add richness.
- Red onion: Thin slices provide a gentle bite and a subtle pungency to balance the creaminess.
- Fresh cilantro: This herb adds a bright, fragrant note that lifts the entire dish.
- Extra virgin olive oil: A smooth, fruity base for the dressing that brings all the flavors together.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds zesty acidity that keeps the salad lively and fresh.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing the natural ingredients without overpowering them.
How to Make Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Veggies
Start by thoroughly washing all your vegetables to ensure they’re clean and ready. Thinly slice the English cucumbers about 1/4 inch thick so they stay crunchy without dominating the other textures. Halve those bright cherry tomatoes to release their juicy sweetness, and don’t forget to thinly slice the red onion to add that perfect hint of sharpness without overwhelming the salad.
Step 2: Dice the Avocados
Carefully cut the Hass avocados in half, remove the pit, and score the flesh with a grid-like pattern. This technique helps create bite-sized pieces when you scoop the flesh out with a spoon. The creamy avocado provides a luscious contrast to the crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently toss together the sliced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, diced avocados, and sliced red onion. Adding the freshly chopped cilantro at this stage infuses the salad with its bright, herbaceous aroma, ensuring every bite is flavorful and fresh.
Step 4: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice until combined. This simple dressing enhances the natural flavors while providing a light, zesty coating that unites all the ingredients into a cohesive, delicious salad.
Step 5: Dress and Season
Pour the dressing over your vegetable mixture and toss gently to avoid mashing the avocado. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, adjusting as needed to bring out the brightness and balance of the salad components perfectly.
How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle additional chopped cilantro or a few sprigs of fresh mint on top. You can even add a light dusting of toasted pumpkin seeds or crumbled feta to introduce a delightful crunch or creamy saltiness that complements the salad beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or a simple quinoa bowl. It also shines alongside tacos or as a refreshing counterpoint to heavier main dishes, helping balance the meal with its crisp, bright flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in individual glass jars for a charming picnic presentation or layer it in a shallow bowl topped with lemon wedges for guests to squeeze fresh juice as desired. You could even scoop it into ripe avocado shells for an Instagram-worthy feast that tastes as good as it looks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best texture and flavor, consume within 1 to 2 days as the avocado may brown slightly and the cucumbers may soften over time.
Freezing
Because this salad relies heavily on fresh, crisp vegetables and delicate avocado, freezing is not recommended. The texture and flavor will suffer, especially since avocados tend to become mushy after thawing.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. Simply give any refrigerated leftovers a gentle toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing and refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cucumbers?
Yes, but English cucumbers are ideal because of their thin skin and mild flavor. Regular cucumbers with thicker skin may need peeling to avoid bitterness and a tougher texture.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
Using fresh lemon juice in the dressing helps slow browning. However, this salad is best eaten soon after preparation to enjoy the avocado at its freshest.
Can I substitute cilantro with other herbs?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try fresh parsley, basil, or mint for different but equally delicious herbal notes.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
Yes! This Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great choice for plant-based diets.
What variations can I try with this salad?
Feel free to add some crumbled feta, toasted nuts, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for added flavor. You can also toss in sliced radishes or cucumbers for extra crunch and color.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that feels effortless yet bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors—that’s exactly what the Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe offers. It’s a perfect way to celebrate simple ingredients and quick prep while treating yourself and your loved ones to a salad that’s lively, creamy, and downright delicious. Give it a try, and I promise it’s going to become one of your favorite go-to salads in no time!
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Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy ripe avocados, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, side dish, or healthy snack, this salad combines fresh ingredients with simple preparation for a delicious and nutritious option.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 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 running water to remove dirt and impurities.
- Slice Cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers thinly, approximately 1/4 inch thick, to ensure the salad has a crisp texture.
- Prepare Tomatoes: Halve the cherry tomatoes to release their juices and ensure even distribution in the salad.
- Dice Avocados: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, score the flesh in a grid pattern, then scoop out the pieces gently with a spoon.
- Slice Onion: Thinly slice the red onion to add a mild sharpness without overpowering the salad.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, halved tomatoes, diced avocados, and sliced red onions.
- Add Cilantro: Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the combined vegetables to add fresh herbal notes.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice until emulsified.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Season: Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
- Serve: Serve immediately for the freshest texture or chill the salad for 15-30 minutes to enhance flavors and serve cool.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm avocados to prevent mushiness in the salad.
- Chilling the salad before serving enhances the refreshing flavors.
- You can substitute fresh lemon juice with lime juice for a slightly different citrus taste.
- Serve this salad as a side dish with grilled meats or as a light, healthy main at lunch.
- For extra crunch, add toasted nuts or seeds like pumpkin seeds or almonds.
