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.