Avocado Cucumber Salad

This Avocado Cucumber Salad is the perfect way to enjoy a light and refreshing dish. The creamy texture of the avocado is beautifully balanced by the crispness of the cucumber, while the lime juice adds a delightful tanginess that brings the whole dish together. Fresh herbs like dill and coriander add an aromatic touch, making every bite burst with flavor.

Whether you’re looking for a quick side salad, a topping for toast, or a fresh filling for wraps, this recipe is versatile and easy to make. Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy fresh produce and add a nutritious boost to your meal. The perfect salad to serve at summer gatherings, enjoy as a healthy snack, or bring a little bit of zest to your day!

Full Recipe:

• Salad:
  • 2 big ripe avocados, cut into quarters then 1 cm / 0.4″ slices
  • 3 cucumbers (~17cm/7″ long), sliced into 4mm / 1/6″ rounds (or use 1 1/2 long English cucumbers)
  • 1/4 red onion, finely sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tbsp coriander/cilantro leaves, roughly chopped (optional but recommended)
• Dressing:
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp lime juice (or lemon juice, adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes/chilli flakes
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt or regular cooking salt

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine all the salad ingredients – avocado slices, cucumber rounds, and red onion. Top with dill and coriander/cilantro if using.
2. Drizzle the lime juice and olive oil over the salad ingredients. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes evenly.
3. Toss gently with your hands, separating the avocado slices to coat them evenly.
4. Taste and adjust with more lime juice if desired. Serve immediately by tumbling into a serving bowl.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: None | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 229 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 – 6 servings

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is not only visually appealing but also highly nutritious and easy to prepare. The creamy avocado contrasts beautifully with the crunchy cucumber, making every bite a refreshing and satisfying experience. The simple lime-olive oil dressing enhances the natural flavors without overpowering them, providing a fresh and zesty flavor.

Health Benefits

• Avocado is a powerhouse of healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium, and fiber. It’s great for heart health, reducing inflammation, and promoting a healthy digestive system.
• Cucumber is hydrating and low in calories, while also being a good source of antioxidants and vitamins like K and C.
• Herbs like dill and coriander/cilantro bring not only fresh flavor but also antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, contributing to overall health.

Flavor & Ingredient Tips

• Choosing Avocados: For the best results, use ripe avocados that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. They should give a little when gently squeezed.
• Freshness of Herbs: While the dill and coriander/cilantro are optional, they add a bright, fresh flavor that complements the richness of the avocado. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you can easily swap it for parsley or just use more dill.
• Lime vs. Lemon: Lime juice gives the salad a zesty kick and adds brightness to the flavor, but lemon juice can also work as a substitute.

Variations & Customizations

• Add Protein: For a more filling meal, consider adding grilled shrimp, chicken, or chickpeas. For a vegan protein boost, tofu or edamame are great options.
• Spice it Up: Love spice? Add finely diced jalapeños, or increase the amount of red pepper flakes to give your salad more heat.
• Nuts & Seeds: Add a bit of crunch by sprinkling some nuts like sliced almonds, sunflower seeds, or pine nuts.

Serving Suggestions

• As a Side Dish: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or tacos, making it a versatile side dish for barbecues or picnics.
• On Toast or Bread: Mash some of the avocado and use the salad as a topping on toasted bread for a fresh, flavorful twist on avocado toast.
• In Wraps or Tacos: Dice the cucumber and avocado into smaller pieces to make a chunky salsa, and use it as a filling for tacos or wraps along with proteins like grilled fish or chicken.

Storage Tips

The salad is best served fresh due to the nature of the avocado. However, if you need to make it ahead, prepare all ingredients except the avocado and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Add the avocado and dressing just before serving to maintain the texture and flavor. If there are any leftovers, they will keep well until the next day, and the lime juice helps prevent the avocado from browning quickly.

Nutritional Benefits Overview

For a 229 kcal serving, you’re getting:

• Healthy Fats: Thanks to the avocado and olive oil, you get monounsaturated fats that are beneficial for heart health.
• Fiber: A good 7g per serving, helping with digestion and making the salad filling.
• Potassium: Avocado is high in potassium, which is key for muscle function and blood pressure regulation.
• Vitamins & Minerals: It includes Vitamin C, Vitamin A, calcium, and iron, making it a nutrient-dense dish.

Pairing Ideas

This salad is highly versatile and pairs well with:

• Grilled Fish or Chicken: The citrusy, fresh taste of the salad complements the flavors of grilled or baked fish and chicken.
• Mexican-Inspired Dishes: Great alongside tacos, quesadillas, or burritos, adding freshness to the rich and savory flavors.
• Rice or Grain Bowls: Use the salad as a topping for a grain bowl with brown rice, quinoa, or couscous for a filling and balanced meal.

Fun Fact

In many cultures, avocado is considered a “superfruit” due to its nutritional benefits and versatility in dishes ranging from savory salads to sweet smoothies and desserts. It’s no wonder this avocado salad has become a favorite in many households worldwide, offering not just flavor but also a host of health benefits.

Origins and Inspiration

The Avocado Cucumber Salad is inspired by fresh, simple ingredients often found in Mediterranean and Latin American cuisines. These cuisines are known for their light, flavorful dishes that make use of fresh produce, herbs, and citrus. This salad takes the best of these flavors and combines them in a way that’s both nutritious and refreshing.

Detailed Preparation Tips

• Cutting the Avocado: To avoid mashing the avocado while cutting, slice it lengthwise around the pit, twist to separate, then carefully remove the pit with a spoon or a knife. Scoop out the flesh gently with a large spoon and slice it into quarters before making the 1 cm slices.
• Cucumber Prep: To prevent excess moisture in the salad, you can lightly salt the cucumber slices and let them sit for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the salad. This will draw out some of the water, resulting in a crispier texture.
• Mixing the Salad: Tossing the salad gently by hand is best to maintain the avocado’s shape and texture. If using utensils, opt for silicone or wood to avoid bruising the avocado.

Ingredient Swaps and Dietary Customization

• Keto & Low-Carb: This salad is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a keto or low-carb diet. For added fats, consider topping with a sprinkle of feta cheese, sliced olives, or chopped bacon.
• Paleo & Whole30: All the ingredients align well with paleo and Whole30 guidelines. For more protein, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.
• Vegan & Plant-Based Protein: To keep the salad plant-based while boosting protein, add hemp seeds, roasted chickpeas, or quinoa. These will also add a different texture and depth to the dish.

Flavor Enhancers

• Zest It Up: For a burst of citrus flavor, add lime zest to the dressing. It enhances the lime flavor and makes the dish more aromatic.
• Add a Creamy Twist: If you prefer a creamier dressing, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or sour cream with the lime juice and olive oil for a richer texture.
• Sweet & Spicy Balance: If you like a balance of flavors, consider adding a touch of sweetness by drizzling a little bit of honey or agave syrup over the salad. Alternatively, for a spicy kick, finely dice some jalapeños or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Creative Serving Ideas

• Avocado Salad Boats: For a fun presentation, serve the salad in avocado halves. Simply scoop out most of the flesh to use in the salad, leaving a bit in the shell to act as a bowl.
• Stuffed Tomato Cups: Hollow out large tomatoes and fill them with the avocado cucumber salad for a beautiful appetizer or party dish.
• Salad Towers: For a more refined presentation, use a ring mold to layer the salad ingredients, starting with cucumbers at the bottom, followed by avocado, red onions, and topped with fresh herbs. Gently press down and remove the mold to create a stacked salad tower.

Garnish Ideas

• Fresh Microgreens or Sprouts: Top the salad with microgreens like arugula, radish sprouts, or pea shoots for a touch of elegance and extra nutrition.
• Pomegranate Seeds or Berries: For a burst of color and flavor, add some pomegranate seeds, blueberries, or halved cherry tomatoes to the salad.

Nutritional Benefits by Ingredient

1. Avocado: A source of healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, and Vitamin E. These fats are heart-healthy and aid in nutrient absorption from other vegetables.
2. Cucumber: Being 96% water, it’s perfect for hydration. Cucumbers are low in calories but high in vitamins C and K and are good for skin health and hydration.
3. Dill and Cilantro: These fresh herbs not only enhance flavor but also provide essential oils with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Dill is rich in Vitamin A, and cilantro offers Vitamin C, K, and folate.
4. Olive Oil & Lime Juice: Olive oil is known for its heart-healthy fats and antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which have anti-inflammatory effects. Lime juice is a great source of Vitamin C, aiding in skin health, immunity, and iron absorption.

Pairing Suggestions

• With Grilled Meat or Seafood: The fresh, bright flavors of the salad perfectly complement the savory, smoky taste of grilled chicken, shrimp skewers, or salmon.
• On a Brunch Board: Arrange the salad alongside an assortment of cheeses, crackers, fresh fruits, and cured meats for an elegant brunch board that looks stunning and offers a variety of flavors.
• In Grain Bowls: Combine the salad with cooked quinoa, brown rice, or couscous, and top with roasted vegetables or legumes for a hearty, balanced meal.

Storing & Meal Prepping Tips

• Prepping Ahead: If you’re planning to meal prep, you can slice the cucumbers and onions ahead of time, and store them in an airtight container. Keep the avocado whole and slice it just before serving to keep it from browning.
• How to Store Leftovers: Since the lime juice helps prevent browning, leftover salad will generally keep well in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Store in an airtight container and give it a gentle toss before serving again.

Fun Serving Ideas for Kids

• Colorful Skewers: Thread the avocado and cucumber onto small wooden skewers for a fun and easy-to-eat snack for kids. It makes eating vegetables more exciting, and they’ll love the “kabob” style.
• Taco Fillings: Use the salad as a fresh, flavorful filling for tacos or wraps. Add some shredded cheese, a protein source, and perhaps a dollop of salsa or sour cream for a kid-friendly, customizable meal.

Conclusion

The Avocado Cucumber Salad is a simple, refreshing, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its mix of creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and a zesty lime dressing, it’s a healthy, flavorful option that pairs well with a variety of meals. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish, a topping for toast, or a vibrant addition to tacos, this salad is sure to become a favorite for its taste, nutrition, and ease of preparation. Enjoy it fresh, customize it to your liking, and add a touch of freshness to your table!