Introduction
Transform simple cucumbers and avocados into a refreshing and vibrant salad that’s perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at your next barbecue, or a quick and healthy snack. This recipe is all about celebrating fresh, summery flavors with minimal effort – because who has time for complicated recipes when the sun is shining? ☀️
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s incredibly easy, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers a fantastic flavor combination. The creamy avocado pairs beautifully with the cool crunch of the cucumber, and the bright, zesty dressing ties everything together. It’s a win-win for taste buds and time-pressed cooks!
Key Ingredients
- 🥒 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 🥑 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 🍅 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 🧅 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 🍋 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 🌿 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- 🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 🌶️ 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Veggies: Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes. Dice the avocados. Try to keep the avocado pieces relatively uniform for even distribution in the salad.
2️⃣ Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers, diced avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
3️⃣ Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the amount of lime juice or olive oil to your preference!
4️⃣ Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as you don’t want to mash the avocados.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy: Serve immediately or chill for later. This salad is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored (see Storage Tips below).
Handy Tips
- For extra crunch, add some thinly sliced bell peppers or jicama.
- If you don’t have fresh cilantro, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried cilantro.
- To prevent the avocados from browning too quickly, add the dressing just before serving.
Heat Control
This recipe doesn’t involve any heat. The focus is on the fresh, vibrant flavors of the ingredients at their optimal temperature.
Crunch Factor
The crunch comes primarily from the cucumbers and red onion. The cherry tomatoes add a slight burst, while the creamy avocado provides a lovely textural contrast. Adjust the amount of onion for your preferred crunch level.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For a quicker prep, buy pre-cut vegetables from the grocery store.
- To make the dressing even more flavorful, add a pinch of cumin or garlic powder.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.
Storage Tips
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent browning, consider placing a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the salad before closing the container.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This salad makes a lovely and healthy gift! Pack it in a pretty glass bowl lined with a fresh leaf of lettuce, tied with a ribbon. A small card with the recipe would be a thoughtful touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Avocado Salad: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
🌟 Mediterranean Twist: Add crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of oregano.
🌟 Creamy Avocado Salad with Herbs: Add fresh dill and parsley, along with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt to the dressing for extra creaminess.
🌟 Avocado Cucumber Salad with a Kick: Add some finely chopped fresh ginger to the dressing for an Asian inspired twist.
Troubleshooting
- Avocados too brown: Add the dressing just before serving, or squeeze a little lime juice over the avocados before adding them to the salad to slow down browning.
- Salad too watery: Use a vegetable peeler to remove the cucumber’s outer skin (this is optional, but can help reduce water content). Also, lightly salt the sliced cucumbers and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture; then rinse and pat them dry before adding them to the salad.
FAQ
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can make it a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- Can I use different types of cucumbers? Yes, you can use English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers. Just be sure to slice them thinly.
- What can I substitute for lime juice? Lemon juice is a good substitute, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- Can I freeze this salad? No, this salad is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing will affect the texture of the avocados and cucumbers.
Conclusion
This Easy Cucumber Avocado Salad is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly delicious and satisfying meal. We hope you enjoy this refreshing and healthy recipe! Don’t forget to share your creation with us on Ratemyrecipes.com – we’d love to see your photos!