Introduction
Transform everyday ingredients into a vibrant and refreshing summer salad! This Cucumber, Tomato & Avocado Salad is incredibly easy to make, bursting with fresh flavors, and perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at your next BBQ, or a simple weeknight dinner. It takes just minutes to prepare, and the result is a delicious salad the whole family will love.
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s all about simplicity and fresh, high-quality ingredients. The creamy avocado perfectly complements the juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, creating a delightful balance of textures and flavors. It’s a healthy and satisfying salad that’s perfect for any occasion, requiring minimal cooking and maximum flavor.
Key Ingredients
- 🥒 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 🍅 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 🥑 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 🧅 ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 🌿 ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 🍋 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🌶️ ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Veggies: Wash and slice your cucumbers thinly. Halve your cherry or grape tomatoes. Dice your avocados, and thinly slice the red onion. Chop the cilantro.
2️⃣ Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, diced avocados, and sliced red onion.
3️⃣ Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4️⃣ Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to avoid mashing the avocados.
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the salad and serve immediately.
Handy Tips
- For best results, use ripe but firm avocados. Avocados that are too ripe will get mushy quickly.
- If you don’t have lime juice, you can substitute with lemon juice, but the flavor will be slightly different.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste.
Heat Control
This recipe doesn’t involve any heat. The focus is entirely on the freshness and vibrant flavors of the raw ingredients.
Crunch Factor
The crunch comes from the crisp cucumbers and the slight bite of the red onion. The creamy avocado provides a lovely contrast in texture.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cumin or chili powder to the dressing.
- To prevent the avocados from browning too quickly, you can squeeze a little lime juice over them before adding them to the salad.
- If you want a heartier salad, add some cooked quinoa or chickpeas.
Storage Tips
This salad is best served fresh. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Note that the avocados may brown slightly over time.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This salad makes a lovely and refreshing gift! Present it in a pretty bowl or a reusable container, decorated with a ribbon.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy twist.
🌟 Mediterranean Flair: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
🌟 Creamy Delight: Add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream to the dressing for a creamier consistency.
🌟 Herby Goodness: Experiment with different herbs like dill, parsley, or mint instead of, or in addition to, the cilantro.
Troubleshooting
- Mushy Avocados: If your avocados are too ripe, try using a slightly less ripe avocado next time, or gently mash them into the salad for a different texture.
- Overly Tangy Dressing: If the dressing is too tart, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to balance the acidity.
FAQ
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients separately and assemble the salad right before serving.
- What kind of tomatoes are best? Cherry or grape tomatoes work well, but you can also use larger tomatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Can I substitute the cilantro? Yes, you can use other fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or mint.
- Is this salad vegan? Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan.
Conclusion
This simple yet delightful Cucumber, Tomato & Avocado Salad is a perfect addition to any summer gathering or a quick and healthy meal. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on social media! Happy cooking!