Fresh Cucumber, Tomato & Avocado Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Cool summer days call for a refreshing cucumber tomato avocado salad that bursts with vibrant colors and crisp textures.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together in perfect harmony on your plate.

Sharp knife skills help create beautiful vegetable cuts that make each bite memorable.

Fresh herbs bring unexpected zesty notes to this simple dish.

Garden-fresh produce becomes the star of this lightweight meal that feels both luxurious and healthy.

Crisp vegetables mingle with creamy avocado for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.

Savor every forkful and let your taste buds celebrate this delicious combination.

Avocado Salad That’s Fresh and Colorful

• This salad requires minimal chopping skills and can be assembled in just 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy home cooks craving a fresh side dish.
• Packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats from avocado, this salad delivers a nutrient-dense meal that supports overall wellness without sacrificing flavor.
• Vibrant colors and crisp textures make this salad an eye-catching addition to barbecues, potlucks, and outdoor gatherings, guaranteed to impress guests with its simple yet delicious presentation.
• Zero cooking required means you can whip up this refreshing salad without turning on the stove, ideal for hot days when you want a light and cooling meal option.

Must-Have Ingredients for a Refreshing Bowl

• Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing base for the salad, select firm and dark green cucumbers.
• Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy component, choose ripe and colorful cherry or Roma tomatoes.
• Avocado: Creamy and rich element, pick ripe but still slightly firm avocados with no brown spots.
• Red Onion: Sharp and tangy flavor enhancer, thinly sliced for a mild bite.

• Parsley, Cilantro: Fresh green herbs that add bright flavor and color, choose vibrant and fragrant leaves.

• Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps draw out vegetable moisture.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the salad's flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Provides smooth texture and rich, fruity undertone.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps prevent avocado from browning.

How to Toss This Salad

Step 1: Prep Fresh Vegetables

Wash the cucumber, tomatoes, and avocado thoroughly under cool running water. Using a sharp knife, carefully dice the cucumber into bite-sized cubes. Slice the tomatoes in half, removing any stems. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and then dice into similar-sized pieces as the cucumber. Transfer all chopped vegetables into a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 2: Sprinkle Aromatic Herbs

Thinly slice the red onion into delicate half-moons. Finely chop fresh parsley or cilantro, releasing their vibrant, zesty aroma. Scatter the herbs and onion slices over the diced vegetables in the bowl.

Step 3: Create Tangy Dressing

• Fresh lemon juice
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 4: Combine And Toss

Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together using a large spoon, ensuring each piece gets coated with the bright, citrusy dressing. Be careful not to mash the delicate avocado chunks.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light meal. Garnish with additional herbs if desired.

Tips for Peak Ripeness and Texture

• Prevent Browning Avocado: Toss diced avocado with fresh lemon juice to keep it bright green and prevent oxidation.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to marinate and flavors to meld together.
• Customize Herb Choice: Swap between parsley and cilantro based on personal preference or regional taste profiles.
• Enhance Texture Variation: For extra crunch, consider adding toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds on top of the salad.
• Quick Protein Boost: Transform this salad into a complete meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled feta cheese for additional protein.

Store Your Salad Without Soggy Results

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
• Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the avocado chunks to slow down oxidation and maintain their fresh, green color.
• Skip freezing this salad, as the cucumber and tomatoes will lose their crisp texture and become watery when thawed.
• Enjoy the salad cold, and give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the ingredients and dressing.

Great Pairings for This Light and Zesty Dish

• A chilled Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the light, fresh flavors of this salad, enhancing the cucumber and tomato's natural brightness.
• Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish to create a balanced meal that highlights the salad's cool, creamy avocado and vibrant herbs.
• Serve with a rustic sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the natural juices and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the salad's soft ingredients.
• Create a Mediterranean-style spread by adding hummus, olives, and feta cheese to turn this simple salad into a more substantial and exciting meal.

Swaps That Add Even More Color and Crunch

• Vegan Mediterranean Remix: Replace feta cheese with marinated tofu cubes and add kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Protein Power Boost: Incorporate grilled chicken or chickpeas to transform the salad into a substantial main course with added protein.
• Low-Carb Keto Edition: Swap red onion for green onions and increase healthy fat content by adding extra avocado and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in jalapeños, black beans, and swap cilantro for a zesty lime-cumin dressing to create a southwestern-style salad.

Salad Questions Solved

• What are the health benefits of this salad?

This salad is packed with nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and healthy fats from avocado. Cucumbers provide hydration, tomatoes offer lycopene, and herbs add antioxidants to boost your immune system.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare the ingredients separately and combine just before serving to prevent the avocado from browning and keep the vegetables crisp. Store chopped ingredients in separate containers in the refrigerator.

• Is this salad suitable for special diets?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly. It’s also low-carb and keto-friendly, making it a versatile option for many dietary preferences.

• How can I enhance the flavor of this salad?

Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to elevate the taste and bring out the natural flavors of the fresh ingredients.

Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Refreshing cucumber tomato avocado salad brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate with crisp vegetables and zesty dressing. Herb-infused ingredients create a light, cool summer meal perfect for sharing with friends and family.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fresh Produce:

• 2 cups (473 ml) cucumber, diced
• 2 cups (473 ml) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• ¼ cup (59 ml) red onion, finely sliced
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped

Dressing Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (or lime juice)
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) red wine vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced

Seasoning:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare fresh vegetables by cutting cucumber into uniform cubes, halving ripe tomatoes, and carefully dicing creamy avocado into bite-sized pieces.
2. Transfer the chopped ingredients into a spacious mixing vessel, ensuring gentle handling to prevent bruising or mashing the delicate produce.
3. Incorporate thinly sliced crimson onion and finely minced fragrant herbs, distributing them evenly throughout the vegetable medley.

Notes

• Keep avocado dicing for last to prevent browning, as it oxidizes quickly when exposed to air.
• Use ripe but firm avocados for the best texture and prevent mushiness in the salad.
• Chill ingredients beforehand for a refreshing summer side dish that stays crisp and cool.
• Serve immediately after mixing to maintain the vibrant colors and fresh crunch of vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg