The Cucumber-avocado Salad is an absolute delight, perfect for those moments when you crave something fresh, vibrant, and incredibly satisfying. This refreshing salad strikes a perfect harmony between creamy avocado and crisp cucumbers, amplified by zesty lime and fragrant cilantro. It’s a simple yet sensational dish that brightens up any meal or can even shine on its own as a light, nutritious treat. Once you try this Cucumber-avocado Salad, it’s hard to imagine summer without it!

Cucumber-avocado Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making this beautiful salad sing. Each component lends its own character: crunchy cucumbers, buttery avocados, tangy lime, and a hint of spice from fresh onion and pepper. Together, they create both gorgeous color and an irresistible blend of textures and flavors.

2 large cucumbers: Look for firm and vibrant cucumbers about one pound in total to keep the salad crisp and refreshing.
2 ripe avocados: Choose soft, creamy avocados for that rich, buttery texture that makes this salad special.
1 small red onion: Finely chopped, it adds a subtle sharpness that balances the creaminess perfectly.
1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved for bursts of juicy sweetness and beautiful pops of red color.
1/4 cup fresh cilantro: Chopped just before serving for a bright, herbaceous aroma.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil to bring everything together smoothly.
2 tablespoons lime juice: Freshly squeezed to add that essential citrus zing and keep flavors fresh.
Salt to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
Pepper to taste: Adds a gentle warmth and complexity.

How to Make Cucumber-avocado Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Vegetables

Start by washing the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or residue. This simple step ensures a clean, crisp base for your salad. Then, cut the cucumbers lengthwise and slice them into half-moon shapes about half an inch thick — this shape holds the dressing well and adds lovely texture contrast.

Step 2: Dice the Creamy Avocado

Halve the ripe avocados carefully, remove the pit, and scoop the creamy flesh out with a spoon. Dice the avocado into bite-sized pieces so that every forkful gets that buttery richness while keeping the salad visually appealing and perfectly textured.

Step 3: Toss Together the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, diced avocados, finely chopped red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. This colorful mix is bursting with fresh flavors that prepare the palate for the delicious dressing that’s coming next.

Step 4: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. This simple, tangy dressing is the magic that ties every ingredient together, brightening the flavors and giving the salad its characteristic zest and creaminess.

Step 5: Combine and Toss Gently

Pour the dressing evenly over the salad mixture. Use a gentle tossing motion to coat everything without mashing the delicate avocado pieces. Balance is key here to keep all those lovely textures intact.

Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch

Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the salad, then give it one last delicate toss. The fragrant herb adds that final layer of freshness and a hint of earthiness, making this Cucumber-avocado Salad irresistible and vibrant.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

For the best flavor and texture, serve this salad right away. The flavors are freshest, and the avocado maintains that creamy perfection without browning. Enjoy every crisp, creamy, zesty bite!

How to Serve Cucumber-avocado Salad

Garnishes

Enhance your Cucumber-avocado Salad by adding a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds or a few crumbled feta cheese bites on top. These garnishes add delightful crunch or a salty contrast, elevating the overall experience without overpowering the natural freshness.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully alongside grilled chicken, fresh fish, or even as a companion to hearty Mexican dishes like tacos or enchiladas. It also works brilliantly as a light side with your favorite quinoa or couscous bowl, making your meal feel balanced and nourishing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a unique twist, serve the Cucumber-avocado Salad in individual avocado halves to impress guests at your next gathering. Alternatively, layer it in a clear glass jar for a gorgeous colorful presentation that looks as good as it tastes. These ideas make it not just delicious, but genuinely fun and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your Cucumber-avocado Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Though best enjoyed fresh, it will keep well for up to one day. To prevent the avocado from browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing.

Freezing

Freezing this salad is generally not recommended because cucumbers and avocados lose their fresh texture when thawed. For optimal taste and texture, enjoy this salad fresh or store refrigerated for a short time instead.

Reheating

This salad is served cold and does not require reheating. Reheating would cause the fresh ingredients and creamy avocado to lose their best qualities, so stick with a chilled serving to get the full experience.

FAQs

Can I substitute lime juice with lemon juice in the Cucumber-avocado Salad?

Absolutely! Lemon juice makes a great substitute if you don’t have lime on hand. The citrus brightness is key, and lemon will keep that fresh zing while slightly altering the flavor profile in a pleasant way.

What type of cucumber works best for this salad?

English cucumbers are ideal because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin, contributing to a tender crunch without bitterness. However, regular cucumbers work perfectly fine after peeling if preferred.

Is it possible to add protein to make this a more filling dish?

Yes, adding grilled shrimp, chickpeas, or cooked quinoa can turn this salad into a hearty meal. Just toss your chosen protein in with the salad before dressing to keep flavors balanced.

How can I keep the avocado from browning in the salad?

Using fresh lime juice in the dressing helps slow down browning. Also, serve the salad promptly after mixing, or store leftovers with plastic wrap pressed tightly on the surface to limit avocado’s exposure to air.

Can I prepare the salad components ahead of time?

You can chop the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated, but it’s best to dice the avocado just before serving to maintain freshness and avoid discoloration.

Final Thoughts

There’s something genuinely joyful about the simplicity and freshness of a well-made Cucumber-avocado Salad. It’s the kind of dish that feels as though it was made just for you—bursting with color, texture, and bright flavors that lift your spirits with every bite. Give this recipe a try soon and watch it become one of your favorite go-to salads for any season.

Cucumber-avocado Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 25 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and creamy cucumber-avocado salad featuring crisp cucumbers, ripe avocados, tangy lime dressing, and fresh cilantro. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, this salad combines vibrant flavors and textures for a naturally gluten-free and vegetarian delight.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

2 large cucumbers (about 1 pound)
2 ripe avocados
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Dressing

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste

Instructions

Wash vegetables: Thoroughly rinse the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or residues.
Slice cucumbers: Cut each cucumber in half lengthwise, then slice into half-moon shapes approximately 1/2 inch thick to ensure a nice crunch in the salad.
Prepare avocados: Halve the avocados and carefully remove the pits. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, then dice into bite-sized pieces for a creamy texture.
Combine salad base: In a large mixing bowl, gently mix the sliced cucumbers, diced avocados, finely chopped red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes.
Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, salt, and pepper until emulsified to create a tangy and smooth dressing.
Toss salad: Pour the dressing evenly over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients without mashing the avocado.
Add cilantro: Sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro on top and toss lightly again to incorporate its fresh herbal flavor into the salad.
Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the best flavor and maintain the crisp, fresh textures of the ingredients.

Notes

For best results, use ripe but firm avocados to avoid a mushy texture.
Feel free to add a sprinkle of chili flakes or diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
This salad is best served fresh; avocado may brown if left too long.
You can substitute lime juice with lemon juice if preferred.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and add extra lime juice before serving to refresh flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-cook, assembling
Cuisine: American