When it comes to quick and easy salads, few can compare to the refreshing and creamy goodness of an Avocado Cucumber Salad. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a 5-minute prep time, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish for any meal. The creamy avocado blends beautifully with the crisp cucumber, creating a delightful contrast in texture that makes this salad irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Avocado Cucumber Salad
This Avocado Cucumber Salad is not just easy to make but also incredibly healthy. It combines the creamy richness of avocado with the fresh crunch of cucumber, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether you are looking for a quick snack, a side salad, or a light dish to accompany dinner, this recipe delivers both flavor and nutrition. Plus, it’s perfect for summer when cucumbers are in season!
Ingredients for Avocado Cucumber Salad
To make this simple and healthy salad, gather the following ingredients:
- Cucumbers: These provide a fresh, crunchy base for the salad, offering hydration and a mild, refreshing flavor.
- Avocados: The star ingredient! Avocados give the salad a rich, creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Green onions: For a mild onion flavor and a bit of crunch.
- Lime juice: Adds a zesty, tangy kick that elevates the entire dish.
- Olive oil: Gives the salad a smooth finish while contributing healthy fats.
- Sea salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice to balance the creaminess of the avocado.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re looking to make some substitutions or have dietary preferences, consider these alternatives:
- Herbs: If you’re not fond of green onions, try using cilantro for a different flavor profile.
- Cucumbers: While English cucumbers work great for this recipe, you can also use garden cucumbers, which are often more affordable and readily available in summer.
- Lime: For a slightly different flavor, you can use lemon juice instead of lime juice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by slicing the cucumbers thinly. If using garden cucumbers, you can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds extra crunch and nutrition.
- Slice the Avocados: Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, peel off the skin, and slice it into chunks or thin slices, depending on your preference.
- Chop the Green Onions: Slice the green onions into thin rings to ensure they mix evenly with the rest of the salad.
- Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, avocado, and green onions.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the salad with fresh lime juice and olive oil. Add sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss and Serve: Gently toss the ingredients together to coat them evenly with the dressing. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Tips & Tricks
- Avoid Brown Avocados: To keep your avocado from browning, toss it with lime juice as soon as you slice it. The acid helps preserve its color and flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best served fresh, as cucumbers can release moisture over time, making the salad watery.
- Make Ahead: If you want to prepare this salad in advance, you can combine all the ingredients except for the salt. Store it tightly covered in the fridge to prevent browning. Add the salt just before serving.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This Avocado Cucumber Salad is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Try serving it alongside grilled fish, chicken, or a hearty quinoa bowl for a well-rounded meal. You can also add a kick of spice with some diced jalapeños for an extra layer of flavor.
For a fun variation, try adding diced tomatoes or a handful of feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist. The salad also works well as a topping for tacos or grilled shrimp.
Health Benefits of Avocado Cucumber Salad
This salad is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. Avocados are rich in healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins, while cucumbers provide hydration and antioxidants. Together, they make for a nutritious and satisfying dish that can complement a healthy diet. Plus, it’s gluten-free and vegetarian, making it suitable for various dietary needs.
By incorporating this easy-to-make Avocado Cucumber Salad into your meal rotation, you’ll have a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Avocado Cucumber Salad is a perfect blend of creamy, fresh, and zesty flavors, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish, a light lunch, or a topping for your favorite meals, this salad will satisfy your cravings and keep you feeling refreshed. With its simple ingredients, ease of preparation, and nutritional benefits, it’s no wonder this salad is a crowd favorite. You can even tweak it to suit your preferences, making it as customizable as it is delicious. So, grab your cucumbers, avocados, and lime, and whip up this delightful salad today!
FAQ
How do I prevent the avocado from turning brown in the salad?
To prevent the avocado from browning, simply squeeze lime juice over the sliced avocado right after cutting it. The acid in lime juice helps preserve the color and flavor. For added protection, cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly against the surface of the salad to limit exposure to air.
Can I prepare this Avocado Cucumber Salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance, but it’s best to leave the salt out until just before serving. Salt can cause cucumbers to release excess moisture, which can make the salad watery. You can store the salad covered in the refrigerator for up to a few hours, but for the freshest texture, serve it soon after preparation.
What other vegetables can I add to this salad?
This salad is very versatile! You can add tomatoes for a burst of color and extra flavor. Diced bell peppers or radishes can add crunch and a peppery kick, while fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley will enhance the freshness. Feel free to get creative with whatever veggies you have on hand.
Can I make this salad spicier?
Absolutely! To add a little heat to your Avocado Cucumber Salad, try adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. These ingredients will bring a spicy contrast to the creamy avocado, adding an exciting twist to the flavor profile.
Avocado Cucumber Salad – Quick, Healthy, & Tasty
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Avocado Cucumber Salad combines creamy avocado with crisp cucumber for a refreshing, healthy dish that's perfect as a light lunch or flavorful side. Ready in 5 minutes, it's a versatile and crowd-pleasing salad.
Ingredients
- Cucumbers (thinly sliced)
- Avocados (peeled, pitted, sliced or chunked)
- Green onions (thinly sliced)
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers thinly; peel if desired.
- Cut avocados in half, remove pit, peel, and slice into chunks or thin slices.
- Slice green onions into thin rings.
- Combine cucumbers, avocado, and green onions in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil.
- Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Gently toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
Toss avocado with lime juice immediately to prevent browning. Serve fresh to avoid watery salad. For make-ahead, omit salt and add just before serving. Add diced jalapeños for spice or feta cheese for variation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
