Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Our Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that elevates any meal. Perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or a light lunch, this salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado, all drizzled with a zesty lemon dressing. The addition of fresh cilantro adds an exciting twist that makes this salad stand out. Enjoy it as a side or on its own for a healthy treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This salad takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or sudden gatherings.
- Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy avocados creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad is not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a side dish or make it the star of your meal by adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Using fresh produce ensures the best taste while supporting local farmers.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment will make the preparation process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large salad bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large salad bowl: This allows ample space to mix all ingredients without spilling.
- Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for even-sized pieces, enhancing the salad’s presentation.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients safely.
Ingredients
Our classic cucumber and tomato salad just got better with the addition of avocado, a lemon dressing, and fresh cilantro.
Vegetables & Fruits
- 1 lb Roma tomatoes
- 1 English cucumber
- 1/2 medium red onion (sliced)
- 2 avocados (diced)
Dressing & Seasoning
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil or sunflower oil
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon)
- 1 tsp sea salt or 3/4 tsp table salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Herbs
- 1/4 cup 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
How to Make Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Begin by washing all vegetables thoroughly under cool water.
- Dice the Roma tomatoes, slice the English cucumber, and slice the red onion.
- Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, scoop out the flesh, and dice them into cubes.
- Chop the cilantro finely.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Place chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumber, sliced red onion, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro into a large salad bowl.
- Drizzle with 2 Tbsp olive oil and 2 Tbsp lemon juice.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
Step 3: Season Before Serving
Just before serving, toss with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper to enhance flavor.
This Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad serves four as a side dish and can easily complement any meal! Enjoy its freshness today!
How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is a refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. It pairs well with various meals and can be enjoyed in numerous ways.
As a Light Lunch
- Serve it on its own for a quick, nutritious lunch that’s full of flavor and healthy fats.
With Grilled Meats
- This salad complements grilled chicken or fish beautifully, adding a fresh touch to your meal.
In a Wrap
- Use the salad as a filling in whole-grain wraps for an easy-to-make, portable lunch option.
As a Topping
- Add it as a topping on tacos or burritos for an extra layer of taste and texture.
At Picnics or BBQs
- Bring this salad to outdoor gatherings for a light side that everyone will enjoy.
How to Perfect Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
To truly elevate your Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad, consider these simple tips.
- Choose ripe avocados – Ripe avocados enhance the creaminess of the salad; they should yield slightly when pressed.
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh tomatoes and cucumbers will ensure the best flavors and textures.
- Adjust seasoning – Taste before serving, and feel free to add more salt or lemon juice to suit your preference.
- Serve chilled – Allow the salad to sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving for enhanced flavor melding.
- Add crunch – For extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds.
- Experiment with herbs – Try incorporating other fresh herbs like parsley or dill for varied flavors.
Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
This refreshing salad pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options to consider.
- Grilled Chicken Breast – A simple grilled chicken breast adds protein and complements the salad’s freshness.
- Quinoa Pilaf – Fluffy quinoa pilaf is nutritious and provides a hearty base alongside your salad.
- Garlic Bread – Crunchy garlic bread balances the lightness of the salad with its rich flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies bring warmth and depth to your meal while keeping it healthy.
- Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or beans make for a filling accompaniment.
- Pasta Salad – A light pasta salad can serve as another refreshing choice that pairs nicely with the Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes you should avoid for the best results.
- Using overripe avocados – Overripe avocados can ruin the texture of your salad. Choose avocados that are firm but slightly soft to the touch.
- Not seasoning enough – A bland salad is unappealing. Always taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
- Cutting vegetables unevenly – Uneven pieces can affect the salad’s presentation and texture. Aim for uniform sizes for even flavor distribution.
- Adding lemon juice too early – Adding lemon juice too soon can cause the avocado to brown. Wait until just before serving to add it.
- Skipping fresh herbs – Fresh herbs enhance flavor significantly. Don’t skip cilantro; it adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store the salad in an airtight container.
- item It will last up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
- item Freezing is not recommended due to avocado texture changes.
- item If you must freeze, consider omitting the avocado and adding it fresh after thawing.
Reheating Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
- Oven – Not applicable as this salad is served cold.
- Microwave – Avoid reheating; enjoy chilled for best flavor.
- Stovetop – Not suitable for reheating; serve fresh from the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad.
Can I customize my Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad?
Yes! Feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers, corn, or feta cheese for extra flavor and texture.
How do I keep my avocado from browning?
To prevent browning, add lemon juice right before serving and store any leftovers in an airtight container.
What type of tomatoes work best in this salad?
Roma tomatoes are ideal due to their firm texture, but you can also use cherry or grape tomatoes for a sweeter option.
How long does it take to make Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad?
This refreshing salad takes only about 15 minutes of prep time, making it a quick and easy dish.
Final Thoughts
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is not only delicious but also highly versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic or as a side dish at dinner, it adds freshness and color to any meal. Try this recipe today and enjoy its delightful flavors!
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 as a side dish 1x
Description
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is the perfect blend of fresh, vibrant ingredients that create a light and refreshing dish. Ideal for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a nutritious lunch option, this salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy Roma tomatoes, and creamy avocados all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. Enhanced with fresh cilantro, each bite bursts with flavor, making it a delightful side or main dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Roma tomatoes
- 1 English cucumber
- 1/2 medium red onion (sliced)
- 2 avocados (diced)
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Sea salt and black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Wash all vegetables under cool water.
- Dice the Roma tomatoes and slice the cucumber and red onion.
- Halve the avocados, remove the pit, scoop out the flesh, and dice them.
- Finely chop the cilantro.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Toss gently to mix everything together.
- Just before serving, season with sea salt and black pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
