Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is a refreshing dish that brings together the crispness of cucumbers, the juiciness of tomatoes, and the creaminess of avocados. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light side dish, this salad is not just vibrant in color but also packed with flavors. The zesty lemon dressing and fresh cilantro elevate its appeal, making it a delightful addition to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This salad is ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Fresh Ingredients: Enjoy the taste of fresh vegetables and herbs that enhance flavor and nutrition.
- Versatile Dish: Great as a side salad or a light lunch on its own, it fits various occasions.
- Nutritious Choice: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats from avocados, this salad supports your wellbeing.
- Colorful Presentation: The bright colors of the ingredients make it visually appealing for any table setting.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad effortlessly, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to toss the ingredients without spilling.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for vegetables, enhancing presentation.
- Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements help maintain balance in flavors.
Ingredients
Our classic cucumber and tomato salad just got better with the addition of avocado, a lemon dressing and fresh cilantro.
Fresh Produce
- 1 lb Roma tomatoes
- 1 English cucumber
- 1/2 medium red onion (sliced)
- 2 avocados (diced)
- 1/4 cup 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
Dressing Components
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil or sunflower oil
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice (from 1 medium lemon)
Seasoning
- 1 tsp sea salt or 3/4 tsp table salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
How to Make Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash the Roma tomatoes and English cucumber thoroughly under running water.
- Dice the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the English cucumber thinly for better texture.
- Thinly slice the red onion.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, place chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumber, sliced red onion, diced avocados, and chopped cilantro.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
- Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice over the salad ingredients.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients well without mashing the avocado.
Step 4: Season Before Serving
- Just before serving, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon sea salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
- Give it one last gentle toss to distribute seasoning evenly.
This Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad serves four as a refreshing side dish or light meal option. Enjoy its vibrant flavors!
How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Serving Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad can elevate any meal, whether it’s a casual lunch or a festive dinner. This vibrant salad pairs well with various dishes and can be enjoyed in multiple ways.
As a Refreshing Side Dish
- Perfect for barbecues: This salad complements grilled meats wonderfully, adding freshness to heavy dishes.
- Great alongside pasta: It adds a light crunch that balances the richness of creamy pasta salads.
In a Wrap or Sandwich
- Add to wraps: Incorporate this salad into your favorite wrap for an added burst of flavor.
- Layer in sandwiches: Use it as a filling for sandwiches, providing moisture and taste without extra calories.
As a Standalone Lunch
- Enjoy it solo: For a quick lunch, serve the salad on its own topped with some protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Pair with whole-grain crackers: The crunch of the crackers adds texture and makes for a satisfying meal.
With Grains or Legumes
- Toss with quinoa or rice: Mixing in cooked grains turns this salad into a hearty dish.
- Combine with beans: Adding black beans or chickpeas enhances protein content and makes it more filling.
How to Perfect Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad, consider these simple tips.
- Use ripe avocados: They provide creaminess and enhance the overall taste of the salad.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerating the salad for 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add ingredients last minute: To keep avocados from browning, add them just before serving.
- Experiment with herbs: Fresh basil or parsley can elevate the flavor profile beyond cilantro.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and tweak salt and pepper levels based on personal preference.
Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is versatile and pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy chicken breasts seasoned simply complement the fresh flavors of the salad.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa dish adds heartiness while still keeping things light and healthy.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread offers a comforting contrast to the crisp salad.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with olive oil bring out natural sweetness that matches nicely.
- Fish Tacos: Lightly seasoned fish tacos provide a fresh seafood option that’s perfect for summer meals.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice and ground meat make for an appealing presentation alongside the salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many people make simple errors when preparing a Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad. Here are some common mistakes and how to prevent them.
- Skipping the seasoning – Neglecting salt and pepper can lead to bland flavors. Always season your salad just before serving for the best taste.
- Not using ripe avocados – Unripe avocados won’t provide the creamy texture you want. Choose avocados that yield slightly when pressed for optimal flavor.
- Chopping vegetables unevenly – Cutting ingredients into different sizes can affect texture and presentation. Aim for uniform pieces to create an appealing dish.
- Adding dressing too early – If you dress the salad too soon, the vegetables may become soggy. Toss with dressing right before serving for freshness.
- Overcrowding the bowl – Packing too many ingredients into one bowl can make mixing difficult. Use a large enough bowl to ensure even mixing without crushing the ingredients.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store the salad in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 2 days in the fridge, though it’s best fresh.
Freezing Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
- Freezing is not recommended, as it affects texture and flavor.
- If needed, freeze each ingredient separately before mixing.
Reheating Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
- Oven – Not suitable for this salad; serve cold for best taste.
- Microwave – Avoid heating; fresh is better!
- Stovetop – Not recommended; enjoy it as a refreshing cold dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad.
What ingredients are in Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad?
This salad includes Roma tomatoes, English cucumber, red onion, ripe avocados, olive oil, lemon juice, cilantro, sea salt, and black pepper.
Can I customize my Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad?
Absolutely! You can add ingredients like bell peppers, corn, or feta cheese for extra flavor and texture.
How long does Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, it lasts about 2 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Is Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad healthy?
Yes! This salad is packed with nutrients and healthy fats from avocados while being low in calories.
Final Thoughts
The Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is not just delicious but also versatile. It makes a perfect side dish or light meal option. Feel free to customize it with your favorite additions! Try out this refreshing salad for your next gathering!
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is the ultimate fresh delight, perfect for summer gatherings or a quick lunch. This vibrant salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy Roma tomatoes, and creamy avocados, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. With its bright colors and fresh flavors, it’s not just a feast for the eyes but also a nutritious choice that supports your wellbeing. Easy to prepare in just 15 minutes, this salad serves as a refreshing side dish or a light meal on its own. Ideal for barbecues, picnics, or as an accompaniment to main dishes, this salad is versatile enough to complement any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Roma tomatoes
- 1 English cucumber
- 1/2 medium red onion (sliced)
- 2 avocados (diced)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and dice the Roma tomatoes and English cucumber.
- Thinly slice the red onion.
- In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, onion, diced avocados, and chopped cilantro.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice; toss gently to combine.
- Just before serving, season with salt and pepper.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
