Name: Avocado Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 pieces English cucumbers (sliced); 1 large avocado (pitted, peeled and sliced); 1/3 cup green onion (half of a bunch, chopped); 2 Tbsp lime juice (from 1 medium lime); 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 tsp sea salt (or 3/4 tsp table salt, or to taste); 1/8 tsp black pepper

Introduction to Avocado Cucumber Salad Recipe

If you’re a young professional on the go, juggling work, social life, and all the responsibilities in between, this Avocado Cucumber Salad Recipe is your new best friend! In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a fresh, vibrant salad that’s not only delicious but packed with nutrients.

Imagine a satisfying lunch that helps you conquer those afternoon slumps without the heaviness of traditional office lunches. The key ingredients—creamy avocados and crisp cucumbers—bring a delightful contrast in texture, while the zesty lime dressing adds a burst of flavor that’s downright refreshing. Plus, this salad is versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or as a perfect accompaniment to your main dish.

Why is this salad a must-try for young professionals?

Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, this salad is a lifesaver for those busy days.
Nutrient-Dense: Avocados are rich in healthy fats, while cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories—ideal for anyone wanting to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Customizable: Feel free to toss in other goodies like cherry tomatoes or your favorite proteins for added texture and flavor.

Ready to dive in? Your taste buds will thank you! Check out more simple salads on Natasha's Kitchen for inspiration!

Ingredients for Avocado Cucumber Salad

Creating a delightful Avocado Cucumber Salad is all about selecting the freshest ingredients. Here's what you'll need for this vibrant dish:

Fresh Cucumbers

The foundation of your salad, fresh cucumbers add a refreshing crunch. I love using English cucumbers because they have a thin skin and fewer seeds, making them perfect for slicing. You can also check out some tips on choosing the best cucumbers here.

Ripe Avocados

Look for ripe avocados that yield gently when squeezed. The creaminess of ripe avocados elevates the salad, providing a rich texture that pairs perfectly with the crisp cucumbers. For more insight on selecting avocados, visit this resource.

Flavorful Green Onions

Green onions bring a mild, aromatic kick to your salad. Chop up about ⅓ cup, or half a bunch, to infuse flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Zesty Lime Juice and Olive Oil

The dressing is a simple yet zesty mix of lime juice and extra virgin olive oil. This combination not only adds a burst of flavor but also enhances the freshness of the salad.

Essential Seasoning

Don't forget essential seasonings! A sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of black pepper will bring all the flavors together. Adjust these to your taste for the perfect finish.

With these quality ingredients, your Avocado Cucumber Salad will be a hit at any gathering!

Preparing the Avocado Cucumber Salad

Creating this Avocado Cucumber Salad is a breeze, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a burst of fresh flavors. In just about 10 minutes, you’ll have a delightful side dish that everyone will love! Let’s dive into the steps together.

Gather your ingredients

Before you start chopping, it's essential to have everything prepared. For this refreshing salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 English cucumbers
1 large avocado
⅓ cup green onions
2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed from one medium lime)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon sea salt (or ¾ teaspoon table salt)
⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Make sure everything is fresh. The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the final taste, especially the avocado and cucumbers. Now that you're stocked up, let's move on!

Slice the cucumbers and avocados

Start by slicing the English cucumbers. Their mild flavor and crisp texture are perfect for this salad. Aim for even slices, around ¼-inch thick, which will help your salad have a nice bite. Next, grab that luscious avocado. After pitting and peeling it, slice it into similar-sized pieces. This helps ensure that every bite of avocado cucumber salad has an ideal mix of flavors and textures.

Chop the green onions

Now it's time to add some zing! Chop the green onions into small pieces, slicing just the green parts for a pop of color and flavor. These tiny green gems not only add a mild onion flavor but also beautiful color to the salad. A tip: if you're unsure of how much to chop, remember that half a bunch is roughly ⅓ cup!

Combine and prepare the dressing

In a medium salad bowl, toss the sliced cucumbers, avocado, and chopped green onions together. For the dressing, you'll want to whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. The lime juice gives a zesty brightness that complements the rich avocado perfectly. If you prefer a little more heat, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes!

Toss and serve the salad

Once your ingredients are combined and the dressing is ready, drizzle it over the salad. Gently toss everything together to ensure an even coating without mashing the avocado. Taste as you go! You may want to adjust the seasoning to your liking. This salad can be served immediately or chilled for a bit before serving—either way, it’s bound to impress!

Enjoy your beautifully prepared avocado cucumber salad as a side dish or a light meal. For variations, consider adding cherry tomatoes or chickpeas for extra texture and nutrition. Happy cooking!

Variations of the Avocado Cucumber Salad

Add Protein Like Grilled Chicken

Transform your avocado cucumber salad recipe into a hearty meal by adding grilled chicken. This not only boosts the nutritional content with lean protein, but it also enhances flavor. Simply dice or slice your grilled chicken breasts and toss them in with the cucumbers and avocados. You can even try marinating the chicken in lime juice for an extra zing before grilling. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner!

Incorporate Nuts or Seeds for Crunch

If you're looking to up the texture of your salad, consider adding nuts or seeds. Almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds bring a delightful crunch and a healthy dose of good fats. They also make the salad more filling, which is ideal if you’re serving it as a light meal. Just chop or toast nuts lightly before sprinkling them on top. This variation not only adds flavor but also elevates your avocado cucumber salad into a more substantial dish.

For more on using nuts in salads, check out Healthline's article on healthy fats.

Cooking Tips and Notes for Avocado Cucumber Salad

Choosing Ripe Avocados

When selecting avocados for your avocado cucumber salad recipe, look for those that yield gently to pressure when squeezed. Avoid overly soft ones — they may be too ripe and mushy. If you have some that are a bit firm, leave them at room temperature for a day or two to ripen. For tips on choosing the best avocados, check out resources like California Avocado Commission.

How to Keep the Salad Fresh Longer

To keep your salad fresh, add the dressing just before serving. If you need to store leftovers, try to keep the cucumber and avocado separate. You can also toss in a splash of lime juice to slow down browning. If you’re planning to make it ahead, consider prepping the components, and simply combine them on serving day for optimal freshness.

With these tips, your avocado cucumber salad will not only be delicious but also last longer — perfect for meal prep!

Serving Suggestions for Avocado Cucumber Salad

Perfect as a Side Dish

This Avocado Cucumber Salad recipe shines as a delightful side dish for any meal. Its crispness and refreshing flavors make it an excellent accompaniment to a variety of main courses. Pair it with quinoa or rice bowls to elevate your lunch, or serve it alongside hearty chili or stew for a refreshing contrast.

Great with Grilled Meats or Sandwiches

Imagine this salad next to your favorite grilled meats, like zesty lime-marinated chicken or tender beef skewers. The creaminess of the avocado beautifully balances the richness of grilled flavors. It also adds a fresh twist to your lunch sandwiches—just scoop some on top before closing your bun, and enjoy!

For more inspiration, check out these grilling tips to enhance your outdoor cooking!

Time Breakdown for Avocado Cucumber Salad

Preparation Time

The avocado cucumber salad recipe takes just 10 minutes to prepare. With a quick slice and dice, you'll have a delightful salad ready to enjoy in no time!

Total Time

From start to finish, this refreshing salad comes together in only 10 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings, it’s a dish you can whip up in a flash!

With a little planning and some vibrant ingredients, you can impress your friends and family with minimal effort. If you're curious about more quick recipes, check out BBC Good Food for inspiration!

Nutritional Facts for Avocado Cucumber Salad

Avocado Cucumber Salad is not only refreshing but also offers great nutrition. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional facts that make this dish a delightful addition to your meals:

Calories
This salad contains about 169 calories per serving. It’s light yet satisfying, making it perfect for a quick snack or a side.

Carbohydrates
With roughly 9 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the cucumbers and avocado, this salad keeps your carb intake in check while offering fresh flavors.

Fats
Loaded with healthy fats, it provides around 14 grams, mostly from the avocado and olive oil, which are known for their heart-healthy benefits.

Including this avocado cucumber salad recipe in your weekly meal prep ensures that you enjoy a tasty, nourishing option that fits well into many diets! For more tips on adding healthy fats to your meals, check out articles on Healthline!

FAQs about Avocado Cucumber Salad

How can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can definitely prepare this avocado cucumber salad in advance! To ensure the ingredients stay fresh, chop the cucumbers and green onions, and whisk the dressing ahead of time. Keep them separate until just before serving. Slice the avocado right before you combine everything to avoid browning. If you need to store it, consider using a bit of extra lime juice on the avocado as it helps to prevent oxidation. Remember, this salad is best enjoyed fresh, so plan to make it within a few hours of serving for optimal taste.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! This avocado cucumber salad recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. All the ingredients are safe to enjoy, so feel free to share it with your gluten-free friends.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Of course! This salad is versatile and can be customized with your favorite veggies. Consider adding bell peppers for a pop of color, cherry tomatoes for sweetness, or even shredded carrots for added crunch. The beauty of this salad lies in its adaptability, so feel free to get creative!

For more tips on customizing salads, check out EatingWell for inspiration.

Conclusion on Avocado Cucumber Salad

In summary, this avocado cucumber salad recipe is a delightful dish that packs flavor while being light and refreshing. Perfect for summer gatherings or a quick lunch, it's easy to prepare and highlights healthy ingredients. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you! For more enriching salad options, check out Healthline's guide to nutritious salads.