Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Our Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. This salad combines the classic flavors of cucumber and tomato with the creaminess of avocado, all brought together by a zesty lemon dressing and fragrant cilantro. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue, as a light lunch, or alongside your favorite dinner, this salad is sure to impress. It’s not just flavorful; it’s also packed with nutrients and can easily be customized to suit your taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious salad ready in no time.
- Fresh Ingredients: This recipe uses fresh vegetables, making it healthy and colorful.
- Versatile Side Dish: Perfect for any meal—barbecues, picnics, or weeknight dinners.
- Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats from avocados.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like feta cheese or nuts for extra flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes preparing your Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Salad bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Salad bowl: A large bowl allows you to toss all ingredients together without spilling.
- Sharp knife: A good knife ensures clean cuts for tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocados for better presentation.
- Measuring spoons: Accurate measurements help maintain the balance of flavors in your dressing.
Ingredients
Our classic cucumber and tomato salad just got better with the addition of avocado, a lemon dressing, and fresh cilantro.
For the Salad
- 1 lb Roma tomatoes
- 1 English cucumber
- 1/2 medium red onion (sliced)
- 2 avocados (diced)
- 1/4 cup 1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped
For the Dressing
- 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
How to Make Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- In a large salad bowl, place chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumber, sliced red onion, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- 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 for added flavor.
Enjoy your refreshing Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad as a delightful side dish!
How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is a refreshing dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual lunch, this salad adds brightness to any meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
As a Side Dish
- This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, providing a cool contrast to the hot flavors of barbecue.
In a Wrap
- Spoon the salad into whole-grain wraps or tortillas for a nutritious and portable lunch option.
On Toast
- Serve the salad atop toasted bread or bruschetta for an easy appetizer that impresses guests.
Mixed with Quinoa
- Combine with cooked quinoa for a hearty salad that serves as a filling main course.
With Feta Cheese
- Crumble feta cheese on top for added creaminess and flavor, creating a Mediterranean twist.
How to Perfect Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
To make the best Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad, consider these tips that enhance both flavor and presentation.
- Choose ripe avocados: Make sure your avocados are ripe but not overripe for the best texture and taste.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and cucumbers will significantly improve the overall flavor of your salad.
- Add herbs: Experiment with other herbs like dill or parsley to add variety to your dish.
- Dress just before serving: To keep the salad crisp, combine the dressing with other ingredients right before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad works wonderfully alongside various side dishes. Here are some delicious options that complement this fresh salad.
- Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken thighs or breasts enhance protein intake and pair well with the salad’s freshness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini and bell peppers add depth and heartiness to your meal.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers great texture and flavor balance when served alongside the salad.
- Rice Pilaf: Lightly seasoned rice pilaf provides a comforting base that complements the vibrant flavors of the salad.
- Pasta Salad: A simple pasta salad can introduce different textures while keeping it light and flavorful.
- Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains or meats bring an exciting presentation to your table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Ingredients: Using overripe avocados can lead to a mushy salad. Always check your avocados for firmness.
- Dressing Timing: Adding dressing too early can make the salad soggy. Only dress the salad just before serving.
- Chopping Size: Cutting vegetables unevenly affects texture and presentation. Aim for uniform sizes to enhance the look and taste.
- Seasoning: Forgetting to taste as you go can result in bland flavors. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
- Storage Method: Storing leftovers improperly can lead to spoilage. Use airtight containers in the fridge for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Keep the salad chilled until ready to serve.
Freezing Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
- Avoid Freezing: It is not recommended to freeze this salad as it will change the texture of the ingredients.
Reheating Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
- Oven: Not suitable for reheating since salads are best served cold.
- Microwave: Avoid using a microwave as it can wilt the fresh ingredients.
- Stovetop: Not recommended; salads should be enjoyed fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad.
What can I add to my Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad?
You can include other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes, and add proteins such as chickpeas or grilled chicken for extra nutrition.
How long does Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad last?
When stored properly in the refrigerator, this salad lasts about 2 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Can I make Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and store them separately. Combine and dress just before serving for optimal freshness.
What is the best way to cut avocados for this salad?
Cut avocados in half, remove the pit, scoop out the flesh with a spoon, and dice into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is not only refreshing but also highly versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts, seeds, or different herbs based on your preference. Enjoy this delightful dish at your next gathering!
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together the crispness of cucumbers, the juiciness of ripe tomatoes, and the creamy texture of avocados. Tossed with a simple lemon dressing and fresh cilantro, this salad is perfect for summer barbecues, light lunches, or as a delicious side for any dinner. Not only is it quick to prepare in just 15 minutes, but it also boasts a wealth of nutrients from its fresh ingredients. Plus, it’s highly customizable—feel free to add your favorite toppings like feta cheese or nuts for an extra flavor boost.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Roma tomatoes
- 1 English cucumber
- 1/2 medium red onion (sliced)
- 2 avocados (diced)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumber, sliced red onion, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice; toss gently to combine.
- Just before serving, season with sea salt and black pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
