A fresh, crunchy salad combining creamy avocado with crisp cucumber, tossed in a tangy citrus-herb dressing. Light, refreshing, perfect as a side or a healthy snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare—just a few ingredients and minimal prep.
The textures contrast beautifully: creaminess of avocado ties in with the crunch of cucumber.
Bright citrus and herbs lift the flavors, making it ideal for warm weather or as a palate cleanser.
Adaptable: you can add onions, tomatoes, or herbs depending on what you have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Avocado
Cucumber
Red onion (or green onion/scallion)
Fresh herbs (e.g. cilantro, dill, parsley)
Citrus juice (lime or lemon)
Extra virgin olive oil
Salt & black pepper
Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat; feta or another cheese for richness Pati Jinich+3RecipeTin Eats+3The Girl Who Ate Everything+3

Directions

Wash and prepare the vegetables: peel or scrub the cucumber if needed; cut into rounds or chunks. Dice the avocado. Thinly slice the onion.
In a large bowl, gently combine the cucumber, avocado, onion, and herbs.
Whisk together lime (or lemon) juice, olive oil, salt, pepper (and red pepper flakes, if using) to make the dressing.
Pour dressing over the salad. Toss gently so avocado doesn’t get too mashed. Taste and adjust salt or citrus as needed.
Serve immediately for best texture. Chill a little if preferred. RecipeTin Eats+1

Servings and timing

Serves about 4‑6 as a side dish.
Prep time: ~ 10‑15 minutes.
No cooking required.

Variations

Add feta cheese or goat cheese for extra creaminess and tang.
Mix in cherry tomatoes for sweetness and color.
Use different fresh herbs: mint, basil, or parsley work well.
Substitute part of the olive oil with yogurt (plain Greek) for a creamier dressing.
Add a pinch of chili flakes for mild heat.

Storage / reheating

Best consumed fresh: texture of avocado and cucumber degrades with time.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1‑2 days.
To help prevent avocado browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface or drizzle a little extra citrus (lime/lemon) over the top. No reheating needed.

FAQs

What type of avocado and cucumber work best?

Use ripe, but still firm (not mushy) avocados. English or seedless cucumbers are great because fewer seeds and less bitterness; regular cucumbers also work after removing seeds.

How can I prevent the avocado from browning?

Coat exposed avocado surfaces with citrus juice (lime or lemon), and store with a tight cover or plastic wrap in contact with the salad. Use just before serving.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes—but only a little ahead. Best if made up to a few hours in advance; beyond that, the texture will degrade. Keep chilled.

What else can I add for more substance (to make it into a more filling dish)?

You could add cooked grains (quinoa, couscous), beans (chickpeas), grilled chicken, or some nuts/seeds for crunch.

Is this salad suitable for vegan/vegetarian diets?

Yes, as written it’s plant‑based. If adding cheese, choose a vegetarian or vegan cheese if needed.

How can I adjust the flavor if it’s too bland?

Boost the herbs, increase the citrus juice, or add a bit more salt. For more complexity, a tiny splash of vinegar or some garlic can help.

Is this salad allergen‑friendly?

Generally yes: no dairy, gluten, nuts, etc., unless you add cheese or mix‑ins. Check individual ingredients if sensitive.

Can I use frozen avocado?

Not recommended—the texture becomes watery and less pleasant. Fresh works best.

What’s a good pairing for this salad?

Grilled meats, fish, tacos, or as part of a light lunch alongside bread. Also works well as part of a larger spread or mezze.

Can I omit the onion if I don’t like sharp flavors?

Yes. You can leave it out or use a milder onion (green onion or scallion) or soak regular onion in cold water for a few minutes to reduce sharpness.

Conclusion

This Avocado Cucumber Salad is simplicity at its best: few ingredients, vibrant flavors, and textures doing the talking. It’s versatile enough to be a side, starter, or even a light main when bulked up. Whenever you want something fresh, easy, and satisfying—this fits the bill.