Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that elevates any meal. With its combination of juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy avocados, this salad is perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or a light lunch. The bright lemon dressing and fresh cilantro add a zesty touch that makes this salad not only delicious but also visually appealing. Enjoy it as a side dish or on its own for a healthy snack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe takes just 15 minutes to make, allowing you to whip up a delicious salad in no time.
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocados offers a delightful burst of flavors that are both refreshing and satisfying.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for grilled meats or enjoyed on its own, this salad fits into various meals and occasions.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats from avocados, this salad supports your wellness goals without sacrificing taste.
- Vibrant Presentation: The colorful ingredients create an eye-catching dish that can impress your guests at any gathering.
Tools and Preparation
To make the Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad, you’ll need some essential tools for efficient preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large salad bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large salad bowl: Offers enough space for mixing all the ingredients without spilling.
- Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for the vegetables, preserving their texture and appearance.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients safely.
- Measuring spoons: Helps in accurately measuring oil and lemon juice for balanced 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 Ingredients
- 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
Place chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumber, sliced red onion, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro into a large salad bowl.
Step 2: Add the Dressing
Drizzle with 2 Tbsp olive oil and 2 Tbsp lemon juice. Toss gently to combine.
Step 3: Season Before Serving
Just before serving, toss with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
With these simple steps, your Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad will be ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
This refreshing Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a light side dish, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
As a Standalone Dish
- Enjoy it chilled as a light lunch or dinner option.
- Pair it with crusty bread for a delightful meal.
With Grilled Proteins
- Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
- The salad complements the smoky flavors of grilled meats perfectly.
In a Wrap
- Use the salad as a filling in wraps or pita pockets.
- This adds texture and nutrition while keeping your meal light.
On Tacos
- Top soft corn or flour tortillas with this salad.
- It brings a fresh crunch that balances the richness of tacos.
As Part of a Picnic Spread
- Pack it for outdoor gatherings.
- This salad is easy to transport and retains its flavor well.
With Cheese Platter
- Include it next to various cheeses.
- The acidity from the lemon juice enhances creamy cheeses beautifully.
How to Perfect Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
To make the best Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose ripe avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for optimal creaminess and flavor.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and cucumbers will elevate the taste of your salad significantly.
- Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes enhances the flavors as they meld together.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper according to your preference just before serving.
- Add nuts for crunch: Toss in some toasted pine nuts or walnuts for an added crunchy texture.
- Experiment with herbs: Try adding mint or parsley in addition to cilantro for varied flavor profiles.
Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
Pairing side dishes with your Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad can create a full meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy chicken pieces marinated in spices, grilled to perfection.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa dish cooked with vegetables, adding healthy grains to your meal.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy seasoned potatoes roasted until golden brown, providing hearty satisfaction.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice, beans, and spices, offering a vibrant touch.
- Garlic Bread: Warm bread topped with garlic butter, excellent for mopping up any leftover dressing.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage and carrots, adding freshness and texture contrast.
- Fruit Salad: A sweet mix of seasonal fruits serves as a refreshing dessert after your savory meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing a Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad, it’s easy to overlook some essential steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or overripe produce can ruin the dish. Always choose fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and avocados for the best flavor.
- Overdressing the Salad: Adding too much dressing can overwhelm the salad. Start with less and add more as needed to achieve balanced flavors.
- Cutting Vegetables Unevenly: Inconsistent sizes can lead to uneven textures. Aim for uniform cuts to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Forgetting salt and pepper can make your salad bland. Always season your salad just before serving for that extra flavor boost.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Keep the salad in an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
- Not Recommended: This salad does not freeze well due to avocado texture changes.
Reheating Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
- Oven: Not recommended, as salads are best served cold.
- Microwave: Avoid reheating; serve fresh instead.
- Stovetop: Again, this salad is intended to be enjoyed cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad.
Can I prepare Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad ahead of time?
You can prepare most of the ingredients ahead but add avocado and dressing right before serving to maintain freshness.
What variations can I try in my Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad?
Feel free to add ingredients like feta cheese, olives, or bell peppers for different flavors and textures.
How do I choose ripe avocados for my Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad?
Look for avocados that yield slightly when pressed. They should feel firm but not hard.
Is Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent sogginess.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is a refreshing addition to any meal, perfect as a side dish or a light lunch. Its versatility means you can customize it with various ingredients based on your taste preferences. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite. Bursting with juicy Roma tomatoes, crunchy English cucumbers, and creamy avocados, this salad is both nourishing and satisfying. Tossed in a zesty lemon dressing and garnished with fresh cilantro, it makes for an eye-catching addition to any meal. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, enjoying a picnic, or simply looking for a quick and healthy lunch, this salad is the perfect choice. With just 15 minutes of preparation time, you can whip up this delightful dish that is as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eyes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Roma tomatoes
- 1 English cucumber
- 1/2 medium red onion (sliced)
- 2 avocados (diced)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine chopped Roma tomatoes, sliced cucumber, red onion, diced avocados, and chopped cilantro.
- Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Toss gently to mix.
- Season with sea salt and black pepper just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
