This Avocado Cucumber Salad is the ultimate go-to when you need something light, fast, and flavorful. The creamy richness of ripe avocado complements the crisp freshness of English cucumbers, while green onion adds a hint of sharpness and lime ties it all together with a tangy zing. It’s a five-ingredient wonder that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort.
Perfect for summer gatherings, a quick weekday lunch, or a refreshing side to your grilled favorites, this salad is a celebration of simple, clean ingredients. Best of all, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and customizable—feel free to jazz it up with herbs, cherry tomatoes, or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you’re feeling adventurous!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 English cucumbers, sliced
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1 large avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced
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1/3 cup green onion (half a bunch), chopped
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2 Tbsp lime juice (from 1 medium lime)
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2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1 tsp sea salt (or 3/4 tsp table salt, or to taste)
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1/8 tsp black pepper
Directions:
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In a medium salad bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, avocado, and chopped green onion.
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Drizzle the lime juice and olive oil over the vegetables.
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Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste.
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Toss the salad gently to combine and coat everything evenly.
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Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 169 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Simplicity Behind the Salad
The Avocado Cucumber Salad is a prime example of how simple, whole-food ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly nourishing. This recipe embraces a minimalist approach, requiring just a handful of fresh ingredients and only 10 minutes of prep time. The lack of complexity is what makes this salad shine—it proves that flavor doesn’t have to be complicated. In a world filled with processed foods and elaborate recipes, this dish is a breath of fresh air for home cooks looking to embrace simplicity without sacrificing taste.
The Origin of the Recipe
This salad’s origins are rooted in the tradition of light, refreshing dishes enjoyed during warmer months. It has similarities with Mediterranean, Californian, and Latin American culinary influences, all of which highlight the use of avocados, fresh vegetables, citrus, and olive oil. The idea behind the dish is not new—avocado and cucumber are commonly paired for their textures and cooling effects—but this version adds a refined balance of tangy lime and slightly sharp green onions to elevate the experience. What started as a “spur of the moment” recipe has turned into a staple for many, thanks to its quick preparation and universally appealing flavors.
Nutritional Benefits
The health benefits of the Avocado Cucumber Salad are one of its standout features. Avocados are known for being rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, particularly oleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory properties. They also provide fiber, potassium (even more than bananas), and essential vitamins like B, E, and K.
Cucumbers, on the other hand, are low in calories but high in hydration. Made up of about 95% water, they help keep the body cool and hydrated. They also contain antioxidants and are known to promote digestive health due to their fiber content.
Together, these two ingredients form a powerhouse combination that supports healthy skin, aids digestion, and boosts your nutrient intake without adding excessive calories or sugar.
Perfect for Any Diet
One of the most versatile aspects of this salad is that it fits nearly every dietary preference. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, making it suitable for people with common food sensitivities or those on specific diets like Whole30, Paleo, or low-carb. It’s also keto-friendly due to the healthy fats from avocado and the low carbohydrate content in cucumbers.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, packing a quick lunch, or looking for a side dish to a main course, this salad meets the needs of just about everyone at the table.
Flavor Profile and Texture
This salad is all about the contrast in textures and the brightness of flavors. The cucumbers bring a crisp, refreshing bite, while the avocado adds a rich, buttery creaminess that coats your palate in the most delightful way. Green onions add a subtle, savory sharpness that cuts through the richness, and the lime juice adds a zesty, citrus-forward finish that ties everything together. A touch of olive oil brings a smooth, silky balance, while sea salt and black pepper enhance the natural flavors of the produce.
It’s the perfect harmony of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and savory—everything you want in a well-rounded salad.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
There are countless avocado and cucumber salad variations, but what makes this one so special is its perfect balance of simplicity, flavor, and texture. Many similar recipes try to overcomplicate things with heavy dressings, cheese, or excessive seasonings, which can overwhelm the natural taste of the vegetables. This version focuses on enhancing, not masking, the core ingredients.
Also, the attention to detail in preparation—such as tossing the avocado in lime juice to prevent browning and seasoning just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp—shows the thoughtful design behind what may initially seem like a basic recipe. These small tips make a big difference in preserving the salad’s freshness and visual appeal.
How to Customize It
One of the reasons people keep returning to this salad is how easily it can be personalized. Here are a few popular ways to make it your own:
- Add cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and extra juiciness.
- Sprinkle in feta cheese for a salty, creamy contrast if you’re not dairy-free.
- Include fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or cilantro for added brightness.
- Add a protein source like grilled shrimp, salmon, or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
- Spice it up with red chili flakes, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce.
These small tweaks allow you to tailor the salad to your taste, the season, or the rest of your meal.
Tips for Preparing and Serving
To get the best results from this salad, here are a few preparation tips:
- Use a ripe but firm avocado to ensure it holds its shape when tossed.
- Add salt just before serving to prevent the cucumbers from becoming too watery.
- Toss gently to avoid mashing the avocado.
- Serve immediately after preparation or keep it covered with plastic wrap (pressed directly on the surface) if storing in the fridge for a couple of hours.
- If preparing ahead of time, leave out the salt and dressing until just before serving to maintain texture.
This salad is best served chilled and pairs beautifully with grilled dishes, tacos, roasted vegetables, or even as a topping for toast or a grain bowl.
Seasonal and Everyday Appeal
Though it shines brightest during spring and summer when cucumbers and avocados are in peak season, this salad is truly a year-round dish. Its ease and speed make it ideal for busy weeknights, while its fresh and clean flavors bring a welcome touch to holiday spreads or potlucks.
Because it doesn’t require cooking, it’s a popular choice for people looking to minimize heat in the kitchen during warmer months. And with just seven pantry-friendly ingredients, you’re likely to already have everything you need on hand.
Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved
Despite its “green” appearance, which might make some children hesitant, this salad is often a hit with kids because of its creamy texture and mild flavors. The tangy lime and pinch of salt elevate it beyond just a plain veggie bowl, and its visually appealing, vibrant color helps encourage healthy eating habits. Parents also love how nutrient-packed and low-effort it is, making it a go-to for family meals.
Conclusion
The Avocado Cucumber Salad is a reminder that great cooking doesn’t have to be elaborate. With just a few ingredients, this dish manages to be satisfying, beautiful, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting your kitchen journey, this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again for its ease, versatility, and incredible taste.
It’s a shining example of how nourishing food can also be enjoyable, accessible, and beautiful. This salad doesn’t just taste good—it makes you feel good, too.