Capture the taste of summer with these fresh, green ingredients.
When the really hot summer months roll around, the last thing I want to do is turn on my oven. For that matter, I’m rarely even in the mood to eat hot food at all. That’s why it’s super important for me to always have a good selection of salad recipes on rotation—and this cucumber-avocado salad is definitely one of them.
I can always count on this recipe, whether I want the perfect, simple side dish at dinnertime or a light lunch. Avocados and cucumbers both bring a super fresh element to a meal in their own way, so by combining them, you basically get the salad equivalent of an ice-cold glass of water.
Along with the cucumber and avocado, you’ll also be using red onion, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Basically, all summer staples you probably already have in your kitchen. Plus, did I mention it comes together in just 10 minutes? It’s so quick to make, you’ll have plenty more time to enjoy the sun (or the cool shade).
Is This Cucumber-Avocado Salad Healthy?
Cucumber-avocado salad is definitely considered healthy, if you ask me! With a simple dressing of lemon juice and heart-healthy olive oil and fresh green ingredients like cucumber, avocado, and parsley, this salad is nutritious and low in calories.
The cucumbers are packed with essential nutrients and antioxidants, while the avocado adds some fiber, healthy fats, vitamin C, and more to your diet. It’s also naturally suitable for a number of diets, including vegetarian, vegan, low-carb, gluten-free, Paleo, and Whole30.
Picking The Right Cucumber
Not all cucumbers are created equally! For this recipe, you should use an English cucumber, which gives this salad its ultimate crunch factor. English cucumbers have less water content than some other cucumber varieties you’ll find at your grocery store, so this choice ensures your salad doesn’t get soggy. They also have no seeds, a very subtle sweetness, and a thin, tender skin that’s easy to chew. They are the perfect selection for a cold cucumber salad.
How To Make Ahead And Store
This recipe is best served fresh. After all, it only takes 10 minutes to prepare! For that reason, I don’t necessarily recommend making this recipe in advance, since once you open an avocado, the oxidization process will start, and you’ll risk losing its gorgeous, bright green color. The lemon juice will at least slow down the oxidization, which means you can store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Serving Suggestions
As I mentioned above, the last thing I want to do during hot summer months is turn on my oven. But I didn’t say anything about the air fryer! So, if you feel the same way as I do, and you’re looking for a protein-packed main dish to serve alongside this recipe, give this Air-Fryer Chicken Breast or Air-Fryer Pork Tenderloin a try. Just like this cucumber-avocado salad, it’s super easy and comes together very quickly. Pair them together, and you’ll have a full meal on the table in a flash.
If you’re looking for something vegetarian, swap the air fryer for the grill and try this Thai Veggie Burger Recipe With Curry! Keep in mind though, that grilling will be more time-consuming.
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers thinly sliced
- 2 ripe avocados pitted, peeled, and diced
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, diced avocados, and chopped red onion.
- Drizzle the salad with fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil.
- Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, then toss gently to combine all the ingredients without breaking the avocado pieces.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and give the salad a final gentle toss before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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