Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like sunshine on a plate. It’s simple, colorful, and perfect for warm days when you want something light but satisfying. Trust me, once you give it a try, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen too.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this salad countless times, and no matter who I serve it to, it’s always a hit. What I love most is how the creamy avocado perfectly balances the juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers — plus that tangy dressing ties everything together beautifully.
- Refreshing and Light: This salad feels fresh and bright, making it a perfect side or quick lunch.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find ingredients to create magic.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with your favorite herbs, proteins, or extras.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 15 minutes, so you can whip it up any day of the week.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The beauty of this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Everything comes together because each ingredient contributes its own unique texture and flavor. Here’s a little rundown of why I love these ingredients in this salad and some quick shopping tips.
- Avocado: Adds creamy richness and healthy fats; look for ripe but firm avocados to avoid mushiness.
- Lemon Juice: Keeps the avocado from browning and adds a bright zesty kick.
- Cherry Tomatoes: The perfect size for salads, bursting with sweetness; using both red and yellow adds lovely color contrast.
- English Cucumbers: Crisp and mild-flavored; peeling helps keep the salad from getting bitter and watery.
- Red Onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and crunch; soak in cold water if you want to tame its bite.
- Feta Cheese: Briny and creamy, it pairs beautifully with the fresh veggies.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Gives a bold, tangy flavor that lifts the salad.
- Olive Oil: I prefer extra virgin for a fruity and smooth finish.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, use freshly ground pepper for extra flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a burst of herbal brightness as a finishing touch.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this salad is how easy it is to make your own. I often mix up the herbs or add some extras I have on hand — the possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative.
- Variation: I love adding kalamata olives and grilled chicken to turn this salad into a Greek-inspired meal — it’s fantastic and filling.
- Dietary Twist: If you’re dairy-free, swap feta for toasted nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy surprise.
- Seasonal Changes: In cooler months, try mixing in some roasted peppers or avocado with a touch of smoked paprika in the dressing.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Avocado Right
After peeling and chopping the avocado, I drizzle it immediately with fresh lemon juice. This little trick not only stops the avocado from turning brown but also adds a subtle zing that brightens up the whole salad. Don’t skip this step – it makes a big difference in appearance and flavor.
Step 2: Combine the Veggies
Next, in a big bowl, I toss together my halved cherry tomatoes (I like to mix red and yellow for color), cucumber chunks, chopped red onion, and the avocado. I keep my cucumber peeled to avoid any bitterness and to keep that crisp clean flavor shining through.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
Whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until the dressing emulsifies nicely. I always taste and adjust seasoning here; a little extra vinegar can brighten the salad even more. Then pour this over your salad ingredients.
Step 4: Add Feta and Parsley, Then Toss
I crumble the feta cheese on top and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Gently toss everything together so you don’t mash the avocado but still combine the flavors well. It’s helpful to use a couple of large spoons instead of stirring aggressively with a fork.
Top Tip
I’ve learned from experience that the order and care you take during assembling your Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe can elevate it from good to great. Here are my best tips so you can get it just right.
- Keep Avocado Fresh: Always toss avocado with lemon juice right after chopping to prevent browning and keep that vibrant green color.
- Bite-Size Veggies: Halve cherry tomatoes instead of chopping large tomatoes to maintain their juiciness and prevent the salad from getting watery.
- Toss Gently: Use large spoons to fold the salad, protecting the delicate avocado from becoming mushy.
- Dress Last Minute: If possible, add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad crisp and bright instead of soggy.
How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish this salad with a sprinkling of extra fresh herbs—usually parsley, but sometimes basil or dill if I have them. A little cracked black pepper and a drizzle of good olive oil on top never hurt either. Sometimes a few toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or even alongside some crusty bread for a light summer meal. I’ve also served it with spicy grilled sausages and loved how the cool freshness of the salad balanced the heat.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to display the salad in individual glass jars or bowls—layers of the colorful veggies topped with avocado and herbs look so inviting. Another fun idea is to serve it as a topping for crostini or as a filling in lettuce wraps for a fresh appetizer twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge and try to keep the dressing separate whenever possible. This keeps the veggies crunchy and fresh for up to 2 days. Before serving leftovers, give it a gentle stir and maybe freshen it up with a little extra lemon juice.
Freezing
This salad really doesn’t freeze well because the avocado and fresh veggies lose their texture. I recommend enjoying it fresh or storing only for a day or two in the fridge.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, I don’t recommend reheating it. If you want to serve leftovers, just bring them to room temperature and toss gently with a little fresh lemon juice or olive oil to revive the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are ideal for their size and sweetness, you can use diced vine-ripened tomatoes or heirloom varieties. Just be mindful that larger tomatoes might release more juice, so adjust the dressing accordingly to keep the salad from getting watery.
The key is to drizzle fresh lemon juice over the chopped avocado right away. The acidity slows down oxidation and keeps the green vibrant. Also, tossing the avocado quickly with the rest of the salad and dressing minimizes exposure to air. If you’re prepping ahead, store the salad in an airtight container without dressing and add it just before serving.
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative or toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds for added texture and flavor. The rest of the salad ingredients and dressing are naturally vegan-friendly.
This salad is very versatile and pairs wonderfully with grilled proteins such as chicken, fish, or shrimp. For a vegetarian meal, consider adding cooked quinoa or chickpeas to the salad for extra protein. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread or pita to round out the meal.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe is one of those easy dishes that has won me over and my family’s hearts time and again. It’s fresh, tasty, and just makes you feel good eating it. I can’t recommend it enough for quick lunches, summer dinners, or whenever you want a little brightness and creaminess on your plate. Give it a go—you’ll love how simple ingredients come together to make something truly special.
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Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and colorful Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad featuring creamy avocado, sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a light red wine vinaigrette and garnished with fresh parsley. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Produce
- 1 large avocado, peeled, seeded, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 english cucumbers, peeled and chopped
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
Dairy
- 4 ounces feta cheese crumbles
Condiments & Oils
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Avocado: Drizzle lemon juice over the chopped avocado to prevent browning and add a fresh citrusy flavor.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, place the avocado, cherry tomatoes, yellow cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and feta cheese crumbles.
- Make Dressing: Whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Add fresh chopped parsley on top, then gently toss everything together to evenly coat all ingredients.
Notes
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days; for best texture, keep dressing separate and add just before serving.
- Experiment with other fresh herbs such as basil, dill, or cilantro to vary flavor.
- Add ingredients like sliced kalamata olives and grilled chicken for a Greek twist, or include corn kernels and black beans for a Mexican flavor.
- Substitute feta for small mozzarella balls with marinated artichoke hearts, diced salami, and white beans for an Italian variation.
- This salad works well as a light side dish or can be bulked up with proteins and grains to serve as a main course.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
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