Nothing beats the fresh, bright flavors of summer like a vibrant Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe. This salad bursts with juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumbers, all dressed simply to let those beauties shine. Trust me, it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’m absolutely smitten with this salad because it’s like a little garden party in your bowl. Fresh, colorful, and simple to whip up, it manages to taste gourmet yet takes just minutes. Whether it’s a side dish or a light lunch, you’re going to appreciate how these flavors pop together.
- Freshness Galore: The combination of ripe tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crunchy cucumber feels unbelievably crisp and refreshing.
- Easy Prep: No cooking required—just chop, toss, and enjoy, perfect for busy days or last-minute guests.
- Versatile Flavors: With hints of lemon, vinegar, and salty feta, it’s perfectly balanced but also open to your own tweaks.
- Beautiful Presentation: The colorful veggies and fresh parsley make this salad as pretty to look at as it is to eat.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe plays a key role. The textures complement each other perfectly, while the flavors create harmony without overpowering. When shopping, look for the freshest produce you can find—you'll taste the difference!
- Avocado: Choose ripe but firm avocados to keep the salad creamy without turning mushy quickly.
- Lemon Juice: Helps prevent the avocado from browning and adds a touch of bright acidity.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Using both red and yellow adds sweetness and vibrant color contrast.
- English Cucumbers: They have fewer seeds and thinner skin, making for a crisp, tender bite.
- Red Onion: Adds a subtle sharpness; soak in cold water if you want to mellow the bite.
- Feta Cheese: Its salty tang beautifully complements the creamy avocado and juicy tomatoes.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Provides a subtle tang that balances rich and fresh flavors.
- Olive Oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for smooth mouthfeel and added depth.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of herbal brightness to finish.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love most about this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often switch up the herbs or toss in a few extras depending on what I have on hand or the occasion.
- Variation: Once, I added kalamata olives and grilled chicken for a heartier Greek-inspired salad that was a crowd favorite.
- Herbs: Try swapping parsley with basil, dill, or cilantro for a totally different herbal twist.
- Extras for Texture: Toasted nuts or seeds bring a nice crunch if you want to add some bite.
- Spice it Up: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot honey can brighten the flavor beautifully.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep your veggies carefully
First things first: Peel and seed your avocado, then chop it into bite-sized chunks. I like to drizzle lemon juice over the avocado right after chopping to keep it from browning—it’s such a simple step but makes a big difference in appearance and taste.
Step 2: Chop tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions
Halve your cherry tomatoes—using a mix of red and yellow not only looks inviting but adds layers of sweetness. Peel and chop the cucumbers and finely chop the red onion. If your onion feels too sharp, give it a quick soak in cold water, then drain before adding it in; it softens the size and bite nicely.
Step 3: Assemble the salad
In a large bowl, gently combine your avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and feta cheese crumbles. The feta adds a lovely saltiness that brings the entire salad together.
Step 4: Whisk and dress the salad
Whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper until emulsified. Pour this dressing over the salad, then top with fresh chopped parsley. A gentle toss ensures every bite is coated without mashing the delicate avocado.
Top Tip
This salad feels so simple, yet I learned a few tricks that really elevate it from “nice” to “wow.” Once I nailed these little things, it always turns out perfectly fresh and flavorful.
- Protect the Avocado: Drizzle lemon juice immediately to keep it from browning and maintain that beautiful green color.
- Gentle Tossing: Avocado is delicate, so toss carefully to avoid it turning mushy.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes in the fridge so the flavors meld perfectly.
- Dress Just Before Serving: If you’re prepping ahead, keep your dressing separate to avoid soggy veggies.
How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this salad with extra fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for crunch. A little drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving never hurts either.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a light, summery meal. I also like serving it alongside crusty bread and hummus for a Mediterranean-style lunch. It’s a fantastic way to brighten up any barbecue or picnic spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes serve this salad in hollowed-out avocado halves or in individual mason jars layered with ingredients. It adds a fun touch and makes it easier to portion for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because avocado browns quickly, I recommend storing leftovers in an airtight container and pressing plastic wrap right on the surface of the salad to limit air exposure. Ideally, keep the dressing separate and toss just before eating. It stays fresh for 1-2 days in the fridge, but best enjoyed as fresh as possible.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this salad due to its fresh vegetables and avocado. The texture would be lost, and the avocado can get mushy and unappealing.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If you have leftovers, just give it a gentle stir and let it sit out of the fridge for 10 minutes before serving to soften the flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can prep the vegetables and dressing ahead but combine and dress the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and avoid sogginess, especially to protect the avocado.
If you’re not a fan of feta, try crumbled goat cheese or even fresh mozzarella balls for a milder, creamy alternative.
To make the salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese and perhaps add more nuts or seeds for texture and protein.
It’s best eaten fresh but can last in the fridge for 1-2 days if stored properly with the dressing separate and avocado protected with lemon juice and airtight sealing.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe always reminds me of warm sunny afternoons spent with friends and family. It’s one of those dishes that feels effortlessly special without stealing hours in the kitchen. I encourage you to give it a try—and then make it again with your own creative twists. You’ll find it’s one of those salads that never gets old and always delights.
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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, and avocado salad tossed with tangy red wine vinegar dressing, feta cheese, and fresh parsley. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack, this salad combines creamy avocado with crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes for a vibrant, flavorful experience.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 large avocado peeled, seeded, chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 cups yellow cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 english cucumbers peeled and chopped
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- 4 ounces feta cheese crumbles
- ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
Dressing
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare avocado: Drizzle lemon juice over chopped avocado to prevent browning and add a fresh citrus note.
- Combine salad ingredients: Place avocado, cherry tomatoes, yellow cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, chopped red onion, and feta cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- Make dressing: Whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined to create a tangy dressing.
- Dress salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl.
- Add parsley and toss: Top salad with fresh chopped parsley, then gently toss everything together to evenly coat and combine the flavors.
Notes
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. To keep vegetables crisp, store dressing separately and add just before serving.
- Try different fresh herbs such as basil, dill, or cilantro to vary the flavor profile.
- For a sweeter twist, add watermelon and pair with feta cheese for a summery taste.
- Make this salad a main meal by adding proteins like grilled chicken for a Greek style version with kalamata olives.
- Mexican variation: add corn kernels and black beans for extra texture and flavor.
- Italian twist: replace feta with mozzarella balls and add marinated artichoke hearts, diced salami, and white beans.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
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