Ah, the Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad! This delightful dish brings back memories of sunny picnics and family gatherings when fresh produce was abundant, and every bite was a celebration of summer. It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can create such a colorful, refreshing, and satisfying salad. I remember one summer afternoon, my friends and I gathered for a barbecue, and this salad became the star of the show. Everyone couldn’t get enough of its vibrant flavors, and I found myself happily sharing the recipe so that others could recreate the joy!
What I love most about this salad is its versatility. You can serve it as a side dish, or toss it with grilled chicken for a light, nutritious meal. Plus, it’s perfect for those lazy days when cooking feels like too much; all you have to do is chop and mix. Isn’t that the dream?
What’s in Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad?
Let me walk you through the bright and fresh stars of this salad:
Cucumbers: Crisp and hydrating, cucumbers are the foundation of this salad. I love using English cucumbers as they’re sweeter and have fewer seeds, making for a crunchier bite.
Tomatoes: Juicy and bursting with flavor, tomatoes are the second key player. I recommend using a mix of cherry tomatoes for their sweetness and heirloom tomatoes for a splash of color. The more colorful, the better!
Avocado: Creamy and rich, avocados elevate the salad to a whole new level. I always choose ripe avocados that yield slightly when pressed – it makes all the difference in taste and texture.
Red Onion: For a bit of zing, finely diced red onion adds a delightful crunch and a pop of color. Just be careful not to overdo it; we want a hint of flavor, not a mouthful of pungency!
Fresh Herbs: Basil or cilantro? I’m a basil kind of person, but you can’t go wrong with either. Fresh herbs really brighten up the overall flavor profile of the salad.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice ties everything together, balancing the freshness with a tangy kick. Freshly squeezed is the way to go!
Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil not only enhances the flavor but also brings a silky texture to the party. It’s worth splurging on the good stuff!
Is Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Good for You?
Absolutely! This salad is not just delicious; it’s packed with nutrients:
Cucumbers: Super low in calories and full of water, cucumbers keep you hydrated and help in digestion.
Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, tomatoes are great for heart health and skin. Plus, they provide a good dose of vitamin C.
Avocado: This creamy fruit is high in healthy fats that keep you feeling full, plus it’s loaded with vitamins E and K, which are excellent for skin health.
Red Onion: Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, red onions can boost your immune system and add crunch to this fresh salad.
Fresh Herbs: Basil and cilantro contain essential oils that have antibacterial properties and provide a fresh flavor without added calories.
Of course, if you’re averse to onions or can’t have certain ingredients due to dietary restrictions, feel free to adapt the salad to your liking.
Ingredients
– 1 English Cucumber, diced
– 2 cups Cherry Tomatoes, halved
– 1 ripe Avocado, diced
– 1 small Red Onion, finely diced
– ¼ cup Fresh Basil, chopped
– Juice of 1 Lemon
– 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
– Salt and Pepper to taste
Serves: 4 as a side | 2 as a main
How to Make Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad?
1. **Prep the Veggies:** Start by dicing the cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and finely dice the red onion. It’s all about preventing any big bites, right?
2. **Cube the Avocado:** Cut your avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. Then, dice it into cubes. Be gentle; we want it to stay intact rather than becoming guacamole!
3. **Mix it Up:** In a large mixing bowl, toss together the diced cucumber, halved tomatoes, red onion, chopped basil, and avocado.
4. **Dress it:** In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pour this over the salad and gently toss everything together to coat – be careful not to mash the avocado!
5. **Taste and Adjust:** Give your salad a taste. Need a bit more zing? Squeeze in some more lemon juice or sprinkle a bit more salt.
6. **Chill and Serve:** Let it rest for about 10 minutes in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy the freshness!
Fresh Recommendations to Elevate Your Salad
– **Add Some Crunch:** Toss in some sunflower seeds or chopped nuts for an added crunch and protein boost.
– **Great with Cheese:** Crumbled feta or goat cheese can give an extra layer of flavor if you’re feeling decadent.
– **Spice Things Up:** A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños can give your salad a spicy twist!
I hope this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad becomes a favorite in your home just like it has in mine. There’s something about the combination of fresh, colorful ingredients that makes each meal feel like a celebration. I’d love to hear how you personalize it or any fun memories you create while enjoying it. Happy cooking!
