Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad

This Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is the perfect combination of fresh, vibrant ingredients and a simple yet flavorful dressing. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, preparing for a potluck, or just craving something light and healthy, this salad is an easy and delicious choice. Packed with crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocados, and tangy feta cheese, it’s a refreshing and satisfying side dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is the epitome of freshness. The crisp cucumber, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado combine with the tangy feta for a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The dressing is light but flavorful, made with olive oil, red vinegar, garlic, and Dijon mustard, which perfectly complements the ingredients without overpowering them. It’s not only healthy and refreshing but also takes just 20 minutes to prepare, making it the ideal dish for busy days or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 large English cucumbers, peeled and chopped

• 1.5 pints cherry tomatoes, halved

• 2 large ripe avocados, pitted and chopped*

• 1/2 large purple onion, chopped

• 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/4 cup red vinegar

• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Salad:

• Combine the chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, avocado, chopped onion, and crumbled feta cheese in a large salad bowl.

2. Make the Dressing:

• In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red vinegar, parsley, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.

3. Assemble the Salad:

• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

4. Serve:

• Keep the salad refrigerated until ready to serve. Toss again just before serving to redistribute the dressing.

5. Enjoy:

• Serve as a refreshing side dish for any meal and enjoy!

Note: If preparing the salad ahead of time, avoid adding the avocado until just before serving to prevent browning.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add Protein: For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.

• Spicy Kick: Add a few slices of jalapeño to the salad for a spicy kick, or drizzle some hot sauce over the top.

• Herb Variations: Swap parsley for fresh basil, cilantro, or mint for a different flavor twist.

• Vegan Version: Omit the feta cheese for a vegan version of this salad, or substitute it with dairy-free cheese.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. If you have already added the avocado, the salad should be eaten the same day, as the avocado can brown quickly.

• Reheating: This salad is meant to be served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Add the avocado and dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh.

2. Can I use another type of cheese instead of feta?

Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese, mozzarella, or even cotija cheese for a different flavor profile.

3. How can I make this salad spicier?

Add chopped jalapeños, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or drizzle some hot sauce over the salad to spice it up to your liking.

4. Can I use another type of vinegar for the dressing?

While red vinegar works best for its tangy flavor, you can also substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar if that’s what you have on hand.

5. Can I use store-bought dressing?

While homemade dressing adds a fresh, personalized touch, you can use store-bought vinaigrette if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure to choose one with similar flavors (a simple balsamic or red vinaigrette would work well).

6. Can I add more vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! Add other veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, or even corn for extra flavor and crunch.

7. How do I keep the avocado from browning?

To keep the avocado fresh, you can toss it in a bit of lime or lemon juice before adding it to the salad. Add the avocado last, just before serving, to ensure it stays vibrant and green.

8. Can I use different types of tomatoes?

Yes, feel free to use different types of tomatoes like grape, heirloom, or Roma tomatoes based on your preference.

9. How long will the salad keep?

If made ahead of time and stored properly in an airtight container, the salad can last 1 day. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh for the best taste and texture.

10. Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free as long as the dressing ingredients are gluten-free (which most are).

Conclusion

Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and healthy side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of cool cucumber, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tangy feta, it’s a light and satisfying option that pairs well with almost any meal. Quick to prepare, full of flavor, and versatile enough for any dietary needs, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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