This refreshing Avocado Cucumber Salad is a vibrant and healthy dish that combines creamy avocados with crisp cucumbers and aromatic herbs. It’s perfect as a light lunch or a side dish to complement any meal. Here’s how to prepare this simple yet delicious salad.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 large ripe avocados, cut into quarters then sliced into 1 cm (0.4″) slices
- 3 cucumbers, approximately 17 cm (7″) long, sliced into 4 mm (1/6″) rounds
- 1/4 red onion, finely sliced
- 2 tbsp dill, finely chopped (optional, but recommended)
- 2 tbsp coriander (cilantro) leaves, roughly chopped (optional, but recommended)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (or lime juice for a tangier flavor)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional for an extra kick)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Peel and slice the avocados. To prevent them from browning, you can drizzle them with a little lemon juice.
- Wash the cucumbers and slice them into thin rounds. If the cucumbers are very seedy, you may want to scoop out the seeds before slicing.
- Thinly slice the red onion for a milder flavor.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients:
- In a large salad bowl, gently toss the avocado slices, cucumber rounds, and red onion slices.
- If using, add the chopped dill and coriander (cilantro). These herbs add a fresh and aromatic dimension to the salad.
- Mix the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic if using. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- The lemon juice not only flavors the dressing but also helps keep the avocados vibrant and green.
- Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.
- Gently toss the salad to evenly coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
- Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately after dressing to ensure the avocados and cucumbers remain fresh and crisp.
- This salad is excellent on its own, or as a side to grilled meats, fish, or a quinoa dish for a heartier meal.
Tips:
- Variations: Feel free to add cherry tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, or shredded carrots for additional color and texture.
- Serving Size: This salad is best enjoyed fresh due to the avocados which may brown if left for too long. If you need to prepare it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and toss it with the salad just before serving.
Conclusion:
This Avocado Cucumber Salad is delightfully simple to make, yet packed with flavors and textures that make it exceptionally satisfying. It’s a perfect choice for those looking for a nutritious and quick-to-prepare dish that doesn’t compromise on taste. Enjoy this light and fresh salad any day of the week!