Fresh Cucumber Avocado Herb Salad
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Introduction
Cucumber Avocado Salad is a refreshing, hydrating, and flavor-packed dish that brings together crisp cucumbers, creamy avocados, and fragrant fresh herbs for the perfect light meal or side dish. This Fresh Cucumber Avocado Herb Salad highlights simple ingredients that create a clean, bright, and satisfying flavor profile. With its cooling textures and naturally creamy bite, it’s ideal for warm days, healthy lunches, or pairing with grilled proteins. What makes this recipe special is the herb-forward dressing that adds vibrancy to every bite. Quick tip: slice the cucumbers thinly for maximum crunch and toss the avocados gently to keep them in beautiful chunks.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (400 g)
- 2 medium avocados, diced (300 g)
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (15 g)
- ⅓ cup fresh dill, chopped (10 g)
- ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced (25 g)
For the Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil (45 ml)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (30 ml)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (5 g)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp honey (7 g)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Thinly slice the cucumbers using a sharp knife or mandoline for uniform pieces. This ensures a crisp texture and helps the dressing cling to each slice.
- Dice the Avocados: Cut the avocados into medium-sized cubes, keeping them slightly chunky. This allows them to stay intact when mixed and creates a creamy contrast to the crunchy cucumbers.
- Chop the Fresh Herbs: Finely chop the parsley and dill. These herbs provide the salad’s signature fresh aroma, so use them generously for the best flavor.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. The dressing should taste bright, tangy, and lightly sweet with a hint of garlic.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix the cucumbers, avocados, red onion, parsley, and dill. Pour the dressing over the top and toss lightly to avoid crushing the avocado pieces.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salad right away for peak freshness. If prepping ahead, store the dressing separately and add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the dressing and avocados separate until serving. Combine everything at the last minute to keep the cucumbers crisp and the avocados fresh.
Q2: What herbs can I substitute?
Mint, cilantro, or basil work wonderfully. Use whichever herbs you enjoy most, or mix a few for a more aromatic flavor.
Q3: Can I add extra protein?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, or chickpeas make this salad more filling while complementing the fresh flavors.
