This refreshing cucumber avocado salad is quick to whip up and bursts with flavor. With crunchy cucumbers and creamy avocados, it’s a wonderful treat for your taste buds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers add a crisp texture. I recommend using English cucumbers as they are sweeter and have fewer seeds. If they’re unavailable, regular cucumbers work too—just peel them if the skin is thick.
Avocados: Ripe avocados bring a creamy element to the salad. Make sure they are perfectly ripe; if they’re hard, let them sit at room temperature for a day or two. For a lower-fat option, you could use peas instead, which add a nice green color!
Green Onions: These add a mild onion flavor. If you don’t have them, chives or red onion can be a great substitute. Remember, red onion has a stronger taste, so use less.
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice brightens the salad. If you don’t have lime, lemon juice can work too! Personally, I love the lime’s zesty kick—perfect for summer.
Red Pepper Flakes: They give a nice kick if you like heat, but they’re optional. If you’re not into spicy, feel free to skip this ingredient.
How Do I Keep My Avocados from Browning?
To keep your avocados beautiful and green, use fresh lime or lemon juice as soon as you cut them. The acidity helps slow down the browning process. If you’re making the salad ahead of time, keep the avocado cubes separate and mix them in just before serving.
- After dicing, squeeze a little lime juice over the avocado.
- Mix gently, ensuring they’re coated.
- If you need to store them, use an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Easy Cucumber Avocado Salad Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 3 green onions (scallions), sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare and is best enjoyed fresh. If you want to impress your guests, this quick and easy salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish for any meal. Plus, with minimal prep, you’ll spend more time at the table and less time in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
Start by washing your cucumbers under cold water. Once they’re clean, slice them thinly to help them mix well with the other ingredients. You want them to be crispy and fresh, so a sharp knife is your best friend for this step!
2. Dice the Avocados:
Next, take your ripe avocados. Carefully slice them in half, remove the pit, and then scoop out the green flesh with a spoon. Cut the avocado into bite-sized cubes, making sure to keep those lovely green colors intact!
3. Slice the Green Onions:
Now it’s time for the green onions! Slice them thinly, including both the white bottom and the green tops. This adds a hint of onion flavor and a pop of color to your salad.
4. Mix It All Together:
In a large bowl, combine the freshly cut cucumbers, diced avocado, and sliced green onions. You want to make sure everything is evenly distributed so each bite has a little bit of all the flavors!
5. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. This dressing is super simple and will bring all the flavors together beautifully.
6. Toss the Salad:
Pour the dressing over your salad mix. Gently toss everything together with your hands or a large spoon, being careful not to mash the avocado. You want the avocado to stay chunky and creamy!
7. Add Some Spice:
If you like a little kick, sprinkle the red pepper flakes over the top of the salad. This is totally optional, but it adds a fun flavor and a little heat!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Cucumber Avocado Salad is now ready! Serve it immediately for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy this fresh, colorful salad as a perfect complement to any meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! While English cucumbers are great for their sweet taste and thin skin, you can also use regular cucumbers. Just peel the skin if it’s thick or waxed, and adjust the amount based on your preference.
How Do I Make This Salad Vegan-Friendly?
This salad is already vegan, but if you want to ramp up the flavors, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra depth without losing that delicious lightness!
Can I Prepare This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, but it’s best to keep the avocado separate until just before serving. If mixed with the other ingredients, the avocado may brown. Keep everything in airtight containers in the fridge for up to a couple of hours before serving.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. To minimize browning, cover the surface of the salad with plastic wrap, pressing it directly against the avocado. Enjoy the leftovers fresh if possible!
