Sometimes the simplest salads become your kitchen heroes, and this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe is exactly that. It’s fresh, vibrant, and loaded with big, bold flavors that come together in such an effortlessly delicious way. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll be on repeat all summer long.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I still remember the first time I tossed together this salad on a sunny weekend — the crisp cucumbers paired with creamy avocado and the bright burst of tomatoes made every bite a little celebration. It’s quick, healthy, and you don’t need to be a kitchen pro to get it right.
- Super simple prep: Chopping and mixing are all it takes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
- Beautifully colorful: The mix of red and yellow cherry tomatoes with green avocado and cucumber makes it as pretty as it is tasty.
- Versatile flavor profile: Tangy feta and a zesty dressing bring everything together with a perfect balance of creaminess and brightness.
- Customizable and fresh: It’s a great base to add your favorite herbs, proteins, or veggies for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this salad plays a crucial role in giving that fresh, vibrant taste I love. Choosing ripe avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers makes all the difference. Plus, a few pantry staples pull it all together beautifully.
- Avocado: Look for ones that yield slightly under gentle pressure—creamy but firm—so your salad doesn’t turn mushy.
- Lemon Juice: Tossing avocado with lemon juice prevents browning and adds a lovely zesty note.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Use a mix of red and yellow for eye-catching color and a juicy sweet-tart punch.
- English Cucumbers: Peeled and chopped for crispness without bitterness; their mild flavor balances the salad.
- Red Onion: Adds a slight sharp bite and crunch; soak in cold water briefly if you want to soften the pungency.
- Feta Cheese: The salty creaminess contrasts deliciously with fresh veggies and avocado.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Tangy acid that brightens the whole bowl without overpowering.
- Olive Oil: A good quality one adds a smooth richness and helps marry the flavors.
- Salt & Pepper: Seasoning enhances everything naturally.
- Fresh Parsley: Brings a fresh herbaceous note and a pop of green to finish.
Make It Your Way
This cucumber tomato avocado salad recipe is absolutely adaptable — I often switch it up depending on what’s in my fridge or mood. Don’t hesitate to tweak it to make it truly yours.
- Variation: I once added grilled chicken and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired twist that turned it into a filling meal.
- Herb swap: Sometimes I use dill or cilantro instead of parsley for a fresh, aromatic spin.
- Spice it up: A pinch of crushed red pepper or a dash of smoked paprika can add a subtle kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Make it vegan: Simply skip the feta or replace it with vegan cheese, and you’re good to go.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep And Protect The Avocado
Start by peeling and chopping your avocado. Immediately drizzle the lemon juice over the chunks to keep them from turning brown. I like to do this first so I can prep the other ingredients without worrying about any discoloration.
Step 2: Chop Your Fresh Veggies
Halve both red and yellow cherry tomatoes, peel and chop your cucumber into bite-sized pieces, and finely chop the red onion. I recommend soaking the onion in cold water for about 5 minutes to mellow out the sharpness if you find raw onion overpowering.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients Gently
Toss the avocado, tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and crumbled feta in a large bowl. Be gentle so the avocado doesn’t get mushy — delicate folding makes a big difference here.
Step 4: Whisk And Pour The Dressing
Whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Pour this over the salad and toss carefully to coat every juicy piece with that tangy goodness.
Step 5: Top With Fresh Parsley And Serve
Finish by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley over the top. This not only adds a fresh herb flavor but also an inviting pop of color. Voilà — your salad is ready to enjoy!
Top Tip
From making this salad dozens of times, I’ve learned a few little tweaks that really elevate it. Here’s what I keep in mind to get the best taste and texture every time.
- Use ripe but firm avocados: They hold their shape better and don’t turn mushy fast, especially if you're prepping ahead.
- Add lemon juice early: Tossing avocado chunks with lemon juice right away prevents browning and keeps the salad looking fresh.
- Toss gently: Carefully combine ingredients to avoid smashing the avocado — a light folding motion is your friend.
- Dress just before serving: If you’re making this ahead, store dressing separately to keep veggies crisp and fresh.
How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a fan of extra fresh herbs — sometimes just parsley or basil — sprinkled on top before serving. A few thin slices of radish or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds add lovely crunch and a pop of texture too.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a light, bright meal. I also love it alongside crusty bread or as a refreshing contrast to spicy barbecue dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For special gatherings, I’ve served this salad layered in individual glass jars for a pretty presentation. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser and keeps portions just right. Another fun idea is stuffing avocado halves with the salad for a beautiful, edible bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When I have leftovers, I keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I usually store the dressing separately to keep the veggies from getting soggy. Give it a gentle toss before serving again to refresh all the flavors.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well because avocado and fresh veggies lose their texture when thawed. I recommend enjoying it fresh to best savor those crisp, fresh elements.
Reheating
No reheating needed here! This salad is a cold dish, best served fresh or chilled straight from the fridge. If your leftovers feel a little watery, just drain off any liquid before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can substitute regular tomatoes, but cherry tomatoes tend to be sweeter and less watery, which helps keep the salad crisp and balanced. If using larger tomatoes, dice them into bite-sized pieces for best results.
Tossing the chopped avocado with lemon juice right after cutting is key to preventing browning. Also, storing the salad in an airtight container and keeping it chilled helps maintain its bright green color.
Absolutely! Simply leave out the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan-friendly cheese or crunchy nuts like toasted almonds for added texture and flavor.
This salad shines as a side dish for grilled meats, fish, or as a fresh topping for sandwiches and tacos. You can also enjoy it on its own as a light, healthy lunch.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe feels like a little celebration of fresh, simple ingredients that come together beautifully every time I make it. Whether you’re serving it as a quick side or a light meal, it has that effortless charm that makes healthy eating feel joyful and delicious. I’m excited for you to try it and make it your own — it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
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Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad featuring creamy avocado, sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty red wine vinaigrette, perfect for a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 large avocado peeled, seeded, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 cups yellow cherry tomatoes halved
- 1-2 English cucumbers peeled and chopped
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- 4 ounces feta cheese crumbles
- ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Avocado: Drizzle lemon juice over the chopped avocado to prevent browning and add a fresh citrus flavor.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, place the avocado, cherry tomatoes, yellow cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, chopped red onion, and feta cheese crumbles.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well blended.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Add the fresh chopped parsley on top and gently toss all the ingredients to combine evenly.
Notes
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days; storing the dressing separately helps prevent sogginess.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, dill, or cilantro to vary the flavor.
- Pair with sweet fruits such as watermelon and salty feta for a summer salad twist.
- Add protein like grilled chicken or black beans to make it a complete meal.
- Try variations such as adding kalamata olives for a Greek style or mozzarella balls with salami for an Italian flair.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
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