Bright, fresh, and bursting with color, this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly lifts your spirits. It’s a simple mix of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and tangy feta that feels like sunshine on a plate—perfect for any occasion.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I first tossed this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe together on a hot summer afternoon when I needed something light but satisfying. Since then, it’s become a go-to for quick lunches and side dishes—offering fresh flavors that never get old.
- Super Simple: Just a handful of fresh ingredients come together in minutes—no complicated prep or fancy tools needed.
- Versatile: You can easily customize it with herbs, proteins, or other veggies to match your mood or meal.
- Perfect Balance: Creamy avocado and tangy feta create a delicious contrast with crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes.
- Healthy & Refreshing: It’s packed with nutrients and hydrating ingredients—ideal for warm days or when you want to eat clean.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This salad relies on fresh, garden-ready produce and a simple dressing that ties everything together. Each ingredient shines with its own texture and flavor, and I always suggest picking the ripest tomatoes and a perfectly ripe avocado for the best results.
- Avocado: Adds creamy richness; a perfectly ripe but firm avocado works best to avoid mushiness.
- Lemon Juice: Prevents the avocado from browning and adds a bright, zesty note.
- Cherry Tomatoes (red and yellow): Juicy and sweet, their contrasting colors make the salad visually appealing.
- English Cucumber: Cool, crisp texture that complements the soft avocado and tomatoes.
- Red Onion: Adds a mild bite and crunch—slice it thin to avoid overpowering the salad.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings salty tang and creaminess balancing the fresh veggies.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Gives the dressing a subtle acidity that lifts the whole salad.
- Olive Oil: Smooths the dressing and adds healthy fat for better flavor absorption.
- Salt & Pepper: Enhances all the natural flavors—season carefully.
- Fresh Parsley: Bright herbaceous finish that adds a pop of color and freshness.
Make It Your Way
While I usually stick to the classic combination here, I love mixing things up to suit what’s in my fridge or the kind of cuisine I’m craving. This salad is like a blank canvas—you can easily tweak it to keep it exciting!
- Variation: When I want a Mediterranean twist, I add sliced kalamata olives and grilled chicken to make it more filling.
- Spice It Up: Toss in some chopped jalapeño or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Herb Swap: If you don’t have parsley, fresh basil or cilantro work beautifully for a different flavor vibe.
- Make It Mexican-Inspired: Add fresh corn kernels and black beans for a colorful, protein-packed meal.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep with care
Start by chopping the avocado after drizzling it with lemon juice. This little trick keeps it from turning brown while you chop the other veggies. Then halve your cherry tomatoes (both red and yellow) and peel and chop the English cucumber—peeling helps keep the salad tender but you can leave it on if you prefer the bite it gives.
Step 2: Combine & build layers of flavor
Place the lemon-kissed avocado, tomato halves, chopped cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta in a large bowl. Mixing ingredients gently at this point prevents squashing the avocado and tomatoes, which keeps the salad fresh-looking and delicious.
Step 3: Whisk the dressing
Whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified. This simple dressing is all you need to amplify the salad’s freshness without overpowering the ingredients. Pour it over the salad and get ready for the final touch.
Step 4: Toss and finish
Add your freshly chopped parsley and gently toss everything together just enough to coat all the pieces in the dressing. Over-tossing can bruise the avocado and release too much tomato juice, so be tender but thorough.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve learned that small details make a big difference when making this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe. These tips will help you get it just right every time.
- Avo-Lemon Trick: Always toss your chopped avocado with lemon juice immediately to keep that beautiful green color.
- Don’t Skip the Mixer: Whisk your dressing separately before adding to ensure it emulsifies well and nails a perfect flavor balance.
- Handle Gently: When tossing, use a gentle folding motion to avoid turning the salad mushy or watery.
- Chill Slightly: I often refrigerate the salad for 15 minutes before serving—flavors meld, and it’s delightfully refreshing chilled.
How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this salad with an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few torn basil leaves for a burst of herbal aroma. Sometimes, a dusting of coarse sea salt right before serving enhances the flavor layers, making each bite pop.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats like chicken or fish. I often serve it alongside warm pita bread and hummus for a Mediterranean-inspired lunch. It’s also fantastic next to a big plate of roasted veggies or quinoa for a wholesome vegetarian meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special gatherings, I like serving the salad in hollowed-out avocado shells or colorful mason jars for that rustic-chic look. Layering the ingredients in a clear trifle bowl shows off the beautiful colors and makes it a centerpiece as well as a side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. If I know ahead, I keep the dressing separate and toss it in just before serving to keep cucumbers and tomatoes from getting soggy.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t a great option for this salad because avocado and fresh veggies get mushy and watery after thawing. I recommend enjoying it fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh salad, reheating isn’t necessary. If you want to bring leftover salad to room temperature, just let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving—this softens flavors a bit without compromising texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead, but keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the texture of the cucumbers and avocados.
Tossing the avocado with lemon juice right after chopping helps keep it bright green. Also, adding the dressing and mixing gently right before serving prevents browning.
Definitely! Small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) work well for a milder flavor. Goat cheese or queso fresco are tasty alternatives depending on the flavor profile you want.
It’s perfect for quick meal prep, but I recommend keeping the dressing separate. Assemble the veggies in portions and add dressing right before eating for the freshest taste.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe is one of those refreshing classics that never fails to brighten my meal and my day. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, serving it alongside dinner, or just craving something fresh, it’s an easy, adaptable dish that rewards you with fresh flavors and great textures every time. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it just as much as I do!
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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 colorful Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad featuring creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy feta cheese, tossed in a bright lemon and red wine vinegar dressing with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 large avocado peeled, seeded, chopped
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 cups yellow cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 english cucumbers peeled and chopped
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- 4 ounces feta cheese crumbles
- ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley
Dressing
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 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 note.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, place the lemon-coated avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, halved yellow cherry tomatoes, peeled and chopped cucumbers, chopped red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Make Dressing: Whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients, then top with fresh chopped parsley. Toss gently to combine all flavors evenly.
Notes
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. For best freshness, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to prevent sogginess.
- Experiment with other fresh herbs such as basil, dill, or cilantro for varied flavor profiles.
- Add sliced kalamata olives and grilled chicken to turn it into a Greek-inspired main dish.
- Mix in corn kernels and black beans for a Mexican twist.
- Replace feta with small mozzarella balls and add marinated artichoke hearts, diced salami, and white beans for an Italian variation.
- You can also serve this salad alongside a refreshing watermelon and feta cheese salad for a complete summer meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
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