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Quick and easy (10 minutes!) Cucumber Avocado Salad recipe finished with the most delicious honey lime vinaigrette. Crisp and creamy, cool and refreshing, plus beautifully flavorful, this healthy Southwestern salad with avocados and cucumbers is the perfect summer side dish!

Featured comment: The dressing’s flavor was so bright. The cumin was there, but didn’t run the show dominating the flavor profile. Only extra thing I did was set the sliced cucumbers in between paper towels for a while with a little salt and garlic powder to get rid of that extra moisture.” – Anna

Updated:  This post was originally published in June 2019. I made updates to the post below to include more information about making a cold salad with cucumbers and avocados at home. 

About this cucumber avocado salad recipe

Hi, friends! Meet your new favorite refreshing summer salad. Crunchy, fresh, and incredibly easy to make (think 10 minutes or less type of easy), this healthy cucumber salad with avocados is going to become a family favorite!

This easy avocado cucumber salad features cool, crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, delicate scallions, pungent red onions, crunchy radishes, nutty seeds and salty crumbled queso fresco tossed in a silky, luscious, herbaceous honey cilantro vinaigrette. Summery, fresh, packed with nutritious ingredients and bursting with bright, flavors, this salad has the ideal delicious Southwestern vibe.

Ridiculously quick and easy to prepare, this avo salad is the perfect side dish for potlucks, picnics and backyard barbecues. Or, it makes a wonderful grab-and-go lunch! Or try serving it topped with crispy chickpeas or a grilled protein like salmon for a healthy, light summer dinner!

Basically, this simple salad is absurdly versatile! Made with fresh ingredients and ready in a flash, you are going to want to make this vibrant green avocado beauty again and again!

Why you’ll love this cucumber avocado recipe

  • Simple ingredients! This salad with avocado and cucumber requires simple, easy-to-find ingredients and pantry staples.
  • 20 minutes! You can get this avocado salad with cucumber on the table in 20 minutes or less.
  • Fresh flavor! This radish avocado salad is refreshing, creamy, rich and beautifully flavorful.
  • Easy to customize! This salad recipe is incredibly flexible and easy to adapt. Throw in any leftover veggies or protein you have hanging around your fridge or whatever looks best at the market.
  • Super versatile! This avocado onion cucumber salad is versatile and tastes great paired with literally anything and everything, from grilled fish to pulled pork.

Ingredients for salad avocado cucumber

This salad recipe with avocado and cucumber uses easy-to-find ingredients to create restaurant-quality taste. Here’s what you’ll need:

Avocado and cucumber salad

  • English Cucumbers: I recommend using an cucumber for this salad recipe. Also known as “seedless” cucumbers, this type of cucumber actually contains small seeds and is typically sold wrapped in plastic. With a mild, slightly sweet, and refreshing flavor, English cucumbers are a go-to in salads.
    • Substitute: Nearly seedless Armenian cucumbers make a great swap.
  • Avocados: Hass avocados lend a creamy, slightly nutty flavor. Look for avocados that are firm to the touch, but not overly hard. The skin should slightly give when pressed.
  • Scallions: Also known as green onions, scallions provide a mild, oniony flavor.
    • Substitution: Delicate chives are a great swap.
  • Radishes: Peppery, sharp radishes complement this avocado onion salad perfectly. When shopping, look for radishes that are firm to the touch and bright red in color.
  • Red Onion: Red onions give a touch of strong, pungent flavor.
  • Queso Fresco: This crumbly Mexican cheese is milk and slightly salty in flavor.
    • Substitution: Feta cheese, goat cheese, and cotija make good substitutes.

Dressing

  • Cilantro: Fresh cilantro lends a bright, grassy flavor.
    • Substitution: Swap in parsley if you prefer.
  • Garlic: Fresh is always best! However, you can use the jarred minced variety if you prefer a shortcut.
  • Jalapeno: Hot jalapeños lend a touch of spicy flavor. Be sure to remove all the seeds and ribs from the jalapeno if you prefer a subtle touch of heat.
  • Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice provides the perfect touch of tart, citrusy flavor.
  • Honey: A touch of honey lends sweetness.
  • Cumin: Ground cumin adds a touch of warming, earthy flavor.
  • Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper: To enhance all the flavors!

How to make avocado cucumber salad?

This easy cucumber avocado salad is easy to make and can be prepared, ready and on the table in about 10 minutes! To keep the prep time for this salad down to a minimum, be sure to use a Mandoline to thinly slice the cucumbers and radishes!

Tips for making the best cucumber avocado salad

  • Make the dressing. Combine all the ingredients for the dressing in a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  • Make the salad. In a medium bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, sliced avocados and half of the green onions. Drizzle with enough of the dressing to generously coat. Toss the ingredients gently to combine.
  • Garnish and serve. Arrange the cucumber and avocado mixture in a serving bowl or platter. Scatter the remaining green onions, radishes, red onions and cheese on top. Drizzle with desired amount of the remaining dressing and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!

FAQs: cucumber and avocado salad

Will avocado turn brown in salad?

Once you cut an avocado it will turn brown due to oxidation. Avocados contain an enzyme called polyphenol oxidase and once that enzyme comes into contact with oxygen in the air it oxidizes, which turns the surface of the avocado flesh brown.

The best way to prevent an avocado flesh from turning brown is to reduce its contact with air as much as possible.

How to keep a cucumber salad with avocados fresh?

There are many ways to keep an avocado salad fresh and prevent the avocado from oxidizing and turning brown.

  • Toss or brush the sliced avocado with citrus juice.  The avocado slices in this salad recipe are tossed with a cilantro vinaigrette which contains lime juice. The lime juice will keep the avocados fresh and prevent them from turning brown.
  • Use plastic wrap.  If you want to prep the avocado in advance, place plastic wrap over the cut side of the avocado and gently press the plastic to adhere. Just make sure the plastic wrap is tightly secured to the avocados flesh to prevent air from coming into contact with the flesh.
  • Cut the avocado right before serving.  The absolute best way to keep an avocado salad fresh is to prepare and cut the avocado as close to serving as possible.

How to pick the best avocado for salads?

One of the keys to this recipe is to use a good, ripe avocado. While picking out the best avocado can be tricky, below are some tips to help you select the best avocado from the market.

  • A ripe avocado gives to gentle, firm pressure. It should feel just barely soft, and not “mushy” or hard to the touch.
  • Ripe avocados will be slightly darker in color. A firm, not ripe avocado will be bright green in color while an overripe avocado will be dark brownish in color.
  • If your avocado is ripe and ready to eat, but you aren’t ready to make the salad, store it in the refrigerator to prevent the fruit from becoming overripe.
  • If your avocado is firm, and not yet ripe, place it in a brown paper bag with a banana or an apple to speed up the ripening process.

What dressing for avocado salad with cucumbers?

You can use a wide variety of dressings or vinaigrettes for salad avocado cucumber. However, since avocados are rich and creamy, they pair best with a silky, light olive oil based vinaigrette.

This recipe for avocado cucumber salad is paired with a flavorful, silky honey cilantro vinaigrette.

How to customize this salad with cucumber and avocado?

Cucumber salad avocado is best served cold or slightly chilled.

While this avocado salad with cucumber is packed with textures and Southwestern flavors, there are numerous ingredients you can add to customize this salad or turn it into a more substantial main meal.

Below are some ingredients you can add to customize avocado salad cucumber:

Serving salad with avocado cucumber

Avocado cucumber salad can be served on its own as a light main course, or it can be served as a side to accompany a wide variety of dishes. Cucumber and avocado in salad is extremely versatile and will pair well with numerous entrees!

Below are a few dishes that pair well with avocado cucumber salad

  • Chicken
  • Steak
  • Pork
  • Tuna
  • Salmon
  • Shrimp
  • Lobster
  • Crab
  • Tofu

 

Nutritional information

Are avocado salad recipes healthy?

Salad with avocado is flavorful, rich and are a wonderful addition to a healthy diet!

Avocados are considered a superfood. They contain powerful health benefits and are prized for their high nutrient value. Loaded with healthy fats, fiber and numerous important nutrients, it’s no wonder avocados are extremely popular among health-conscious individuals.

As well, this avocado salad also contains hydrating, low-calorie cucumbers. Cumbers contain various antioxidants, several important vitamins and minerals, and have numerous health benefits.

How many calories in this salad avocado cucumber?

The exact number of calories in this salad recipe with avocado will depend entirely on the recipe and specific ingredients used. This Avocado Cucumber Salad serves four people and has approximately 320 calories per serving.

If you love avocado in salad, you will go nuts over this creamy cucumber avocado salad! Fresh, fabulous and 100% satisfying, you are going to want this creamy, fresh salad in your recipe rotation all summer long!

Until next week, friends, cheers – to a healthy summer salad you will actually love!

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Recipes with cucumbers and avocados!

If you love this delicious, super simple salad with cucumber and avocado, try these yummy recipes next:

More avocado recipes!

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The best Cucumber Avocado Salad recipe 👇

Overhead photo of cucumber avocado salad in a white bowl.

Cucumber Avocado Salad

5 from 5 votes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Quick and easy Cucumber Avocado Salad recipe with the most delicious cilantro honey vinaigrette! Crisp, refreshing, and perfectly flavorful, this healthy cucumber salad with avocado is perfect for summer!
Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.

Equipment

  • 1 Food Processor or Blender (for the dressing)
  • 1 Large Bowl (for the salad)

Ingredients 

Avocado Cucumber Salad

  • 2 English Cucumbers – thinly sliced
  • 2 Hass Avocados – peeled, pitted, and sliced
  • ¼ Cup Green Onions – sliced
  • 2-3 Radishes – sliced
  • ½ Red Onion – thinly sliced
  • Queso Fresco – crumbled, to taste (substitute: feta cheese)

Dressing

  • ¾ Cup Cilantro Leaves – gently packed (substitute: parsley or basil)
  • 1 clove Garlic – peeled
  • 1 small Jalapeno Pepper – halved, seeded & roughly chopped
  • 3-4 TBS Extra Virgin Olive Oil (SEE NOTE)
  • 3 TBS Fresh Lime Juice (substitute: lemon juice)
  • 2 TBS Honey
  • ½ tsp Cumin
  • Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper – to taste
  • Optional Mix-Ins: Pepitas (pumpkin seeds), Grape Tomatoes or Cherry Tomatoes, Fresh Herbs, Croutons
  • Optional for Serving: Shredded Rotisserie Chicken or Grilled Chicken, Flaked Salmon, Flaked Tuna, Crispy Chickpeas

Instructions

  • Make the Dressing: Combine all the ingredients for the dressing in a blender or food processor. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Process until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper (see note). Set aside.
  • Dress the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cucumber with all the avocado and half the green onions. Drizzle just enough dressing to coat the salad and then very gently toss to combine.
  • Add Mix-ins: Arrange the cucumber and avocado salad in a serving bowl or on a serving platter. Scatter the remaining green onions, radishes, red onions and crumbled cheese, along with any other mix-ins over the top of the salad.
  • Serve Salad: Drizzle a little more dressing over the salad and season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. Oil in the Dressing: Start with 3 tablespoons of oil in the dressing. Add more, one teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency is achieved. For a richer, thinner dressing, use the full 4 tablespoons of oil.
    • Dressing can be made in advance and stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  2. Make Ahead Tips: If you want to make this salad a couple hours in advance, prepare the recipe as instructed, however do not add any salt!  Salt will cause the cucumbers to seep water and the salad will become watery.  Cover the salad tightly with plastic wrap, and gently press the plastic to adhere to the top of the salad to keep the oxygen out.  Exposure to oxygen will cause the avocados to turn brown.
Nutrition information is an estimate based upon 6 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcal    Carbohydrates: 25g    Protein: 3g    Fat: 26g    Saturated Fat: 4g    Sodium: 15mg    Potassium: 761mg    Fiber: 8g    Sugar: 13g    Vitamin A: 605IU    Vitamin C: 21.9mg    Calcium: 44mg    Iron: 1.4mg

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