Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite summer dish – the Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad! This salad is not only vibrant and refreshing but also incredibly easy to whip up. I first discovered this delightful combination at a picnic a few years ago. One bite of the crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado transported me to a summer’s day with the sun shining and a gentle breeze wrapping around me like a warm hug. Now, I make it all the time—it has become a staple in my kitchen!
What I love most about this salad is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a side or as the main character in a light meal, and you can never go wrong with fresh ingredients. Plus, it takes mere minutes to prepare! Let’s get into the nitty-gritty, shall we?
What’s in Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad?
Cucumbers: The star crunch factor! I prefer using English cucumbers because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin—no peeling required!
Tomatoes: For this salad, I usually go with vine-ripened tomatoes as they are bursting with flavor. But feel free to mix it up with cherry or heirloom tomatoes because who doesn’t love a little color in their bowl?
Avocado: Ahh, the creamy dream! Ripe but firm avocados are perfect for this salad; they should give slightly when you squeeze them, but not be mushy.
Red Onion: A splash of sharpness! I like to slice it thinly so it adds just the right amount of zing without overpowering the other flavors.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for that zesty brightness! It also helps keep the avocado from browning.
Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil brings everything together beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that highlight the fresh produce. Always taste and adjust, so you get it just right!
Is Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Good for You?
You bet it is! This salad is like a health spa in a bowl. Each ingredient comes with its own special benefits:
Cucumbers: Low in calories and high in hydration, cucumbers are perfect for keeping you refreshed on hot days. They’re a great source of fiber, which aids digestion.
Tomatoes: These beauties are rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which has been linked to heart health. Plus, they are low in calories so you can indulge a little!
Avocado: Packed with healthy fats, avocados are amazing for heart health and keeping you full longer. They are also loaded with vitamins and minerals, including potassium and vitamin E.
Red Onion: Known for their anti-inflammatory properties, red onions also add sweetness when cooked and hold health-promoting compounds.
Lemon Juice: Full of vitamin C, lemon juice does wonders for your immune system and adds that zing we all love.
Just keep in mind that while avocados are fantastic, they can be high in calories, so moderation is key if you’re watching your intake.
Ingredients List
– 1 large English cucumber (sliced)
– 2 medium vine-ripened tomatoes (chopped)
– 1 ripe avocado (diced)
– 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
This recipe serves 4 as a side dish or 2 as a main course!
How to Make Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad?
1. Start by washing all your fresh produce. It’s essential to have clean veggies, so give them a good rinse.
2. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds and place it in a large mixing bowl.
3. Chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl.
4. Dice the avocado and toss it gently into the mixture, being careful not to mash it.
5. Thinly slice the red onion, and add it to the bowl, too.
6. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to make a light dressing.
7. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Enjoy right away, or let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Serving Suggestions for an Avocado Fiesta!
This salad shines on its own, but consider adding some protein—grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would pair wonderfully! You could also toss in some feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor. Serve it with some crusty bread, and you’ve got yourself a fantastic meal fit for any occasion!
I hope you give this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad a try. The freshness, the crunch, and the creaminess come together in a way that just feels like a big warm hug in your tummy. If you make it (which you should), I would love to hear how it turns out for you. Happy cooking!
