Bright, fresh, and simply irresistible, this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like sunshine in a bowl. Seriously, it’s where crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado all come together with a tangy dressing to make something that’s both refreshing and deeply satisfying.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to sides, especially during warm months. Every bite bursts with freshness and creaminess at the same time—it's like a little party for your taste buds that’s also incredibly healthy.
- Quick to Assemble: You can whip this up in about 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Vibrant Flavors: The lemon juice and red wine vinegar add just the right zing to the creamy avocado and sweet tomatoes.
- Customizable: Whether you want to add some olives, grilled chicken, or fresh herbs, this salad adapts wonderfully to your mood and pantry.
- Healthy and Colorful: Packed with fresh veggies and healthy fats, it’s as nutritious as it is beautiful on your plate.
Ingredients & Why They Work
What I love about this salad is how each ingredient plays off one another. Creamy avocado balances the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar, while cucumbers add crunch and freshness. Here's a quick look at why these are essentials:
- Avocado: It adds creaminess and richness that makes every bite buttery without being heavy.
- Lemon Juice: A splash on the avocado keeps it from browning and gives a bright citrus note.
- Cherry Tomatoes (red & yellow): They offer a juicy sweetness and beautiful visual contrast.
- English Cucumbers: Their mild flavor and crispness keep the salad refreshing and light.
- Red Onion: Just a bit of sharp bite to awaken the other flavors.
- Feta Cheese: Salty, crumbly, and tangy—feta is the perfect counterpoint to the vegetables.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Gives acidity and depth, balancing the richness of the avocado and feta.
- Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil adds silkiness and brings everything together.
- Salt & Pepper: Essentials for seasoning and enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Fresh Parsley: A gentle herbal note that freshens up each bite.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this salad depending on what I have on hand or the vibe of the meal. It’s so forgiving—you can get creative here without losing the essence of the recipe.
- Variation: Once, I added chopped fresh basil and swapped parsley for an Italian twist—it instantly turned the salad into a perfect Mediterranean side!
- Go Greek: Add sliced kalamata olives and grilled chicken for a more filling, protein-packed version.
- Make It Mexican: Throw in some corn kernels and black beans to make it a colorful, hearty salad great for lunch.
- Instant Italian: Replace feta with mini mozzarella balls, toss in marinated artichokes, diced salami, and some white beans to impress guests.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Avocado Like a Pro
Start by peeling, pitting, and chopping your avocado into bite-sized pieces. Then drizzle with that teaspoon of fresh lemon juice. This little trick keeps the avocado from turning brown and adds a subtle citrusy brightness that keeps it tasting fresh.
Step 2: Chop and Toss Your Veggies Together
Halve your cherry tomatoes, peel and chop the English cucumbers, and finely chop the red onion. Place these vibrant veggies along with the avocado and feta cheese in a large bowl. The colors alone are enough to get you excited to eat it!
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing and Combine
In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until it comes together nicely. Pour this dressing over your salad and toss gently to make sure every piece is lightly coated—this ensures every forkful sings.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Parsley and Serve
Top your salad with a generous handful of fresh chopped parsley for that lovely herbal lift. Give it one last gentle toss and it’s ready to enjoy immediately. Trust me, waiting only makes it better!
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve found a few small tweaks that totally elevate this salad. These tips make a noticeable difference when you’re aiming for freshness and flavor.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold avocado and tomatoes fresh from the fridge don’t flavor as well—letting them sit out for 15 minutes before assembling really helps.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently toss to avoid mashing the avocado—keep those creamy chunks intact for the best texture contrast.
- Chop Evenly: Try to cut your veggies and avocado into similar sizes so every forkful has a little bit of everything.
- Dress Just Before Serving: If you want to prep ahead, store the salad and dressing separately to avoid sogginess.
How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick with fresh parsley because it adds the perfect brightness without overshadowing the salad’s natural flavors. Sometimes, I sprinkle on a touch of crushed red pepper flakes or some toasted pine nuts for an extra layer of texture and heat.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled fish or chicken. I especially love it alongside lemon-herb roasted chicken or grilled salmon. It’s also a stellar addition to any BBQ spread, balancing heavier grilled items perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this salad in hollowed-out avocado halves or in small mason jars for picnics and potlucks. It always impresses guests when the presentation is as fresh as the flavors!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
When storing leftovers, keep the dressing separate if possible and store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the cucumbers and tomatoes crisp and the avocado from browning too quickly. It’s best eaten within 1-2 days.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh veggies and avocado, which can turn mushy when thawed. So I recommend enjoying it fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, no-cook salad, I usually eat leftovers cold straight from the fridge. If you prefer it less chilly, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! You can dice regular tomatoes, but cherry tomatoes offer a sweeter, juicier bite that works best in this salad.
Drizzling lemon juice over the chopped avocado helps keep it fresh and green. Also, try to add the dressing right before serving or store the salad in an airtight container to limit air exposure.
Yes! Simply leave out the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. It will still be delicious and fresh without the dairy.
This salad is fantastic as a side dish for grilled meats, a light lunch, or even as a topping for toasted bread to make a quick avocado toast with a twist.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe becomes like a little slice of joy in your kitchen, just like it did in mine. It’s easy, vibrant, and perfect for any occasion—whether you're hosting a barbecue, need a quick lunch, or want a healthy side. Give it a try, and I promise you'll find yourself making it over and over again.
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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 combining creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty red wine vinaigrette, perfect for summer or as a healthy side dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 large avocado peeled, seeded, chopped
- 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 Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the 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 lemon-coated avocado, cherry tomatoes, yellow cherry tomatoes, peeled and chopped cucumbers, chopped red onion, and feta cheese crumbles.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients, top with fresh chopped parsley, and gently toss everything together until evenly mixed.
Notes
- Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days to maintain freshness.
- If possible, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
- Try substituting or adding fresh herbs like basil, dill, or cilantro for varied flavor profiles.
- Add other ingredients to make it a main meal, such as grilled chicken, kalamata olives for a Greek twist, or corn and black beans for a Mexican-inspired salad.
- Experiment by replacing feta with small mozzarella balls and adding marinated artichoke hearts, diced salami, and white beans for an Italian variation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg

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