This refreshing and flavorful Cucumber Avocado Salad is a simple weeknight salad that can be made in just about 10 minutes.
Simple salads are the best kinds of salads, and this Cucumber Avocado Salad is a dinnertime staple because it's simple to make, requiring a few common kitchen staples and it's super delicious and refreshing. Like some of my other simple salads (see: John's Goat Cheese Salad and Peach Avocado Salad), I like to serve this on nights when the main coarse doesn't have tons of veggies as an enticing way to diversify what my family is eating, because, well...balance! The cucumbers help this dish feel both bright and light, and the avocadoes give it that creamy indulgent vibe and the vinaigrette made right in the bowl it's served help bring it all together.
Ingredients Needed and Substitutions
Here is a what you need to make it (and the full recipe is listed at the bottom of this article:
- european / persian cucumbers (really, really recommend these here, as the delicate flavor works well in this salad, but if you just have regular American cucucumbers feel free to peel the skin and scoop out excess seeds for the best flavor and texture)
- avocado (see below for making sure you get the best one)
- shallot (or green onions can be substituted)
- champagne vinegar (recommend this if you can get it, but in a pinch a white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar will work too)
- olive oil
- salt and pepper
- chives (you can easily add in any other herb you like here but I've always got chives growing in my garden so it's always my go to...some other great options would be basil, tarragon, parsley or cilantro)
How to Choose the Right Avocado
It goes without saying you always want to choose a ripe avocado if you plan to eat it immediately. But for this salad, since the avocado will be tossed together with other ingredients, it's best to choose a ripe but firm avocado. If your avocado is very ripe, it'll likely fall apart once it's cut and mixed together.
Look for an avocado that yields slightly to firm, but gentle pressure when squeezed. It should not be mushy or soft or feel like it has any loose skin. The color can vary on avocados, so it's best to go by the touch.
Step-By-Step Recipe Overview
While this salad may be simple, following all the directions and ingredient amounts is best. Because when recipes are so simple, a little difference in one direction or another can have a greater impact on the final outcome.
My biggest tip is to follow the recipe steps exactly, as each detail, like letting the shallots macerate in the dressing, enhances the final flavor.
This is a quick visual overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. If you are looking for the full recipe, keep scrolling!
Step 1: Whisk the viniaigrette together in a medium bowl.
Step 2: Slice the shallots, add them to the bowl. Then prepare the cucumbers.
Step 3: Add the cucumbers to the bowl, then move on to the avocado.
Step 4: Carefully toss everything together while still keeping the avocado in tact.
Serving Avocado and Cucumber Salad
Simply put, serve it immediately. It doesn't keep well. The avocados will brown within a few hours, so this salad is best made and served immediately.
Watch the Video!
If you like this...
You also might like these other light and bright recipes:
Making the recipe? Be sure to leave a comment with a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ review on your experience! Have a question? Leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you as quickly as I can!
PrintFull Recipe
Cucumber Avocado Salad
- Prep Time: 00:10
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2-4 1x
- Category: Salad
Description
This Cucumber Avocado Salad is a simple weeknight salad that can be made in just about 10 minutes. It's refreshing and really flavorful.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon champagne vinegar
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt, more to taste
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, more to taste
- 1 small shallot, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 large european cucumber
- 1 ripe but firm avocado
- 1 tablespoon finely diced chives
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk together olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. Stir in the shallots. into Macerate for five minutes.
- Meanwhile, slice the cucumber on the diagonal into ¼” rounds.
- Slice the avocado into ¼” half moons.
- Add in the cucumber, avocado and chives. Using a rubber spatula, gently mix together the salad with the dressing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately.
Leave a Reply