Cucumber Tomato and Avocado Salad Recipe

Welcome the vibrant flavors of spring with this refreshing Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad. Bursting with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy avocados, this salad is a celebration of the season’s freshest produce. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a side dish to complement your meal, this colorful and nutritious salad will surely awaken your taste buds and bring a ray of sunshine to your table. Simple to prepare yet delightfully satisfying, it’s an ideal way to enjoy the essence of spring in every bite.

Tomato cucumber and avocado salad
Tomato cucumber and avocado salad

Ingredients for Cucumber Tomato and Avocado Salad

To make this delicious, fresh salad you will need the following ingredients:

  • Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, tomatoes contribute to heart health and may help reduce the risk of certain cancers. They are also a good source of vitamins C and K, potassium, and folate.
  • Cucumbers: These hydrating vegetables are high in water content and low in calories, making them perfect for keeping you refreshed and revitalized. Cucumbers also provide a good amount of vitamins K and C, along with several minerals such as magnesium and potassium.
  • Avocados: Known for their creamy texture, avocados are packed with healthy monounsaturated fats that support heart health and help to keep you feeling full. They are also rich in fiber, vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin C, and B-vitamins, which contribute to overall health and well-being.
  • Red Onions: Adding a mild yet zesty punch to the salad, red onions are rich in antioxidants and sulfur compounds that contribute to their distinctive color and flavor. These onions are also a good source of vitamin C, B vitamins, and trace minerals such as chromium, which can aid in blood sugar regulation. Their crunchy texture and sharp taste perfectly complement the mellow flavors of tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocados.
For the Dressing:
    • Olive Oil: This heart-healthy oil is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and adds a delicate flavor to dressings. It contains monounsaturated fats, which have been shown to help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
    • Lemon Juice: The tangy and refreshing taste of lemon juice makes it an excellent addition to any salad dressing. Lemons are also rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and other beneficial plant compounds that promote good health.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Avocados:  2 medium sized avocados peeled, pitted, and diced
  • English cucumber:  1 large English cucumber or 3 Persian cucumbers, quartered lengthwise and cubed
  • Red Onion:  1/2 of medium sized onion, thinly sliced
Dressing for
  • Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
  • Sea Salt: 1/2 teaspoon 
  • Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon

Preparing the Salad:

  1. Cherry Tomatoes:
  • Wash 2 cups of cherry tomatoes.
  • Cut each tomato in half. If the tomatoes are particularly large, you can cut them into smaller pieces.
  1. Avocados:
  • Peel and pit 2 medium avocados.
  • Dice the avocados into bite-sized pieces. Be careful not to mash them.
  1. Cucumbers:
  • Wash and dry 1 large English cucumber or 3 Persian cucumbers.
  • Quarter the cucumbers lengthwise and then cube them.
  1. Red Onion:
  • Peel and thinly slice ½ small red onion.
  1. Combine Ingredients:
  • In a large salad bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocados, quartered and cubed cucumbers, and sliced red onion.
Preparing the Dressing:
  1. Lemon Juice: Squeeze 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice into a small mixing bowl.
  1. Olive Oil: Add 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to the lemon juice.
  1. Seasoning: Add 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.

Whisk the mixture until all ingredients are well combined.

Finishing Touches:
  1. Dress the Salad:
  • Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
  • Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing, taking care not to crush the avocado pieces.
  1. Serve:
  • Your Fresh Garden Salad is ready to be served! Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish or a light meal on its own.
Tips
  • Optional Add-Ins:
  • For added protein, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro can provide an extra burst of flavor.
  • Storage:
  • If you need to store the salad, keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.

Enjoy your healthy and delicious Fresh Garden Salad! 🍅🥑🥗