This cucumber, tomato, and avocado salad is as vibrant as it is refreshing! The combination of crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado creates a perfect balance of textures, while the simple olive oil and lemon dressing highlights the natural flavors of each ingredient.
The best part? This salad is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust it by adding more vegetables or protein to make it a complete meal. Perfect for hot summer days, meal prep, or as a side dish at your next gathering, this salad is an instant crowd-pleaser.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 cucumber, peeled and diced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 ripe avocado, diced
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1/4 red onion, finely chopped
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh cilantro or parsley (optional)
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and chopped red onion.
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Drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Toss gently to combine, ensuring the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
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Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 190 kcal
Servings: 2 servings
Cucumber, Tomato, and Avocado Salad: A Refreshing and Healthy Dish for Every Occasion
When it comes to creating a dish that’s both light and bursting with flavor, few recipes are as versatile and vibrant as the cucumber, tomato, and avocado salad. This fresh and healthy combination is not only simple to make but also packed with nutrients that promote overall health and well-being. Whether you are looking for a quick lunch, a healthy snack, or the perfect side dish to complement your main course, this salad delivers all the goodness you need.
The Appeal of Cucumber, Tomato, and Avocado Salad
This salad’s appeal lies in its simplicity. With just three main ingredients cucumbers, tomatoes, and avocados it is easy to prepare yet incredibly satisfying. The crunchiness of the cucumber, the juiciness of the tomatoes, and the creamy richness of avocado come together in a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. What makes this salad even more appealing is its ability to cater to various dietary needs, such as vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets. You can easily modify the recipe to suit your specific preferences by adding extra herbs, seasonings, or other veggies.
Health Benefits of Cucumber, Tomato, and Avocado Salad
This salad is not just tasty but also a powerhouse of nutrients. Let’s take a closer look at the health benefits of each ingredient:
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Cucumber: Known for its high water content, cucumbers are an excellent way to stay hydrated, especially in the hot summer months. They are low in calories and rich in antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and promote healthy skin. Cucumbers are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, potassium, and magnesium, which help in maintaining healthy bones and muscles.
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Tomatoes: Tomatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C, both of which are essential for maintaining healthy skin and boosting the immune system. They are also rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Regular consumption of tomatoes may help improve your heart health by lowering bad cholesterol and improving blood circulation.
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Avocado: Avocados are often called “superfoods” due to their rich nutrient profile. Packed with healthy monounsaturated fats, avocados are great for heart health as they help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. They are also an excellent source of fiber, which aids in digestion and helps keep you feeling full for longer. Avocados are rich in potassium, vitamin K, and folate, all of which contribute to overall health, particularly in reducing blood pressure and supporting bone health.
Incorporating this cucumber, tomato, and avocado salad into your diet can therefore offer a number of health benefits, from improved heart health to better digestion. The freshness and combination of ingredients help create a nutrient-dense dish that provides an ideal balance of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and fiber.
Versatility of Cucumber, Tomato, and Avocado Salad
One of the main reasons this salad is so popular is its versatility. It can be served as a light and refreshing side dish to accompany any main course, such as grilled chicken, fish, or a vegan protein source. It also works well on its own as a light lunch or dinner, especially when paired with a piece of whole-grain bread or a quinoa bowl for added protein and fiber.
In addition, the salad can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. For example, if you want to add a little extra flavor, you can throw in a handful of crumbled feta or goat cheese, or even a sprinkle of nuts or seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for some extra crunch. Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or parsley can also be added to give the salad an extra pop of flavor. If you’re in the mood for something spicier, consider adding some red chili flakes or jalapeños to give the dish a zesty kick.
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, this salad is already a perfect fit as it contains healthy fats and fiber, without the added carbs. You can also drizzle it with a variety of dressings such as a balsamic vinaigrette, tahini, or a lemon-garlic dressing for a different flavor profile. The endless possibilities make this salad a fantastic base for creativity in the kitchen.
Perfect for All Occasions
Whether you’re hosting a summer BBQ, preparing a family dinner, or looking for a light meal on a hot day, the cucumber, tomato, and avocado salad is the perfect choice. Its bright and colorful presentation makes it an attractive addition to any meal. Additionally, it is a great choice for potlucks, picnics, or any gathering where you want to serve something that is healthy and refreshing but easy to prepare.
The ingredients are widely available, making it a budget-friendly option that can be prepared year-round, even in the off-season. In the summer months, when tomatoes and cucumbers are in abundance, this salad offers the freshest taste and is an excellent way to incorporate seasonal produce into your meals.
A Nutrient-Packed Summer Side Dish
If you’re looking for a summer dish that’s packed with nutrients but light enough to avoid feeling sluggish on a hot day, the cucumber, tomato, and avocado salad fits the bill perfectly. It provides a refreshing burst of hydration, while the healthy fats from the avocado keep you feeling satisfied without being heavy. Paired with a light protein, it makes for the ultimate balanced meal.
For those following weight management plans, this salad is an ideal choice due to its low calorie and high fiber content. The high water content of the cucumber and the fiber in the avocado help you feel fuller for longer, preventing overeating and snacking between meals.
How to Store and Keep Your Salad Fresh
Since the avocado in this salad can brown quickly after being cut, it’s best to prepare and serve this dish immediately. However, if you want to prepare it in advance, you can keep the cucumber and tomato mixture in the fridge, and add the avocado just before serving to preserve its color and texture. The salad can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day, but keep in mind that the avocado may not stay as fresh for long.
Alternatively, you can make a batch of the salad without the avocado and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply add fresh avocado, and enjoy the same delicious flavors.
Conclusion:
The cucumber, tomato, and avocado salad is a go-to recipe that’s fresh, healthy, and easy to make. Whether you’re looking to add more veggies to your diet or need a quick and tasty side dish for any occasion, this salad offers a combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love. The combination of cooling cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado creates the perfect balance of refreshing, tangy, and savory flavors. Its versatility allows for endless adaptations, making it an essential dish in any cook’s repertoire.
By incorporating this salad into your weekly meal plan, you’ll not only be treating yourself to a delicious and nutritious dish but also boosting your health with its impressive array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Try it today and discover why it’s a favorite among health-conscious food lovers everywhere!