Name: Cool Creamy Cucumber Avocado: 2 Ways
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Healthy
Ingredients: 2 large cucumbers, sliced thin; 2 ripe avocados, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Juice of 1 lemon or lime; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, or chopped jalapeños for extra flavor

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Cool Creamy Cucumber Avocado salad has become my absolute go-to for those sweltering summer days when the last thing I want is a heavy meal. I remember one particularly hot afternoon, I was craving something fresh and light, and this easy cucumber avocado salad was born out of necessity. The vibrant green hues, the crisp crunch of the cucumber, and the buttery smoothness of the avocado, all kissed with a bright lemon dressing – it’s pure bliss. It’s so simple yet so satisfying, and the aroma alone is enough to transport you to a breezy summer evening. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Cool Creamy Cucumber Avocado Salad

This salad is a winner for so many reasons:

Incredible taste: It’s the perfect balance of cool, creamy, and zesty.
Super quick prep: Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy and nutritious: Packed with good fats, vitamins, and fiber.
Budget-friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love this refreshing cucumber avocado salad.
Versatile: It’s a fantastic side dish for almost any meal.
Light and satisfying: A truly refreshing cucumber avocado salad that won’t weigh you down.
Naturally vegan: Enjoy all the goodness without any animal products.

Ingredients for Cool Creamy Cucumber Avocado Salad

Gather these simple ingredients for a quick and delicious salad. The stars are definitely the cool cucumbers and creamy avocados, but the other components truly make this a complete dish. This fresh combination is the base for a fantastic avocado cucumber salad dressing that ties it all together.

2 large cucumbers, sliced thin – English or Persian cucumbers work best for their thin skin and fewer seeds.
2 ripe avocados, diced – Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure for perfect creaminess.
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped – Adds a nice sharp bite to balance the richness.
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped – For a burst of herbaceous freshness that complements the avocado.
Juice of 1 lemon or lime – The citrus is key for brightness and acts as part of the avocado cucumber salad dressing.
2 tablespoons olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil adds a smooth, fruity note.
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
Optional: cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, or chopped jalapeños – For adding extra color, tang, or a spicy kick.

How to Make Cool Creamy Cucumber Avocado Salad

Whipping up this refreshing salad is incredibly simple, making it a perfect candidate for a quick creamy cucumber avocado recipe. You’ll have a delicious side dish or light meal in no time!

Step 1: Start by thoroughly washing your 2 large cucumbers and the fresh cilantro. This ensures everything is clean and ready to go.
Step 2: Slice the cucumbers thinly. Aim for about 1/8-inch thick rounds or half-moons. This thinness helps them blend beautifully with the avocados.
Step 3: Carefully dice your 2 ripe avocados. For the best texture, make sure they are perfectly ripe – not too hard, not too mushy.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, diced avocados, finely chopped 1/4 cup red onion, and chopped 1/4 cup fresh cilantro. The aroma of the fresh cilantro is always a good sign for a quick creamy cucumber avocado recipe.
Step 5: Drizzle everything with the juice of 1 lemon or lime and the 2 tablespoons olive oil. This citrus and oil combination creates a light, flavorful dressing that perfectly complements the main ingredients.
Step 6: Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is lightly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the avocado mushy. You want distinct pieces.
Step 7: Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add optional ingredients here, like chopped jalapeños for a little heat or a pinch of chili flakes. This is where you can really customize your quick creamy cucumber avocado recipe!
Step 8: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste and crunch. Alternatively, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance its coolness.

Pro Tips for the Best Cool Creamy Cucumber Avocado Salad

Want to elevate this simple salad from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make all the difference.

Use ripe but firm avocados: They should give slightly when pressed, but not be mushy. This ensures they hold their shape and provide that perfect creamy texture.
Chill your ingredients: Make sure your cucumbers and avocado are well-chilled before mixing. This keeps the salad extra refreshing.
Don’t dress too early: For the best texture, toss the salad with the dressing just before serving. This prevents the cucumbers from getting watery and the avocado from browning too quickly.
Taste and adjust: Always taste your salad before serving. You might need a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to really make the flavors pop in this creamy avocado cucumber recipe.

What’s the secret to a perfectly cool and creamy cucumber avocado salad?

The magic lies in using perfectly ripe avocados that are diced just before mixing, and ensuring your ingredients are well-chilled. The simple lemon-olive oil dressing also helps create that delightful creamy avocado cucumber recipe texture without being heavy. For more insights on healthy eating, you can explore resources on healthy eating guidelines.

Can I make this cucumber avocado salad ahead of time?

Yes, but with a caveat! You can prep the cucumbers, onion, and cilantro ahead and store them separately. Dice the avocado and mix everything with the dressing right before serving to keep it fresh and prevent browning.

How do I avoid common mistakes with cucumber avocado salad?

The biggest pitfalls are using overripe avocados, which turn mushy, or dressing the salad too far in advance, which can make the cucumbers watery. Also, be gentle when tossing to maintain the avocado’s creamy structure.

Best Ways to Serve Cool Creamy Cucumber Avocado Salad

This versatile salad is fantastic on its own, but it truly shines when paired with other dishes. It’s the perfect cool cucumber avocado side dish for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners. Imagine serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish; the creamy, refreshing flavors cut through richer meats beautifully. It’s also a fantastic addition to taco night, providing a cooling contrast to spicy fillings. For an even heartier meal, try it with burgers or even as a topping for loaded baked potatoes. It’s a simple way to add a burst of freshness and healthy fats to any plate.

Nutrition Facts for Cool Creamy Cucumber Avocado Salad

Here’s a look at the nutritional highlights for this refreshing dish, per serving. This healthy cucumber avocado salad is packed with good-for-you ingredients.

Calories: 150 kcal
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 120mg
Cholesterol: 0mg

Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

How to Store and Reheat Cool Creamy Cucumber Avocado Salad

Leftovers of this delightful salad are best enjoyed fresh, but if you find yourself with extra, proper storage is key. First, let the salad cool down completely at room temperature. Then, transfer it into an airtight container. For the best results and to prevent the avocado from browning and the cucumbers from becoming watery, add a little extra squeeze of lemon or lime juice over the top before sealing. This acts like a natural preservative for the avocado cucumber salad dressing, helping maintain its freshness. Stored this way in the refrigerator, your cool creamy cucumber avocado salad should stay good for 1-2 days. Reheating isn’t really an option for this chilled dish; simply enjoy it cold straight from the fridge!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cool Creamy Cucumber Avocado Salad

How do I make cucumber avocado salad that stays fresh?

To ensure your salad stays vibrant and delicious, the key is to add the avocado and dressing just before serving. If you need to prep ahead, keep the diced avocado separate and toss it with a little extra lemon or lime juice to prevent browning. For the cucumbers, chopping them closer to serving time also helps maintain their crispness.

Can I add protein to this cucumber avocado salad?

Absolutely! This salad is a fantastic base for adding protein. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas work wonderfully. For a vegetarian option, crumbled feta cheese or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds adds a nice textural and protein boost to your healthy cucumber avocado salad.

What can I serve with this cool creamy cucumber avocado salad?

This salad is incredibly versatile! It makes a perfect side dish for tacos, grilled fish, or burgers. You can also serve it as a light lunch on its own, perhaps with some crusty bread for dipping. It’s a simple way to add a refreshing element to any meal, making it a go-to cucumber avocado side dish.

Why is my cucumber avocado salad mushy?

Mushiness is usually a sign of overripe avocados or overmixing. Make sure you’re using avocados that are ripe but still have a bit of firmness. When combining the ingredients, toss them gently rather than stirring vigorously. This preserves the creamy texture of the avocado and the crispness of the cucumber in your creamy avocado cucumber recipe.

Variations of Cucumber Avocado Salad You Can Try

While this cool creamy cucumber avocado salad is fantastic as is, don’t be afraid to experiment! It’s a wonderfully adaptable dish, perfect for creating a truly healthy cucumber avocado salad tailored to your tastes or dietary needs.

Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, finely dice a jalapeño or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. This adds a delightful warmth that complements the cool, creamy elements.
Mediterranean Twist: Crumble in some feta cheese and add a handful of Kalamata olives. A splash of red wine vinegar can also enhance the flavors for a more robust salad.
Heartier Meal: To make this a more substantial dish, toss in some grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa. This transforms it into a complete and satisfying meal, perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
Creamy Dill Delight: Swap the cilantro for fresh dill and add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the dressing for an extra creamy, herbaceous flavor profile.