If you’re craving a salad that screams freshness, you’ve got to try my loaded cucumber avocado salad! It’s not just any salad; it’s a vibrant medley of flavors and textures that dance on your palate. Imagine the crunch of crisp cucumbers paired with the creamy richness of ripe avocados, all brightened up by zesty lime and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Seriously, every bite is a burst of deliciousness! This salad is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at a barbecue, or even a quick dinner on a warm evening. Trust me, once you make this loaded cucumber avocado salad, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare—what’s not to love?
Ingredients for Loaded Cucumber Avocado Salad Recipe
- 2 large cucumbers, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 ripe avocados, diced, ensuring they’re perfectly soft but not overripe
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved for a burst of sweetness
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped to add a sharp crunch
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for a fresh herbal note
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled, to bring in a creamy, tangy flavor
- Juice of 2 limes, freshly squeezed for that zesty brightness
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin for the best flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste, to enhance all the flavors
How to Prepare the Loaded Cucumber Avocado Salad Recipe
Getting this loaded cucumber avocado salad ready is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be worth every moment! Let’s break it down step by step so you can nail it perfectly.
Step 1 – Prepare the Vegetables
First up, let’s get those veggies prepped! Start by dicing the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces—make sure to use a sharp knife to keep them crisp and prevent bruising. Next, for the avocados, gently cut them in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh. Dice them carefully, and if you see any brown spots, just cut those away. Remember, the key is to handle them gently to maintain that creamy texture! Chop the red onion finely and give the cilantro a rough chop, too. All these will add beautiful color and flavor to our salad.
Step 2 – Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine those diced cucumbers, avocados, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and cilantro. Be gentle when mixing—avocados can be delicate, and we don’t want them turning into mush! Instead, use a large spoon to fold everything together, ensuring all the vibrant colors are evenly distributed.
Step 3 – Make the Dressing
Now for the dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the freshly squeezed lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. This is where balancing flavors comes into play—taste as you go! If you want a bit more zing, add a splash more lime juice, or if you prefer a richer taste, drizzle in a tad more olive oil.
Step 4 – Toss the Salad
Pour that zesty dressing over your salad and gently toss everything together. Use a light hand here—this isn’t a vigorous mix! Just enough to coat every piece, making sure the dressing clings without squishing your avocados.
Step 5 – Serve the Salad
Finally, it’s time to plate! Transfer your salad to a serving bowl or individual plates, and don’t forget to sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top right before serving. It adds a lovely creaminess and a pop of flavor. For a finishing touch, you can add a few cilantro leaves for garnish. Enjoy your refreshing masterpiece!
Tips for Success
To make sure your loaded cucumber avocado salad shines, always start with the freshest ingredients. Look for firm, ripe avocados—if they yield slightly to pressure, they’re perfect! Season your salad gently; it’s easier to add more salt and pepper than to fix an over-seasoned dish. Serve it immediately for the best flavor and texture, as the avocados can brown and the cucumbers lose their crunch over time. If you need to prepare ahead, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This way, your salad stays vibrant and fresh for that delightful crunch!
Variations on the Loaded Cucumber Avocado Salad Recipe
Want to mix things up with your loaded cucumber avocado salad? Here are a few delicious variations you can try! First, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for a protein boost—this makes it a heartier meal! You could also toss in some diced bell peppers or radishes for an extra crunch and a pop of color. If you love a bit of heat, add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing. And for a Mediterranean twist, swap out the feta for crumbled goat cheese and add olives for a briny kick. The possibilities are endless!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my loaded cucumber avocado salad: approximately 250 calories, 20g of fat (including 3g saturated fat), 5g of protein, 16g of carbohydrates, and 7g of fiber. It also contains about 3g of sugar and 200mg of sodium. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Enjoy every nutritious bite!
FAQ Section
Can I make the loaded cucumber avocado salad ahead of time?
While you can chop the veggies in advance, I recommend adding the avocado and dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re looking for a different flavor, goat cheese is a great alternative! For a vegan option, try using cashew cheese or omitting cheese altogether.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Just know that the avocados may brown a bit, but it’ll still taste delicious!
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with your favorites like bell peppers, radishes, or even corn for extra sweetness and crunch.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat for the best flavor and texture. It’s a fantastic option for a healthy meal prep!
For more information on the health benefits of avocados, check out this Healthline article. You can also learn about the nutritional value of cucumbers in this Medical News Today article.
Print
Loaded Cucumber Avocado Salad Recipe with 5 Fresh Tips!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing and nutritious loaded cucumber avocado salad packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, diced
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Juice of 2 limes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Dice the cucumbers, avocados, and chop the onion and cilantro.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, avocados, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Sprinkle feta cheese on top before serving.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife to avoid bruising the avocados.
- For added protein, consider incorporating grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: loaded cucumber avocado salad recipe
