Avocado-Cucumber Refresh Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hydrating, anti-inflammatory salad that combats skin breakouts and supports skin health during Whole30 transitions. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 15 minutes pairs avocado, cucumber, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 215 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 215 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 diced avocado, 1/2 diced cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion.
  2. Step 2: Whisk 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and a pinch of black pepper until emulsified, then pour over vegetables.
  3. Step 3: Toss gently with 2 tbsp chopped parsley until evenly coated, then chill for 15 minutes until flavors meld and ingredients are well-hydrated.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Avocado-Cucumber Refresh Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Avocado-Cucumber Refresh Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep avocado from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Avocado-Cucumber Refresh Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Avocado-Cucumber Refresh Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Avocado-Cucumber Refresh Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing?

Mediterranean whole30 like this pair well with a compliant starch (roasted sweet potato, cauliflower rice, or plantains), a crisp salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, and sliced fruit. Skip grains, legumes, dairy and added sugar — none of them are Whole30-compliant. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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