Avocado-Cucumber Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing
A refreshing blend of creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and zesty lime dressing, perfect for cooling down after a hot day. This mexican-inspired salads (dairy-free) ready in about 10 minutes blends diced Avocado, large, diced Cucumber, finely diced Red onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 2, diced Avocado
- 1 large, diced Cucumber
- 1/4 cup, finely diced Red onion
- 2 tbsp, chopped Fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp Lime juice
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/8 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine diced avocado, diced cucumber, finely diced red onion, and chopped cilantro. Gently toss to mix without mashing the avocado.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until fully emulsified and slightly thickened.
- Step 3: Pour dressing over the avocado mixture and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated, being careful to avoid breaking the avocado pieces.
- Step 4: Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and prevent browning (avocado will remain vibrant green).
- Step 5: Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or light lunch.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Avocado-Cucumber Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Avocado-Cucumber Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Avocado-Cucumber Salad with Lime-Cilantro 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 Salad with Lime-Cilantro 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.
Is Avocado-Cucumber Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing dairy-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.