Citrus-Infused Avocado & Herb Salad
A vibrant, refreshing salad featuring creamy avocado and zesty citrus dressing, perfect for a light lunch or side dish. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs large avocado, cucumber, red onion into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. 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
- 1 large avocado
- 1/2 cup cucumber
- 1/4 cup red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Dice 1 large avocado into 1/2-inch cubes and place in a medium bowl. Add 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro to the bowl.
- Step 2: Whisk together 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a small bowl until emulsified, then pour over the salad ingredients.
- Step 3: Gently toss all ingredients until evenly coated and the avocado is just moistened, being careful not to mash it — the mixture should hold its shape when scooped.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Infused Avocado & Herb Salad 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 Citrus-Infused Avocado & Herb Salad?
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 large avocado from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Infused Avocado & Herb Salad?
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 Citrus-Infused Avocado & Herb Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Citrus-Infused Avocado & Herb Salad?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.