Creamy Avocado-Cucumber Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing
A refreshing, no-cook salad that stabilizes blood sugar and supports skin health, perfect for Whole30 reintroduction days. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 15 minutes blends large avocado, medium cucumber, thinly sliced 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 280 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 1 large avocado
- 1 medium cucumber
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut avocado in half, remove pit, and dice flesh into 1/4-inch cubes. Place in a bowl and toss gently with 1 tbsp lemon juice to prevent browning.
- Step 2: Peel cucumber, remove seeds, and dice into 1/4-inch cubes. Add to avocado bowl with thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 3: Whisk together olive oil, remaining 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Step 4: Pour dressing over salad and toss gently with chopped dill and mint until evenly coated.
- Step 5: Chill for 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld, ensuring optimal skin health benefits.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Avocado-Cucumber Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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 Creamy Avocado-Cucumber Salad with Lemon-Herb 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 Creamy Avocado-Cucumber 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 Creamy Avocado-Cucumber Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing 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 Creamy Avocado-Cucumber Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing?
Mediterranean whole30 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
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
