Cucumber-Avocado & Lime Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

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

A refreshing, hydrating salad with electrolyte-rich ingredients to combat bloating and headaches during Whole30 reset periods. This mediterranean-inspired salads (whole30) ready in about 12 minutes pairs cucumber, avocado, 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 240 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.

Prep: 12 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine cucumber slices, diced avocado, red onion, and cilantro. Gently toss to mix without mashing avocado.
  2. Step 2: Whisk together lime juice, avocado oil, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified and slightly thickened.
  3. Step 3: Pour dressing over salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and glistening (about 30 seconds).
  4. Step 4: Let sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and prevent avocado browning.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cucumber-Avocado & Lime Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 12 minutes (12 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 Cucumber-Avocado & Lime Salad with Lemon-Tahini 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 cucumber from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cucumber-Avocado & Lime Salad with Lemon-Tahini 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 Cucumber-Avocado & Lime Salad with Lemon-Tahini 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.

Is Cucumber-Avocado & Lime Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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