Cucumber-Avocado Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing
A refreshing salad of crisp cucumbers and creamy avocado dressed in a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette, perfect for a light lunch or side. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 15 minutes blends (diced) avocado, (thinly sliced) red onion, (chopped) fresh mint 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
- 1 large (peeled, seeded, diced into 1/2-inch cubes) cucumber
- 2 (diced) avocado
- 1/4 cup (thinly sliced) red onion
- 2 tbsp (chopped) fresh mint
- 1 tbsp (chopped) fresh dill
- 1 (zest and 2 tbsp juice) lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In large bowl, combine diced cucumber, diced avocado, and sliced red onion. Gently toss to mix without mashing avocado.
- Step 2: Whisk together lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, 2 tbsp chopped mint, and 1 tbsp chopped dill until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour dressing over cucumber mixture and toss gently until evenly coated. Add extra mint for garnish if desired.
- Step 4: Chill 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cucumber-Avocado 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 Cucumber-Avocado 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 Cucumber-Avocado 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 Cucumber-Avocado 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.
Is Cucumber-Avocado Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the Mediterranean come through in every bite.
- ★★★★★
Doubled the garlic (as one does) and it was amazing.
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
