Cucumber-Avocado Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

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

A cooling, hydrating salad featuring creamy avocado and crisp cucumbers, dressed in a tangy tahini sauce that supports skin health during reintroduction phases. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 10 minutes pairs cucumber, avocado, chives for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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.

★ 4.2 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Serves 1 Mediterranean cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cut 8 oz cucumber into 1/4-inch half-moons; place in a bowl. Halve and pit 1/2 ripe avocado, then dice into 1/4-inch cubes and add to cucumber.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp tahini, 1/4 lemon juice, 1/2 minced garlic clove, 1/8 tsp sea salt, and 1 tsp olive oil until smooth and creamy, adding 1 tsp water if too thick.
  3. Step 3: Pour dressing over cucumber-avocado mixture and gently toss with tongs until evenly coated and glossy.
  4. Step 4: Refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then sprinkle with 2 tbsp finely sliced chives before serving.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 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 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 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 Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Cucumber-Avocado Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing?

Mediterranean whole30 like this pair well with a compliant starch (roasted sweet potato, cauliflower rice, or plantains), a crisp salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, and sliced fruit. Skip grains, legumes, dairy and added sugar — none of them are Whole30-compliant. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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