Cucumber-Avocado Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing
A refreshing, hydrating salad featuring crisp cucumbers and creamy avocado, dressed in a zesty lime-cilantro vinaigrette. Perfect for cooling down during a Whole30 reset. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 20 minutes blends ripe, pitted and diced avocado, zested and juiced lime, finely chopped cilantro 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 medium, peeled and diced into 1/4-inch cubes cucumber
- 1 ripe, pitted and diced avocado
- 1, zested and juiced lime
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk 2 tbsp olive oil, the juice of 1 lime, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro until smooth and emulsified.
- Step 2: Add 1 medium peeled and diced cucumber (1/4-inch cubes) and 1 ripe avocado (pitted and diced) to the bowl, then gently fold with a rubber spatula until evenly coated, being careful not to mash the avocado.
- Step 3: Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve chilled.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cucumber-Avocado Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (20 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 Lime-Cilantro 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 Lime-Cilantro 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 Lime-Cilantro 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 Cucumber-Avocado Salad with Lime-Cilantro 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
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to whole30 dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
