Cucumber-Avocado Tomato Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing
A refreshing, hydrating salad packed with vibrant flavors and healthy fats for optimal digestion. This mediterranean-inspired salads (anti-inflammatory) ready in about 15 minutes blends large, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced 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 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
- 2 medium, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes cucumbers
- 1 large, diced avocado
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine diced cucumbers, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp lemon zest, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified and glossy.
- Step 3: Pour dressing over salad ingredients and toss gently until all components are evenly coated. Serve immediately to prevent browning.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cucumber-Avocado Tomato 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 Tomato 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 Tomato 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 Tomato 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.
What goes well with Cucumber-Avocado Tomato Salad with Lemon-Herb Dressing?
Mediterranean salads 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
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.