Hydrating Cucumber-Avocado & Herb Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing

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

A refreshing, electrolyte-rich salad that combats Whole30-related headaches with hydrating cucumbers, potassium-packed avocado, and a soothing lemon-tahini dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 15 minutes pairs cucumber, avocado, fresh cilantro 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 320 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.

★ 4.1 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 large sliced cucumber, 1 diced avocado, and 1/2 cup chopped cilantro. Toss gently to avoid mashing the avocado.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until every piece is evenly coated, ensuring the avocado stays intact and the dressing emulsifies into a glossy glaze.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 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 Hydrating Cucumber-Avocado & Herb 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 Hydrating Cucumber-Avocado & Herb 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 Hydrating Cucumber-Avocado & Herb 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.

What goes well with Hydrating Cucumber-Avocado & Herb Salad with Lemon-Tahini 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.

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