Hydrating Cucumber-Avocado Salad with Lime-Cilantro Dressing
A refreshing, anti-inflammatory salad that combats dehydration and supports skin health, featuring crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, and a zesty lime-cilantro dressing without added sugar or dairy. This mediterranean-inspired salads (anti-inflammatory) 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 250 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.
Ingredients
- 1 large (peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes) cucumber
- 1 ripe (diced into 1/2-inch cubes) avocado
- 1/4 cup (finely chopped) fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup (from 2 limes) lime juice
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup lime juice, 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified and slightly thickened.
- Step 2: Add 1 large peeled and diced cucumber (1/2-inch cubes) and 1 ripe diced avocado (1/2-inch cubes) to the dressing, then gently fold in 1/4 cup fresh cilantro until evenly coated.
- Step 3: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the avocado to soften slightly without turning brown.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Hydrating Cucumber-Avocado Salad with Lime-Cilantro 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 Salad with Lime-Cilantro 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 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 Hydrating 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 Hydrating Cucumber-Avocado Salad with Lime-Cilantro 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
- ★★★★★
I've tried many salads recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
