Lemon-Herb Cucumber & Avocado Salad
A refreshing, hydrating salad with crisp cucumber and creamy avocado, brightened by zesty lemon and fresh herbs. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (whole30) ready in about 10 minutes pairs (peeled, diced 1/2-inch) cucumber, (diced 1/2-inch) avocado, (finely chopped) fresh cilantro for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 1.5 cups (peeled, diced 1/2-inch) cucumber
- 1 cup (diced 1/2-inch) avocado
- 1/4 cup (finely chopped) fresh cilantro
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- pinch black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1.5 cups diced cucumber, 1 cup diced avocado, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro; gently toss to avoid mashing avocado.
- Step 2: Whisk 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and a pinch of black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour dressing over cucumber mixture and toss gently until evenly coated; let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Cucumber & Avocado Salad 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 Lemon-Herb Cucumber & Avocado Salad?
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 (diced 1/2-inch) avocado from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Cucumber & Avocado Salad?
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 Lemon-Herb Cucumber & Avocado Salad 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.
Is Lemon-Herb Cucumber & Avocado Salad whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
