Lime-Cilantro Avocado Cucumber Salad
A refreshing and hydrating salad featuring creamy avocado and crisp cucumber, tossed in a zesty lime-cilantro dressing for a light yet satisfying Whole30 meal. This mexican-inspired whole30 ready in about 10 minutes pairs large, diced avocado, peeled and diced cucumber, finely diced red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 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 large, diced avocado
- 1, peeled and diced cucumber
- 2 tbsp, finely diced red onion
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1, juiced lime
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the diced avocado, diced cucumber, finely diced red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients 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 Lime-Cilantro Avocado Cucumber 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 Lime-Cilantro Avocado Cucumber 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 large, diced avocado from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lime-Cilantro Avocado Cucumber 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 Lime-Cilantro Avocado Cucumber 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.
What goes well with Lime-Cilantro Avocado Cucumber Salad?
Mexican 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
- ★★★★★
Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
- ★★★★★
Quick to prep and the results are amazing. A real keeper.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
