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Fresh Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Recipe Easy Zesty Lime Dressing

fresh cucumber tomato avocado salad - featured image

A quick and easy fresh cucumber tomato avocado salad with a zesty lime dressing that balances crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a tangy lime kick. Perfect for summer meals, picnics, or a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium cucumbers, sliced thin (English cucumbers recommended)
  • 2 large ripe tomatoes, chopped (heirloom or vine-ripened preferred)
  • 2 ripe but firm avocados, diced (Hass avocados recommended)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (or parsley as a substitute)
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt to taste (kosher or sea salt preferred)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Prep the vegetables: Wash and dry cucumbers and tomatoes. Slice cucumbers thinly (about 1/8 inch thick). Chop tomatoes into 1-inch pieces. Dice avocados into 1-inch cubes last to avoid browning. Finely chop red onion and cilantro. (Optional: soak onion in cold water for 5 minutes for milder flavor, then drain.)
  2. Make the zesty lime dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, honey, and minced garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste (start with 1/8 teaspoon salt and a pinch of pepper). Whisk until emulsified and slightly thickened. Add smoked paprika if desired.
  3. Toss the salad: In a medium mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and cilantro. Pour dressing over salad and gently toss using two large spoons or salad tongs, being careful not to mash the avocado.
  4. Final seasoning and rest: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed. Let salad rest at room temperature for about 5 minutes to meld flavors and soften onion slightly. Serve immediately or chill up to 1 hour.

Notes

Use ripe but firm avocados to avoid mushiness. Slice cucumbers thinly for crunch and better dressing absorption. Fresh lime juice is essential for brightness. Avoid overdressing to keep flavors balanced. Store leftovers with avocado pit and extra lime juice to slow browning. Best eaten fresh but can be refrigerated up to 24 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, tomato salad, avocado salad, lime dressing, fresh salad, summer salad, easy salad, healthy salad, gluten-free, vegan option