Introduction
Fresh and vibrant, this salad combines the creamy texture of ripe avocados with the refreshing crunch of cucumbers and the zing of citrus. Perfect for sunny days or as a side dish to complement any meal, it’s a simple yet satisfying choice. Here’s how to make it!
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Salad
2 big ripe avocados, cut into quarters then 1 cm / 0.4″ slices
3 cucumbers ~17cm/7″ long, sliced into 4mm / 1/6″ rounds
1/4 red onion, finely sliced
2 tbsp dill, finely chopped, optional but recommended
2 tbsp coriander/cilantro leaves, roughly chopped, optional but recommended
Dressing
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp lime juice, or lemon juice (or more, adjust to taste!)
1/4 tsp chili flakes / red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp black pepper
3/4 tsp cooking / kosher salt
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
0 minutes
Total Time
10 minutes
Yield
5 servings
Instructions
Put all the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle over lime juice and olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Toss gently using your hands, making sure to separate the avocado slices gently as you go. Taste and adjust lime juice as desired. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
If using long telegraph / English cucumbers, use 1 1/2 for this recipe. Fresh herbs like dill and coriander elevate the flavor but are optional. For those who dislike coriander, substitute with an extra tablespoon of dill or use parsley instead. Leftovers can be saved until the next day, and the avocado remains green but for the best experience, enjoy it fresh!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Cut the ripe avocados into quarters and then slice them into 1 cm (0.4 inches) thick pieces. Slice the cucumbers into 4 mm (1/6 inch) rounds and finely slice the red onion. If using, finely chop the dill and roughly chop the coriander or cilantro leaves.
Combine Ingredients in a Bowl
In a large bowl, add all the prepared salad ingredients: avocado, cucumbers, red onion, dill, and coriander (if using).
Make the Dressing
In a separate small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, lime juice (or lemon juice), chilli flakes, black pepper, and cooking or kosher salt. Whisk together until well blended.
Dress the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl.
Toss the Salad
Using your hands, gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients, taking care to separate the avocado slices as you mix.
Taste and Adjust
After tossing, taste the salad and adjust the lime juice if desired, adding more for extra acidity.
Serve the Salad
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Note 1
If using long telegraph or English cucumbers that are approximately 30 cm (12 inches) long, use 1 and a half cucumbers instead of three.
Note 2
Fresh dill and coriander enhance the salad’s flavor, but they are optional. If you do not have them on hand, you can skip them or substitute with additional parsley. If you dislike coriander, use an extra tablespoon of dill instead.
Note 3
Leftover salad can be stored in the refrigerator and will keep until the next day; the avocado should remain green. However, for the best taste, it is recommended to serve the salad fresh.
Cook techniques
Slicing Avocados
To slice avocados, cut them in half and remove the pit. Cut them into quarters and then slice each quarter into 1 cm (0.4″) pieces. This method ensures even pieces that mix well in the salad.
Slicing Cucumbers
For cucumbers, slice them into rounds about 4mm (1/6″) thick. This thickness allows for a refreshing crunch while being small enough to enjoy in every bite.
Finely Slicing Onions
To finely slice red onions, first cut them in half and peel off the skin. Place the flat side down and make thin, even slices across the onion. This technique enhances the onion’s flavor without overpowering the salad.
Chopping Fresh Herbs
When chopping fresh dill and coriander, use a sharp knife to finely chop the herbs. For a rough chop, simply slice through the herbs quickly while keeping their integrity for a burst of flavor.
Tossing Ingredients
Gently toss the salad ingredients using your hands. Avoid mashing the avocado by being careful and separating the slices as you mix. This technique ensures that all ingredients are well-coated without losing shape.
Drizzling Dressing
When adding dressing, drizzle olive oil and lime juice evenly over the salad. This method allows for better distribution of flavor before tossing.
Tasting and Adjusting
After tossing, taste the salad and adjust the lime juice to suit your preference. This final step is crucial for perfecting the balance of flavors.
FAQ
Can I make this salad in advance?
While the salad can be prepared a few hours ahead, it’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain the texture of the avocado and cucumber.
What can I use instead of lime juice?
If lime juice is not available, lemon juice can be used as a substitute for a similar tangy flavor.
What if I don’t like coriander?
If you are not a fan of coriander, you can use an extra tablespoon of dill or substitute it with parsley for a different flavor profile.
How can I store leftovers?
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day, and the avocado should stay green with proper storage.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, or radishes to customize your salad.
Conclusion
This vibrant avocado and cucumber salad is a refreshing and nutritious choice, perfect for any meal or as a side dish. The combination of creamy avocados, crisp cucumbers, and savory herbs, enhanced by a zesty lime dressing, creates a delightful flavor profile. It is simple to prepare and will keep well in the refrigerator, making it a great option for meal prep or gatherings. Enjoy the burst of freshness with every bite!
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