When it comes to refreshing, light, and flavorful dishes, the Marinated Cucumber and Avocado Salad stands out as a crowd-pleaser. This vibrant salad combines the cool crunch of cucumbers with the creamy goodness of ripe avocados, all brought together with a tangy, fragrant marinade that enhances each ingredient. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this salad offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Perfectly Balanced: The crispness of cucumbers paired with the smooth, creamy texture of avocados creates a delightful contrast. The light marinade, featuring lime juice and honey, adds just the right amount of tangy sweetness to elevate the flavors without overpowering them.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple, fresh ingredients and minimal prep time, this salad comes together quickly and effortlessly.
- Versatile: It’s a great side dish for grilled meats, seafood, or even as a light main dish on its own.
- Healthy and Nourishing: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad is as nutritious as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delightful salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 ripe avocados, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, but adds a lovely freshness)
- 1/4 cup lime juice (for that bright, tangy kick)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey (balances the tanginess)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder (for a warm, earthy flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables
Start by thinly slicing your cucumbers and red onion. Chop the avocados into bite-sized pieces, and if you’re using fresh cilantro, chop it finely for later use. - Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper. This will be the flavorful marinade that ties the salad together. Make sure it’s smooth and well blended. - Toss and Marinate
In a large salad bowl, combine the cucumbers, avocados, and red onion. Drizzle the marinade over the top, gently tossing the ingredients to coat everything evenly. Once mixed, cover the bowl and let the salad marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is key as it allows the flavors to meld, making the salad even more delicious. - Add the Fresh Herbs
Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped cilantro on top for a burst of color and extra flavor. Give the salad one final, gentle toss to incorporate the herbs. - Serve and Enjoy
Serve the salad chilled, and enjoy! It pairs beautifully with grilled dishes or can be enjoyed on its own as a light, healthy meal.
A Salad for Any Occasion
The Marinated Cucumber and Avocado Salad is more than just a side dish – it’s a refreshing and satisfying addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or adding a fresh element to your weekly dinner rotation, this salad is sure to become a favorite.
Its combination of textures and flavors is not only appealing but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for all sorts of occasions. Plus, with its healthy ingredients, you can feel great about enjoying every bite!
So next time you’re looking for a dish that’s both light and flavorful, give this Marinated Cucumber and Avocado Salad a try – you won’t be disappointed!
PrintMarinated Cucumber and Avocado Salad
Description
Savor the vibrant flavors of this Marinated Cucumber and Avocado Salad. Featuring crisp cucumbers paired with creamy avocados, all tossed in a tangy and fragrant marinade, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying. It’s perfect for summer barbecues, cozy dinners, or any occasion when you crave a light and tasty dish.
Ingredients
2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
2 ripe avocados, chopped
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
1/4 cup lime juice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon cumin powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion.
Chop the avocados into bite-sized pieces.
If using, chop the fresh cilantro.
2. Prepare the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, honey, minced garlic, cumin powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well blended.
3. Marinate the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, chopped avocados, and sliced red onion.
Drizzle the marinade over the vegetables and avocados, then gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
4. Add Fresh Herbs:
Just before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh cilantro over the salad and give it a gentle toss to incorporate.
5. Serve:
Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful and creamy Marinated Cucumber and Avocado Salad, a perfect companion to any meal!
Notes
For extra crunch, add a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds.
To enhance the flavor, consider adding some crumbled queso fresco or a sprinkle of chili flakes.