If you’re on the hunt for a refreshing, vibrant salad that’s as nutritious as it is delicious, let me introduce you to the Avocado Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Lime Dressing Recipe. This salad is a glorious symphony of creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all brought together with a zesty lime dressing that brightens every bite. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or as the star side dish at any gathering. The flavors are fresh and natural, making this salad not just a meal but a celebration of wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines through its simplicity, relying on a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients that each play a key role in flavor, texture, and color. The combination is thoughtfully balanced to give you a salad that looks gorgeous and tastes even better.
- 2 large ripe avocados: Creamy, buttery, and the heart of the salad, providing richness and healthy fats.
- 1 English cucumber: Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch that brightens the dish.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Bursting with sweetness and vibrant red color, these little gems make the salad pop.
- 1/2 small red onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle sharpness and a lovely purple hue.
- 3 green onions: Bring mild onion flavor and fresh green color to the mix.
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil: A smooth, neutral base for the dressing that complements the avocado perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons lime juice or lemon juice: The zesty acid that lifts all the flavors and keeps the salad refreshing.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang and balances sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup: A natural sweetener that rounds out the dressing.
- 1 small garlic clove: Provides a subtle savory kick without overpowering the salad.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro: Chopped for a fragrant, herbal note that ties it all together.
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano: Adds an unexpected depth and earthiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Delivers just the right hint of spice.
How to Make Avocado Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Lime Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Start by combining avocado oil, lime or lemon juice, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and chopped garlic in a bowl. Whisk everything until the dressing is smooth and well blended. This tangy-sweet mixture is what makes the salad irresistibly bright and flavorful, so don’t rush this step!
Step 2: Prepare the Veggies
While your dressing rests, prepare the salad ingredients: dice the ripe avocados, peel and chop the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the green onions. The freshness of these ingredients shines through in both texture and color, making the salad a feast for the eyes as much as the palate.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
In a large bowl, gently toss together the avocado, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and green onions. Pour the dressing over the mixture and carefully toss to coat everything evenly without mashing the avocado. The goal is to coat the vegetables lightly while maintaining their shape and bite.
Step 4: Add Herbs and Seasoning
Finish with freshly chopped cilantro and oregano, then season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. These herbs elevate the salad’s flavor profile with fresh, aromatic notes. Give everything a gentle toss again to distribute the herbs and seasoning perfectly.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
This last step is essential. Taste your salad and add a bit more salt or an extra squeeze of lime if you feel it needs a little boost. It’s all about personal preference, so trust your palate here to make it just right.
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Since avocado can brown quickly, it’s best to serve the salad right away for the freshest taste and most vibrant presentation. Enjoy the crisp textures paired with the creamy avocado and lively dressing in every bite.
How to Serve Avocado Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Lime Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
For added flair and texture, sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or crumbled feta cheese on top. A few delicate edible flowers also make this salad look beyond special if you’re serving guests. Fresh herbs like cilantro or oregano on the side allow each person to tailor their salad experience.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seafood like shrimp or fish, or even a simple quinoa bowl. The fresh lime dressing complements smoky or lightly spiced mains perfectly, turning your meal into something memorable yet effortless.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in avocado shells for a fun, rustic presentation. Layer it on toasted baguette slices for a summery bruschetta, or toss it with mixed greens to create a more substantial salad. The versatility of the Avocado Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Lime Dressing Recipe means you can get creative and impress at any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day. To minimize browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the salad surface before sealing. However, because avocado browns quickly, it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the delicate texture of avocado and fresh vegetables, which will become mushy upon thawing. For best results, make only what you plan to enjoy within the day.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, cold salad, reheating is not recommended. The best experience is to enjoy it chilled or at room temperature shortly after making!
FAQs
Can I use regular olive oil instead of avocado oil?
Absolutely! Olive oil works well in this salad and adds its own lovely flavor. Avocado oil is just a smooth, neutral option that complements the avocado fruit nicely.
Is there a substitution for maple syrup?
If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, a little honey or agave nectar can work just as well to add natural sweetness to the dressing.
How do I prevent avocados from browning in the salad?
Serving the salad immediately after tossing helps avoid browning. Adding enough acid from lime or lemon juice also slows oxidation, keeping the avocados looking fresh longer.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan, relying entirely on plant-based ingredients, so it fits perfectly into vegan diets.
What’s the best way to dice avocados for this salad?
Start by cutting the avocado in half around the pit, remove the pit, then slice the flesh into cubes directly in the skin before scooping it out with a spoon. This gives you evenly diced pieces that hold their shape well in the salad.
Final Thoughts
This Avocado Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Lime Dressing Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a burst of sunshine on your plate. It’s fresh, wholesome, and effortlessly delicious, perfect for any time you want a healthy meal full of flavor and color. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and make it a new favorite in your rotation—your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Avocado Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber, and Lime Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant avocado salad featuring ripe avocados, crisp cucumber, and cherry tomatoes tossed in a tangy, slightly sweet lime and maple dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy side dish or light meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 large ripe avocados, peeled and diced
- 1 English cucumber, peeled, seeded, and chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 small garlic clove, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing. Whisk together the avocado oil, lime or lemon juice, rice vinegar, maple syrup, chopped garlic, cilantro, oregano, sea salt, and black pepper in a bowl until fully combined. Set aside.
- Combine Salad Ingredients. In a large bowl, add the diced avocado, chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and green onions.
- Add Dressing to Salad. Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the salad vegetables.
- Toss the Salad. Gently toss all the ingredients together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the avocado.
- Adjust Seasoning. Taste the salad and adjust the salt or citrus juice as needed to enhance the flavors.
- Serve. Serve the salad immediately to enjoy its fresh textures and flavors at their best.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm avocados to prevent mushiness in the salad.
- Feel free to substitute fresh oregano with dried if unavailable, using 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano instead.
- For added crunch, consider sprinkling toasted nuts or seeds on top before serving.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh; if storing, keep refrigerated and consume within a day to prevent browning.
- Adjust maple syrup quantity to your preferred sweetness level.
