Tomato, Cucumber, Avocado Salad

This Tomato, Cucumber, Avocado Salad is the perfect dish for summer gatherings or a light lunch. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors make it a standout choice for any occasion. Quick to prepare and packed with nutrients, this salad combines the goodness of tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy avocado. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just want a refreshing side, this salad will impress your family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, this salad comes together in under 15 minutes.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and creamy avocado creates a delicious balance that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side salad, topping for grilled meats, or even as a light main dish.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, this salad is as nutritious as it is tasty.
• Family Favorite: Kids love the bright colors and fresh flavors, making it an ideal choice for family meals.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful tomato, cucumber, avocado salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to make the process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for all ingredients, helping maintain the freshness.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables without damaging counters.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows easy mixing without spilling ingredients.
• Whisk: Ideal for blending dressing ingredients evenly before pouring over the salad.

Ingredients

This tomato, cucumber, avocado salad is an easy, flavorful summer salad. It’s crunchy, fresh and simple to make. It’s a family favorite.

For the Salad Base

• 1 1/2 cups of chopped tomatoes – I used cherry tomatoes
• 1 cucumber – peeled and seeded then diced
• 1 avocado – diced
• 4 oz feta cheese – cubed
• 2 tbs minced red onion
• 1 handful parsley – minced – about 2 tbs

For the Dressing

• 2 tbs olive oil
• 1 tbs red apple vinegar
• 8 twists of black pepper from a pepper mill

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Tomato, Cucumber, Avocado Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

Chop tomatoes into medium dice. If using cherry tomatoes, cut them in half. Add them to a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add Cucumber

Peel and seed one cucumber. Dice it into small pieces and add to the bowl with tomatoes.

Step 3: Incorporate Avocado

Remove pit from avocado. Dice it carefully; then use a spoon to scoop out the flesh from its peel. Add diced avocado to the mixing bowl.

Step 4: Include Feta Cheese

Cube feta cheese into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl with other ingredients.

Step 5: Mix in Onions and Parsley

Add minced red onion and parsley into the mixture in the bowl.

Step 6: Prepare the Dressing

In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red apple vinegar, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Pour dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Toss gently so that the feta cheese and avocado don’t break apart.

Step 8: Serve or Refrigerate

Serve immediately for best flavor. If you plan on refrigerating it for later use, keep the diced avocado aside and add just before serving to maintain its freshness.

How to Serve Tomato, Cucumber, Avocado Salad

This refreshing tomato, cucumber, avocado salad is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.

Make It a Main Dish

• Pair with grilled chicken or fish for a satisfying meal.
• Serve over a bed of quinoa for added texture and nutrition.

Add Some Crunch

• Top with crispy tortilla strips for extra crunch.
• Serve with crispy pita chips on the side for a fun appetizer.

Enhance with Dressing

• Drizzle additional olive oil or balsamic glaze just before serving for extra flavor.
• Offer lemon wedges on the side to brighten up the dish.

Mix with Greens

• Toss in fresh arugula or spinach for an added nutritional boost.
• Layer on a bed of mixed greens to create a colorful salad platter.

How to Perfect Tomato, Cucumber, Avocado Salad

Creating the perfect tomato, cucumber, avocado salad involves selecting fresh ingredients and balancing flavors. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:

• Choose ripe avocados: Look for avocados that yield slightly when pressed. This ensures creaminess in your salad.
• Mix colors: Use assorted tomatoes like cherry and heirloom for vibrant color and varied flavors.
• Chill before serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to meld flavors beautifully.
• Season well: Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper to enhance the dish’s overall taste.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds brightness; consider adding basil or cilantro for more flavor variety.

Best Side Dishes for Tomato, Cucumber, Avocado Salad

This light salad pairs well with various sides that complement its freshness. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky corn complements the fresh flavors of the salad.
2. Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery garlic bread serves as a delicious contrast to the coolness of the salad.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and warmth to your meal.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and herbs make a hearty side option.
5. Mediterranean Couscous: Fluffy couscous with olives and feta echoes the Mediterranean theme in your salad.
6. Hummus Platter: A variety of hummus served with fresh veggies provides an excellent crunchy addition.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a tomato, cucumber, avocado salad can seem simple, but there are common mistakes that can compromise its freshness and flavor.

• Using Overripe Avocado: An overripe avocado can turn mushy and affect the texture of your salad. Choose avocados that yield slightly to pressure but are not too soft.
• Skipping Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley add brightness to the salad. Omitting them can lead to a dull flavor. Always include fresh herbs for the best taste.
• Cutting Ingredients Too Small: If you chop the vegetables too small, they may lose their crunch. Aim for a medium dice to maintain texture and visual appeal.
• Not Seasoning Properly: Failing to season your salad can result in blandness. Always taste before serving, adjusting with salt and pepper as needed.
• Making it Too Early: Preparing the salad too far in advance can lead to sogginess, especially with the avocado. Assemble just before serving for optimal freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Container: Use an airtight container to keep ingredients fresh.
• Tip: Keep diced avocado separate until ready to serve to prevent browning.

Freezing Tomato, Cucumber, Avocado Salad

• Duration: Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to texture changes.
• Tip: Fresh ingredients lose their crunch and flavor when frozen.

Reheating Tomato, Cucumber, Avocado Salad

• Oven: Avoid reheating this salad in the oven as it will wilt the vegetables.
• Microwave: Do not use a microwave; it will alter the freshness of the ingredients.
• Stovetop: Reheating on the stovetop is not recommended; enjoy it cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Tomato, Cucumber, Avocado Salad?

Yes! This tomato, cucumber, avocado salad is versatile. You can add other ingredients like bell peppers or olives based on your preference.

What dressing works best with Tomato, Cucumber, Avocado Salad?

The olive oil and red apple vinegar dressing complements this salad beautifully. You can also try lemon juice or balsamic vinegar for a different twist.

How do I prevent my avocado from browning in Tomato, Cucumber, Avocado Salad?

To keep your avocado fresh longer, add it just before serving. Also, you can drizzle lime juice over it to slow down browning.

Is this Tomato, Cucumber, Avocado Salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad is packed with nutrients from fresh veggies and healthy fats from avocados. It’s a delicious way to enjoy light meals.

Final Thoughts

This tomato, cucumber, avocado salad is perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing side dish. Its crunchy texture and vibrant flavors make it a family favorite. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or dressings—it’s all about enjoying fresh produce while keeping things simple!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Tomato, Cucumber, Avocado Salad

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• Author: Lucille
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

This Tomato, Cucumber, Avocado Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that embodies the essence of summer. Bursting with color and flavor, it combines juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy avocados, making it the perfect accompaniment for barbecues or a light lunch. Quick to prepare in just 15 minutes, this salad is not only delicious but also loaded with nutrients. Whether served as a side or enjoyed as a main dish topped with grilled chicken or fish, it’s bound to impress family and friends alike. Elevate your summer gatherings with this easy-to-make salad that celebrates fresh ingredients and delightful flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups chopped cherry tomatoes
• 1 diced cucumber (peeled and seeded)
• 1 diced avocado
• 4 oz cubed feta cheese
• 2 tbs minced red onion
• 1 handful fresh parsley (minced)
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 1 tbs red apple vinegar
• Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Chop the tomatoes into medium dice and place them in a mixing bowl.
2. Peel and seed the cucumber; dice it and add to the bowl.
3. Dice the avocado carefully and scoop it into the bowl.
4. Cube the feta cheese and add it along with minced red onion and parsley.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red apple vinegar, and black pepper.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.
7. Serve immediately for optimum freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 430mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 15mg