Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad – A Fresh, Vibrant, No-Lettuce Salad That Steals the Show

If you’re looking for a refreshing, colorful, and ultra-simple salad that’s bursting with fresh flavors, this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad is exactly what you need. It’s hydrating, nutritious, and loaded with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and bright herbs—all tossed in a zesty, light lime dressing that ties everything together.

This salad is perfect for warm weather, barbecues, potlucks, meal prep, lunch, or as a simple side dish for almost any dinner. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again because it’s easy, healthy, and unbelievably delicious. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you get a beautifully balanced dish with multiple textures: crunchy, juicy, and creamy all at once.

Let’s dive deep into why this salad works, how to customize it, and how to keep the avocado from browning so your leftovers stay fresh longer.

Why This Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad Works Perfectly

✔ So Fresh and Clean

This salad is almost entirely vegetables—hydrating and vitamin-rich.

✔ No Lettuce Required

Nothing wilts, making it ideal for picnics, summer days, and meal prep.

✔ Ready in 10 Minutes

Simply chop, toss, and serve.

✔ Great With Almost Any Meal

Pairs beautifully with chicken, fish, steak, or vegetarian mains.

✔ Light, Bright Dressing

No heavy dressings here—just lime, olive oil, salt, pepper, and herbs.

✔ Naturally Healthy

This salad fits into:

• Low-carb
• Keto-friendly
• Mediterranean diet
• Whole30 (use compliant olive oil)
• Gluten-free
• Vegan-friendly

Ingredients

Vegetables

• 1 large English cucumber, diced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced

Dressing

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder

Herbs

• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley)
• Optional: ½ tsp dried oregano for extra flavor

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables
   Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and dice the avocados. Finely chop the red onion.
2. Combine Ingredients
   In a large bowl, add cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and avocado.
3. Make the Dressing
   In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lime juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Toss the Salad
   Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss to avoid smashing the avocado.
5. Add Herbs
   Stir in chopped cilantro or parsley.
6. Serve Immediately
   Enjoy as-is or chill for 10 minutes for a refreshing, cool salad.

Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad

A refreshing, vibrant salad made with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a zesty lime dressing.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad, Side

Cuisine: American, Fresh

Calories: 210

Ingredients

  

Vegetables

• 1 English cucumber diced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
• 2 avocados diced
• 0.25 cup red onion finely diced

Dressing

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lime juiced
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder

Herbs

• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped, or parsley

Equipment

• Cutting board
• Knife
• Large bowl
• Small mixing bowl

Method

 

1. Dice the cucumber, halve the tomatoes, and dice the avocados.
2. Add vegetables to a large bowl along with the red onion.
3. Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently.
5. Stir in cilantro or parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For added flavor, include feta cheese or jalapeños. Eat within 24 hours for best freshness.

Tips for the BEST Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad

1. Use Ripe But Firm Avocados

They should give slightly when pressed—not too mushy.

2. English Cucumbers Work Best

Thin skin and fewer seeds mean better texture.

3. Cherry Tomatoes Add Sweetness

But grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes also work great.

4. Dress Right Before Serving

Avocado stays freshest when dressed last minute.

5. Balance the Citrus

If your lime is small, use 1½ limes for enough brightness.

Variations

Mediterranean-Style

Add:

• Feta cheese
• Kalamata olives
• Oregano

Mexican-Inspired

Add:

• Corn (fresh or grilled)
• Jalapeños
• Cotija cheese

Protein Boost

Try with:

• Grilled chicken
• Shrimp
• Salmon
• Chickpeas

Creamy Version

Stir in:

• 1–2 tbsp Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp mayo (optional)

Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs wonderfully with:

Main Dishes

• Grilled chicken breast
• Steak or ribs
• Lemon garlic salmon
• Shrimp skewers
• Tacos

Light Options

• Lentils
• Quinoa
• Brown rice

As a Snack

Enjoy with tortilla chips for a fresh dip alternative.

How to Store Leftovers Without Browning

1. Add Extra Lime

A little extra lime juice slows oxidation.

2. Cover Tightly

Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to reduce air contact.

3. Eat Within 24 Hours

The salad is best enjoyed the same day, but will still be tasty for about a day.

Fun Facts About This Salad

• Avocado contains healthy monounsaturated fats, making this salad both filling and nutritious.
• Cucumbers are 96% water—this salad is extremely hydrating.
• Tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant.
• This salad originated from Mediterranean and Latin flavor combinations, making it naturally versatile.