If you’re looking for a dish that’s as refreshing as a summer breeze and just as easy to pull together, Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad is about to become your new go-to favorite. This vibrant salad combines creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, tangy feta, and a zippy lemon dressing for a combination that sings with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, packing a nutritious lunch, or simply craving something light and satisfying, this salad checks all the boxes for flavor, color, and pure joy in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is carefully chosen to create a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. Fresh produce and a handful of pantry staples come together for a salad that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.
- Cucumbers: Their cool crunch forms the backbone of the salad and soaks up the bright dressing beautifully.
- Avocados: Opt for ripe but slightly firm avocados for creamy texture without mushiness.
- Feta Cheese: The salty, tangy crumbles add a punch of flavor and contrast to the creamy avocado.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a delicate bite and a pop of color—soak in cold water first if you prefer a milder taste.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds lively acidity that brightens up all the flavors and keeps the avocado vibrant.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Brings a smooth richness that ties the salad together.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance every other ingredient—fine sea salt works best here.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked for a gentle kick and aromatic finish.
- Fresh Dill or Parsley (optional): Chopped herbs add a burst of green and an extra layer of Mediterranean flavor.
How to Make Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
Start by washing and slicing your cucumbers. You can peel them or leave the skin on for extra color and crunch—it’s up to you! Dice the avocados just before mixing to keep them fresh. Thinly slice the red onion, and if you want a milder onion flavor, give the slices a quick soak in cold water, then drain well. This step makes sure every bite of Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad has the perfect balance of creamy, crisp, and tangy.
Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, diced avocados, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss them gently with clean hands or a wide spoon, taking care not to mash the avocado. This careful mixing is key to maintaining those beautiful chunks and the overall appeal of your salad.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper until emulsified. This simple dressing is what brings the whole salad to life, highlighting the freshness of every ingredient without overpowering them.
Step 4: Combine and Toss
Pour the citrusy dressing over the prepared salad ingredients. Using a gentle hand, toss everything together just until each piece is lightly coated. The goal is to blend the flavors while keeping the avocados intact and the presentation vibrant—remember, the visual appeal of Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad is part of its magic!
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs
Sprinkle chopped dill or parsley over the salad for an herbal flourish if you like. These fresh herbs add a fragrant, garden-fresh note that elevates the whole dish. Serve immediately for the crispest texture and the most refreshing flavor.
How to Serve Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of extra feta, a dusting of cracked black pepper, or a final flurry of fresh dill or parsley can take your Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad from lovely to truly irresistible. For added color and crunch, try a few thin slices of radish or a handful of halved cherry tomatoes right on top.
Side Dishes
This salad is a superstar at pairing! Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or shrimp for a complete meal, or spoon it next to a slab of warm, crusty bread to soak up every last drop of dressing. It’s also the perfect companion to Mediterranean classics like hummus, tabbouleh, or falafel.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring a little extra flair to your table by serving Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad in chilled individual bowls or glass jars for a picnic-ready treat. For parties, layer it in a large trifle bowl to showcase the beautiful colors, or pile it onto a platter over a bed of arugula for a more substantial green salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours for peak freshness, as the avocado may start to brown and soften. A squeeze of extra lemon juice before sealing can help keep it bright.
Freezing
Unfortunately, this salad doesn’t freeze well due to the high water content in cucumbers and the creamy nature of avocado, which both suffer in texture after thawing. For the best experience, enjoy the salad fresh or within a day of preparing.
Reheating
Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad is meant to be eaten chilled or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat it. In fact, exposure to heat will cause the ingredients to lose their crispness and vibrancy, so just give it a gentle toss before serving leftovers straight from the fridge.
FAQs
Can I make Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad ahead of time?
You can prep the cucumbers, onions, and dressing a few hours in advance, but it’s best to add the avocado and feta just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor. This way, everything stays fresh and beautiful.
What can I use instead of feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta or want to try something different, goat cheese, cotija, or even a vegan feta substitute work wonderfully. Each brings its own unique flavor and creaminess to the salad.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To turn Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad into a heartier meal, toss in cooked quinoa, chickpeas, or grilled chicken. These additions add protein and substance without overpowering the fresh flavors.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, sliced radishes, or even sweet bell peppers are delicious ways to add more color and crunch. This salad is endlessly adaptable to your tastes and what’s in season.
What’s the best way to keep avocados from browning?
Toss the diced avocado with lemon juice before adding it to the salad, and store any leftovers tightly covered with plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface. The acidity helps slow browning and keeps your salad looking appetizing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about sharing a bowl of Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad with friends or family. Every bite is crisp, creamy, and bursting with bright Mediterranean flavors. Give this recipe a try and let it bring a little extra sunshine to your table—you’ll be coming back for seconds, guaranteed!
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Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook, Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and creamy Mediterranean-inspired Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad that combines the cool crunch of cucumbers with the rich texture of ripe avocados, accented by tangy feta cheese and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light side dish or a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, sliced or diced
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently mix together the sliced cucumbers, diced avocados, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese, ensuring even distribution without mashing the avocados.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and carefully toss to coat all the components evenly, taking care to keep the avocados intact.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh dill or parsley on top if using, then serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors.
Notes
- For added texture and color, include cherry tomatoes or thinly sliced radishes.
- Use a very gentle hand when tossing to prevent the avocados from becoming mushy.
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 12mg
