How to Make a Fresh Tomato, Cucumber, and Avocado Salad Recipe

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Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad

Introduction
There's nothing quite like a perfectly balanced summer salad that comes together in minutes yet delivers maximum flavor. This Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad has become my absolute go-to dish for everything from weeknight dinners to summer potlucks. Let me show you how to make this reader-favorite recipe that's guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen too!

Why This Salad Works

What makes this salad truly special is:

  • The perfect combination of textures (creamy avocado + crisp veggies)

  • Vibrant, fresh flavors that complement each other beautifully

  • A simple dressing that enhances without overpowering

  • Endless customization options

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salad:

  • 1 lb fresh Roma tomatoes, chopped

  • 1 English cucumber, sliced

  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 ripe avocados, cubed

  • ½ cup fresh cilantro or dill, chopped

For the Dressing:

  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Veggies

  • Dice tomatoes into bite-sized pieces (pro tip: remove excess seeds for less watery salad)

  • Slice cucumber into half-moons (about ¼" thick)

  • Thinly slice red onion (soak in cold water for 5 minutes if you want milder flavor)

  • Cube avocados (squeeze a little lemon juice over them to prevent browning)

2. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:

  • Olive oil

  • Lemon juice

  • Salt

  • Pepper
    Until emulsified.

3. Combine Everything
In a large serving bowl, gently toss together all prepared vegetables with the dressing. Add fresh herbs last.

Chef's Tips for Perfection

  • For best texture, assemble the salad just before serving.

  • Want more protein? Add chickpeas or feta cheese.

  • Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes.

  • For a heartier version, serve over quinoa or mixed greens.

  • The dressing measurements are guidelines—adjust to your taste!

Why You’ll Love This Salad

This isn't just another salad recipe. The magic happens in how the creamy avocado balances the crisp vegetables, while the bright lemon dressing ties everything together. It's:
✅ Ready in 15 minutes
✅ Packed with nutrients
✅ Naturally gluten-free and vegan
✅ Perfect for meal prep (store dressing separately)
✅ Incredibly versatile

Serving Suggestions

This salad shines as:

  • A light lunch on its own

  • Perfect side for grilled meats

  • Taco night accompaniment

  • Brunch addition

  • Picnic staple (pack the dressing separately)

Make-Ahead Tips

While best fresh, you can:

  • Prep all vegetables up to 1 day ahead (store separately)

  • Make dressing up to 3 days ahead

  • Assemble just before serving

Final Thoughts

This Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad is more than just a recipe—it's a celebration of fresh, simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special. Every bite delivers that perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and fresh flavors that will have you craving it all summer long.

The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and versatility. Once you try the basic version, you'll find yourself making it again and again, maybe adding different herbs, nuts, or cheeses to keep it interesting. It's the kind of recipe that proves healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated to be delicious.

Tried this recipe?
I’d love to hear your variations in the comments below! What additions or substitutions have worked well for you? Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next summer gathering – it’s guaranteed to impress!

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