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Fresh Cucumber Avocado Salad with Lemon Dill

fresh cucumber avocado salad - featured image

A refreshing and bright summer side salad combining crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, and a zingy lemon dill dressing. Perfect for quick lunches or as a vibrant accompaniment to grilled dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced (English cucumbers preferred)
  • 2 ripe avocados, diced
  • 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced (soaked in cold water for 5 minutes)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon toasted pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry the cucumbers. Slice thinly (about 1/8 inch or 3 mm thick). Optionally, sprinkle with salt and let sit in a colander for 10 minutes, then pat dry.
  2. Thinly slice about 1/4 of a small red onion and soak in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain well.
  3. Cut avocados in half, remove pits, and dice flesh into medium-sized cubes carefully to avoid mashing.
  4. Chop fresh dill finely, about 2 tablespoons.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, minced garlic (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. In a medium bowl, gently toss cucumber slices, diced avocado, red onion, and chopped dill.
  7. Pour dressing over salad and toss lightly to coat without mashing avocado.
  8. Optionally, sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds on top before serving.
  9. Serve immediately or chill for 10-15 minutes to let flavors meld. Avoid leaving too long to prevent avocado discoloration.

Notes

Use ripe but firm avocados to avoid mushiness. Soak red onion slices in cold water to mellow sharpness. Toss salad gently to keep avocado intact. Keep dressing separate if prepping ahead. Fresh dill is recommended over dried for best flavor. Adding a pinch of sugar or honey balances acidity if lemons are very tart. Store leftovers in airtight container with extra lemon juice to slow browning; best consumed within 24 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, avocado salad, lemon dill dressing, summer salad, healthy side dish, quick salad, fresh herbs