Cucumber Avocado Salad with Lime and Cilantro

This cucumber avocado salad is fresh, simple, and incredibly versatile. Tossed with lime juice, red onion, and cilantro, it comes together in minutes and adds brightness to everything from grain bowls to grilled proteins.

Why I LOVE this Salad

This is one of those recipes I throw together without thinking because it works with almost anything. Whenever I’m making bowl meals, grilling protein, or just need something fresh to balance out a richer dish, this salad is usually what I reach for.

I love how minimal it is. There’s no heavy dressing, just lime juice, salt, and a few fresh ingredients that really shine on their own. It feels light and refreshing, but still satisfying thanks to the avocado. It’s also one of those recipes that looks beautiful on the table even though it takes almost no effort.

Main Ingredients & Swaps

• Cucumbers – Add crunch and freshness. Persian or English cucumbers work best because they have thin skins and fewer seeds.
• Avocados – Bring creaminess and healthy fats. Use ripe but firm avocados so they hold their shape.
• Red onion – Adds a little bite and depth. Rinsing it in cold water helps mellow the sharp flavor. If you don’t have have red onions, green onions work well here as well.
• Fresh lime juice – Brightens everything and acts as the dressing. Lemon juice works in a pinch.
• Cilantro – Adds freshness and flavor. If cilantro is not your jam, you can leave it out or swap in parsley.

How I Use This Salad

• Spoon it over salmon or chicken bowls like in my California Style Salmon bowl
• Serve it alongside grilled meat or fish as a side
• Add it to tacos or wraps for an extra hit of freshness
• Add some cold cocktail shrimp to it and you have a complete high-fiber, high-protein meal!

How I Make It

Start by prepping your vegetables. Dice or thinly slice the cucumber, keeping the pieces fairly uniform so every bite has a good balance of crunch. Cut the avocados into bite sized cubes, being careful not to mash them. Finely dice the red onion, then rinse it under cold water and drain well to mellow out the sharp flavor.

Add the cucumber, avocado, and red onion to a medium bowl. Squeeze the fresh lime juice directly over the top so it coats everything evenly. Sprinkle with the salt and a few cracks of black pepper.

Using a spoon or spatula, gently toss the salad just until combined. Take your time here and use a light hand so the avocado stays intact and creamy rather than breaking down.

Finish by folding in the chopped cilantro. Give it a quick taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed. Serve right away for the freshest flavor and best texture, but it will hold for a few hours in the fridge if needed.

👇🏻 To watch the full recipe walkthough, check out my YouTube video below!

Cucumber Avocado Salad

This cucumber avocado salad is fresh, simple, and tossed with lime juice, red onion, and cilantro. An easy side dish that pairs perfectly with bowls, grilled meats, and weeknight meals.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients Method Video

Ingredients

  

• 2 Persian cucumbers or 1 English cucumber diced or thinly sliced
• 1 to 2 ripe avocados cubed
• ⅓ cup finely diced red onion rinsed in cold water
• Juice of 2 limes
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt plus more to taste
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• ½ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro

Method

 

1. Add the diced cucumbers, cubed avocado, and diced red onion to a bowl.
2. Drizzle with lime juice, sprinkle with salt and black pepper, and gently toss to combine.
3. Fold in the chopped cilantro, taste, and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Video