Fresh & Flavorful Cucumber Tomato Avocado Feta Salad: Your Ultimate Summer Side
As summer days gently transition, there’s one dish that consistently captures the essence of the season: a vibrant, fresh salad. Forget your everyday sides; this **Cucumber Tomato Salad** takes a delightful twist with the generous addition of creamy avocado, tangy feta cheese, and a light, zesty honey lemon dressing. It’s the perfect companion for any summer gathering, a fantastic picnic side, or a refreshing meal prep option. Each bite is a burst of freshness, color, and flavor, making it an absolute must-try before the season fully slips away.
It feels like just yesterday we were celebrating the Fourth of July, welcoming the sunshine and warm, long days. Now, as Labor Day approaches, there’s a slight crispness in the air, hinting at autumn. But even as the seasons shift, the craving for fresh, wholesome salads remains strong. This particular recipe was born out of a delightful improvisation – a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can create something truly spectacular.
A few months back, during a spontaneous trip to our lake house, a last-minute decision meant we weren’t able to do our usual extensive grocery run. Instead, we relied on what was in the fridge. I had initially planned to make my favorite Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, but alas, chickpeas were nowhere to be found, nor were any bell peppers. However, a culinary spark ignited when I realized I had an abundance of fresh cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, a block of feta, and a perfectly creamy avocado.
From those simple, fresh ingredients, this incredible Cucumber Tomato Avocado Feta Salad was born! It quickly became a new household favorite, proving that some of the best recipes come from necessity and a little creativity. This salad isn’t just a side dish; it’s a celebration of seasonal produce, offering a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more.
Table of Contents
Toggle
Ingredients for Cucumber Tomato Salad with Avocado + Feta
This isn’t your grandma’s classic cucumber and tomato salad (though those are wonderful, too!). This version elevates the simple combination with a few stellar additions, bringing in bright, fun flavors and a delightful creaminess. The avocado provides a rich, buttery texture, while the feta adds a salty, tangy kick that perfectly complements the fresh vegetables. Together, they create a truly satisfying and well-rounded salad.
For the Salad:
- **Red Onion:** Adds a sharp, pungent flavor. Soaking it in cold water beforehand mellows its intensity, making it more palatable.
- **Cucumber:** Provides a refreshing crunch and cool contrast. English or Persian cucumbers are often preferred for their thinner skin and fewer seeds, though any fresh cucumber works.
- **Cherry Tomatoes:** Bursting with sweet and juicy flavor, cherry or grape tomatoes are ideal for their bite-sized convenience and vibrant color.
- **Avocado:** The star addition, offering healthy fats, a creamy texture, and a mild, slightly nutty taste that enriches the salad.
- **Crumbled Feta Cheese:** Introduces a wonderfully salty, tangy, and slightly briny flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh produce.
- **Fresh Cilantro (or Dill):** Aromatic herbs that add a final layer of freshness. Cilantro provides a bright, citrusy note, while dill offers a more herbaceous, slightly anise-like flavor. Choose based on your preference!
For the Dressing:
The dressing is simple yet impactful, tying all the flavors together with a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and savory notes.
- **Fresh Lemon Juice:** The key to a bright, refreshing dressing, providing essential acidity.
- **Extra-Virgin Olive Oil:** Forms the base of the dressing, adding a smooth richness and healthy fats.
- **Honey:** A touch of sweetness that balances the lemon juice and complements the savory ingredients.
- **Garlic:** Minced fresh garlic adds a pungent, aromatic depth to the dressing.
- **Salt:** Enhances all the flavors in the salad and dressing.
Choosing the Freshest Ingredients
The success of any simple salad lies heavily in the quality of its components. For this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Feta Salad, selecting the freshest produce is key:
- **Cucumbers:** Look for firm, dark green cucumbers without soft spots or yellowing.
- **Tomatoes:** Choose cherry or grape tomatoes that are bright in color, plump, and firm to the touch. Avoid any with wrinkles or blemishes.
- **Avocado:** A perfectly ripe avocado will yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed. Avoid those that are too hard (under-ripe) or mushy (over-ripe).
- **Red Onion:** Should be firm, with a dry, papery outer skin.
- **Feta Cheese:** Opt for feta sold in a block and crumbled yourself, or good quality pre-crumbled feta, ideally stored in brine for best flavor and texture.
- **Herbs:** Fresh cilantro or dill should have vibrant green leaves with no wilting or yellowing.
How to Make this Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
This Cucumber Tomato Salad is incredibly simple to put together, making it an ideal choice when you need a quick yet impressive side dish. Follow these easy steps to create a truly delicious and refreshing salad:
- **Prepare the Red Onions:** Start by finely dicing your red onion. To temper its strong, sometimes overwhelming flavor, place the diced onion in a small bowl and cover it completely with cold water. Let it soak for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This simple trick makes the onion milder and more enjoyable in the salad.
- **Whisk the Dressing:** In a separate small bowl or a large measuring cup, combine all the dressing ingredients: fresh lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, honey, minced garlic, and kosher salt. Whisk vigorously until all ingredients are well combined and the honey has dissolved. Set this flavorful dressing aside.
- **Assemble the Salad:** In a very large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado. Drain the soaked red onion thoroughly and add it to the bowl along with about 2.5 tablespoons of the crumbled feta cheese and the fresh cilantro (or dill). Pour the prepared honey lemon dressing evenly over all the ingredients.
- **Gentle Mix and Serve:** Using a large spoon or salad tongs, gently toss the salad to ensure all the vegetables are coated with the dressing and the ingredients are evenly distributed. Be gentle, especially with the avocado, to keep it from getting mushy. Once mixed, sprinkle the remaining crumbled feta cheese over the top for a beautiful presentation and an extra pop of flavor. Enjoy immediately for the freshest taste!
Can I make this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad in Advance?
Absolutely! This salad is wonderfully versatile and can be prepped in advance, making it ideal for meal planning or for bringing to your next potluck or BBQ. However, to ensure optimal freshness and appearance, especially for the avocado, here are a few tips:
- **Partial Prep:** You can chop the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion (and soak the onion) several hours ahead of time. Prepare the dressing and store it separately in an airtight container in the fridge.
- **Avocado & Feta:** For the best results, add the diced avocado and the main portion of the feta (reserving a sprinkle for garnish) right before serving. Avocado tends to brown when exposed to air, though the lemon juice in the dressing helps slow this process.
- **Preventing Browning:** If you must add the avocado earlier, a quick trick is to gently toss the diced avocado with a tiny bit of extra lemon juice before adding it to the salad. This can help preserve its vibrant green color for longer.
If you have leftovers, they will still be delicious the next day, though the avocado might show some slight browning. Don’t worry, it’s still perfectly safe and tasty to eat! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.
Can I omit the Feta Cheese? How can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, absolutely! This salad is incredibly adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences:
- **Omitting Feta:** If you are dairy-free or simply not a fan of feta, you can easily omit it. The salad will still be wonderfully flavorful and refreshing due to the vibrant vegetables and zesty dressing. You might consider adding a sprinkle of sea salt to compensate for the saltiness of the feta, or a few olives for a briny touch.
- **Making it Vegan:** To make this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad entirely vegan, you’ll need to make two simple substitutions:
- **Honey:** Replace the honey in the dressing with an equal amount of maple syrup or agave nectar. These natural sweeteners will provide the same balancing sweetness without using animal products.
- **Feta Cheese:** Omit the feta cheese entirely, or explore the growing variety of plant-based feta alternatives available in many grocery stores. These often have a similar tangy, salty profile that can mimic the real thing quite well.
With these modifications, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying vegan cucumber and tomato salad that’s perfect for everyone!
What is the serving size for this salad?
This recipe yields approximately 4 generous servings, with each serving being about one cup. A full cup of this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Feta Salad makes for a nutritious, filling, and incredibly satisfying side dish. If you’re bringing it to a potluck or picnic where guests might sample a variety of dishes, a half-cup portion is also a great option to allow for variety without overfilling. This salad is hearty enough to be a light lunch on its own, especially if you add a protein source, or it can perfectly complement a larger meal.
What can I serve with this Cucumber and Tomato Salad?
The fresh, zesty, and creamy flavors of this Cucumber Tomato Avocado Feta Salad make it an incredibly versatile side dish. It pairs beautifully with a wide array of summer mains and proteins. Here are some of my favorite combinations:
- **My Fave Burger Recipe + Burger Sauce:** The cool, crisp salad is a perfect counterpoint to a juicy, savory burger, cutting through the richness beautifully.
- **Easy Lemon Chicken:** The lemon notes in the chicken and the salad’s dressing create a harmonious, bright, and refreshing meal.
- **Spice Rubbed Whole Chicken:** The freshness of the salad offers a cooling balance to the warm, aromatic spices of a roasted or slow-cooked chicken.
- **Balsamic Pork Tenderloin:** The sweetness of the balsamic vinegar in the pork pairs wonderfully with the tangy dressing of the salad.
- **Grilled Fish:** Whether it’s salmon, cod, or tilapia, the light and fresh flavors of the salad complement grilled fish perfectly, making for a healthy and satisfying meal.
- **As a Light Main:** For a quick and easy lunch, simply add some grilled shrimp, chickpeas, or shredded chicken on top of the salad, or serve it over a bed of mixed greens for an extra boost of leafy goodness. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a light yet filling meal.
I had originally hoped to share this fantastic salad recipe with you all earlier in the summer, but as fate would have it, it’s perfectly timed for Labor Day weekend and the final stretch of sunny days. It’s an ideal recipe to cherish the last moments of summer freshness and carry that light, vibrant energy into the upcoming season. So, gather your ingredients, whip up this delightful Cucumber Tomato Avocado Feta Salad, and enjoy every refreshing bite, friends!
More Fun Summer Salads:
If you’re looking for more refreshing and delicious salad ideas to brighten up your meals, check out these other favorites:
- Greek Pasta Salad
- Healthy Chicken Salad
- Panera Green Goddess Salad
- Mexican Street Corn Salad
- Ramen Noodle Salad
- Roasted Corn and Black Bean Salad
- Creamy Cole Slaw | The Foodie and The Fix
Cucumber Tomato Salad with Avocado + Feta Recipe Card
Cucumber Tomato Salad with Avocado + Feta
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- ¼ small red onion diced
- 2 cups chopped cucumber about one whole cucumber with the seeds removed if desired (I scoop them out and then chop into half moons)
- 1 pint halved cherry tomatoes about 2 cups
- ¾ avocado peeled, pitted, and diced
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro or dill
For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice from 1-2 fresh lemons
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 2 cloves minced garlic about 1 teaspoon
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
Instructions
-
Place the diced red onions in a small bowl and cover them with cold water (this helps remove some of the onions’ harsh bite). Let them soak while you prepare the other ingredients.
-
In a small bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the dressing ingredients (lemon juice, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, and salt) until well combined. Set aside.
-
In a very large bowl, combine the chopped cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, 2.5 tablespoons of the crumbled feta, and fresh cilantro (or dill). Drain the red onion thoroughly, then add it to the bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the top. Stir very gently to combine all ingredients, being careful not to mash the avocado. Sprinkle the remaining feta over the top for garnish. Enjoy immediately for best results.
Notes
WW: 4 points (per 1 cup serving) [Calculated using reduced fat feta cheese]
Nutrition