If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and downright irresistible, this Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine creamy chunks of ripe avocado mingling with crisp cucumber and tangy feta cheese, all brightened with zesty lemon and fragrant dill. This salad is so simple yet feels delightfully gourmet, making it perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a stunning side dish. Every bite bursts with refreshing contrasts, perfectly balancing creaminess, crunch, and a little salty punch. I promise, once you try this, it’ll quickly earn a spot in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salad really lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one is chosen to bring a unique texture or flavor that complements the others beautifully, ensuring an effortless but vibrant dish.
- 2 avocados, peeled, pitted and chopped: Creamy and mild, avocados add a luscious texture that smooths out the salad’s crispness.
- 1 English cucumber, partially peeled and chopped: Refreshingly cool with a satisfying crunch, cucumber keeps this salad light and lively.
- 1 cup feta cheese, cubed or crumbled: The salty tang of feta provides a wonderful contrast and depth of flavor.
- ½ cup dill, leaves plucked or chopped: Dill gives the salad an herbal brightness that feels fresh and summery.
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness while bringing all the ingredients together smoothly.
- 1 lemon, juice and zest, divided: The lemon’s acidity and zestiness brighten up every bite, making the flavors pop.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the other elements.
- Boston lettuce leaves: These tender leaves provide a crisp, leafy base that makes every forkful a joy.
How to Make Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by gathering your chopped cucumber, avocado, feta cheese, and dill into a medium-sized bowl. This is where the salad begins to come alive—each ingredient bringing its distinctive flavor and texture to the mix. Season with salt, pepper, olive oil, half the lemon juice, and lemon zest. Toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every bite gets a perfect balance.
Step 2: Prepare the Serving Base
Lay out the Boston lettuce leaves on a pretty serving plate. These crisp leaves not only add a refreshing crunch but also create a beautiful bed for your colorful salad.
Step 3: Assemble and Dress
Spoon the tossed salad carefully over the lettuce leaves. Drizzle the remaining lemon juice on top, then sprinkle additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with extra fresh dill and a pinch of lemon zest for a pop of color and aroma. Serve immediately to enjoy that fabulous freshness.
How to Serve Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A little extra dill and lemon zest on top accents this salad perfectly, enhancing its garden-fresh vibe. You could also add a few toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of chili flakes if you want to experiment with a tiny kick or crunch.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, making an easy and elegant meal. For a vegetarian option, serve alongside warm pita bread or a slice of crusty sourdough to soak up the flavorful juices.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the salad in individual lettuce cups or clear glass bowls so the vibrant colors really shine. You can also transform this into a light wrap by folding the salad into large tortilla leaves for an on-the-go treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. Because avocado browns quickly, it’s best enjoyed within a day to maintain its fresh appearance and taste.
Freezing
Freezing this salad isn’t recommended due to the delicate textures of avocado and cucumber, which turn mushy upon thawing. Enjoy it fresh for the best experience.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Just give it a gentle stir before serving if it has chilled in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumber instead of English cucumber?
Absolutely! Just be sure to peel it if the skin is thick or waxed, as English cucumbers tend to have thinner, more delicate skin.
Is there a substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or even fresh mozzarella can work well, offering a creamy texture with a slightly different flavor profile.
How ripe should the avocado be?
Choose avocados that are slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. This ensures a creamy texture without falling apart when tossed.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, but for best flavor and appearance, prepare the salad up to the point before adding avocado and dress it just before serving.
What if I don’t have fresh dill?
Dried dill can be used sparingly, but fresh dill really brings the brightest flavor. Alternatively, fresh parsley or mint can add an interesting twist.
Final Thoughts
The Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad Recipe is a shining example of how a few fresh, well-chosen ingredients can create something truly memorable. It’s light, fresh, and packed with flavor, perfect for any occasion where simplicity meets deliciousness. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with this easy salad that feels like sunshine on a plate!
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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
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Cucumber Avocado Feta Salad that combines creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, tangy feta cheese, and fresh dill, all dressed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light lunch, appetizer, or side dish, served on crisp Boston lettuce leaves for added crunch and flavor.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 avocados, peeled, pitted and chopped
- 1 English cucumber, partially peeled and chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
- ½ cup fresh dill, leaves plucked or chopped
Dressing and Assembly
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon, juice and zest, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Boston lettuce leaves
- Juice of half a lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste (for drizzling)
- Fresh dill and lemon zest (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped cucumber, avocado, feta cheese, and fresh dill. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste. Add the extra virgin olive oil, half the lemon juice, and lemon zest. Gently toss the ingredients together to coat everything evenly without mashing the avocado.
- Assemble and Serve: Arrange the Boston lettuce leaves neatly on a serving plate. Spoon the dressed salad over the lettuce leaves. Drizzle the salad with the remaining lemon juice, and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish the dish with extra dill leaves and lemon zest for a fresh and colorful finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Serve immediately to prevent the avocado from browning and maintain freshness.
- Partially peeling the cucumber helps create texture contrast and visual appeal.
- Use ripe but firm avocados to avoid a mushy salad texture.
- This salad works great as a light meal or a side dish for grilled meats or seafood.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
