Pin It A vibrant, refreshing salad bursting with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, and tangy feta, dressed in a light lemon-olive oil vinaigrette. Perfect as a side or light main.
This salad quickly became a staple in our house because of its fresh flavors and simple preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber: sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes: halved
- 1 large ripe avocado: diced
- 1/4 small red onion: thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese: crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley: finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh mint: finely chopped optional
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil:
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice:
- 1/2 tsp sea salt:
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper:
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and red onion.
- Step 2:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3:
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to combine.
- Step 4:
- Add the feta cheese, parsley, and mint, and toss again very lightly.
- Step 5:
- Serve immediately, or chill for up to 30 minutes before serving for extra freshness.
Pin It This dish brings the family together at summer picnics and is always met with smiles.
Serving Suggestions
Pairs well with grilled fish or chicken and is excellent with crusty bread on the side.
Variations
Use lime juice instead of lemon for a different citrus note and experiment with adding olives or nuts for extra texture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 24 hours for best freshness.
Pin It
Enjoy this salad as a fresh and healthy addition to any meal, perfect for warm days or light lunches.
Recipe FAQs
- → What is the best way to prepare the vegetables?
Slice the cucumber and halve the cherry tomatoes for a crisp texture, dice ripe avocado carefully to maintain creaminess, and thinly slice red onion to add a mild bite.
- → How can I enhance the flavor of the salad?
Adding fresh herbs like parsley and mint brightens the salad, while a light lemon and olive oil vinaigrette enhances freshness without overpowering the ingredients.
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It's best served immediately or chilled for up to 30 minutes to maintain texture and freshness without the avocado browning too much.
- → Are there alternatives to feta cheese?
Goat cheese can be substituted for a similar creamy tang, or omitted entirely for a vegan-friendly option.
- → What dishes pair well with this salad?
This salad complements grilled fish or chicken nicely and can be enjoyed as a side or light main dish in a Mediterranean meal.