Avocado and Cucumber Salad with Feta

This delicious avocado and cucumber salad with feta cheese is the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, and tangy flavors that come together into a refreshing dish. It's quick to make and requires just a few simple ingredients. Avocado provides a rich creaminess, while cucumbers and red onions add a delightful crunch. Feta cheese introduces a salty, tangy element that perfectly balances the salad. A splash of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil bring all these flavors together in harmony. This salad is not just nutritious, featuring healthy fats from the avocado and protein from feta, but also incredibly versatile, making it a great addition to any meal or perfect on its own. It's ideal for those warm summer days when you need something light but satisfying. Easy to customize, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Whether served as a side dish or a standalone delight, this salad is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2-3 ripe avocados
1 large cucumber
1 red onion
200 g of feta cheese

Sauces and Seasonings

Fresh lemon juice
Olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper, salt

Preparation Time

Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prepare the Avocados: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and carefully peel off the skin. Dice the avocados into bite-sized pieces.
Slice the Cucumber: Chop the cucumber into similar-size pieces as the avocado to maintain uniformity in every bite.
Chop the Onion: Peel the red onion and slice it in half. Cut each half into thin slices. The onion should be thin enough to offer a slight crunch without being overpowering.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the avocado, cucumber, and onion slices. Be careful not to mash the avocado pieces.
Season the Salad: Sprinkle salt over the salad. Add a dash of pepper to taste.
Dress with Lemon and Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture—add as much or little lemon as you prefer based on your taste for acidity.
Stir the Salad: Mix all the ingredients gently to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
Add the Feta Cheese: Crumble the feta cheese over the top. Stir slightly to combine without breaking the feta chunks too much.
Final Touches: Taste your salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Serve Fresh: Transfer the mixture into a serving dish, and enjoy your fresh avocado and cucumber salad immediately.
Presentation Tip: For a more visually appealing presentation, reserve a small portion of feta cheese to sprinkle on top just before serving.
Keep It Fresh: If making in advance, combine everything except the avocado and feta. Add them just before serving to prevent browning and preserve texture.
Temperature Tip: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 10 minutes for a refreshing, cool treat.
Oil Options: Substitute olive oil with avocado oil or a nutty sesame oil for a different flavor profile.
Add More Greens: Incorporate fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley for added freshness.
Extra Citrus Kick: Add a bit of lime juice along with lemon for a unique citrus twist.
Texture Variation: Mix in some toasted nuts or seeds for an extra crunch.
Use Shallots: Replace red onion with sweet shallots if preferred for a milder onion flavor.
Serving Size: Perfect for four servings as a side dish or two servings as a main course.
Presentation Enhancement: Garnish with lemon zest or fresh herbs to make the salad look as good as it tastes.

Tips

Choose Ripe Avocados: Ensure avocados are ripe but not overly mushy for an ideal creamy texture.
Chill Before Serving: For best results, chill your salad for a few minutes before serving.
Customize to Taste: Adjust the quantity of lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to your preference.

Nutritions (per serving)

Calories: Approximately 250
Protein: 6g
Fats: 21g
Carbs: 10g

Variations

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute feta with a dairy-free alternative or leave it out entirely.
Add Protein: Include grilled chicken or shrimp for a more filling option.
Vegan Variation: Substitute feta with marinated tofu or a vegan cheese option.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread for an added texture contrast.
Pair with a grilled fish dish or roasted chicken for a wholesome meal.
Enjoy alongside a light soup or a glass of chilled white wine.

Best Places

Café Gratitude - A plant-based café known for their delicious and healthy dishes, including fresh salads. Location: 639 Larchmont Blvd, Los Angeles, USA.
Ottolenghi - A vibrant deli-restaurant offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes with fresh ingredients. Location: 287 Upper Street, London, United Kingdom.
Nobu - World-renowned for its innovative Japanese-Peruvian cuisine with elegant settings. Location: 105 Hudson Street, New York City, USA.
Buvette - A charming café serving exquisite small plates inspired by a mix of French and Italian culture. Location: 9 Grove Street, New York City, USA.
Chez Panisse - Famous for sourcing local organic ingredients, perfect for exploring seasonal salads. Location: 1517 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, USA.
Attica - An award-winning restaurant focusing on sustainable Australian cuisine. Location: 74 Glen Eira Road, Ripponlea, Australia.
Eleven Madison Park - Sophisticated upscale dining offering elaborate dishes in the heart of NYC. Location: 11 Madison Avenue, New York City, USA.
Quintonil - Known for its unique twist on traditional Mexican flavors with fresh produce. Location: Newton 55, Polanco, Mexico City, Mexico.
Central - Celebrated for its contemporary Peruvian cuisine with a focus on rooted ingredients. Location: Av. Pedro de Osma 301, Barranco, Lima, Peru.
Gaggan - A trailblazing culinary experience featuring progressive Indian cuisine. Location: 68/1 Langsuan Road, Bangkok, Thailand.