There is nothing quite like a fresh, vibrant bowl of greens to brighten up your afternoon, especially when you are short on time. I am absolutely obsessed with this Tomato, Avocado, and Cucumber Salad because it strikes the perfect balance between creamy avocado, crunchy cucumbers, and salty feta cheese. It is ready in just five minutes, making it my go-to recipe for a healthy, low-carb lunch that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 5 minutes Servings: 2
Ingredients:
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0.5 cup (3 oz / 85g) grape tomatoes, halved
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4 small Persian cucumbers (approx. 5 oz / 140g) or 1 English cucumber, peeled and finely chopped
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1 medium avocado (approx. 5.3 oz / 150g), pitted, peeled, and finely chopped
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0.25 cup (1.3 oz / 38g) crumbled feta cheese
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2 tbsp (1 fl oz / 30ml) vinaigrette salad dressing (e.g., Primal Kitchen Greek Vinaigrette)
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0.1 tsp (0.5g) Pink Himalayan salt
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0.1 tsp (0.2g) freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
- Prepare the vegetables by slicing 0.5 cup (3 oz / 85g) of grape tomatoes in half, peeling and chopping the cucumbers (approx. 5 oz / 140g), and dicing 1 medium avocado (approx. 5.3 oz / 150g) into uniform pieces.
- Combine the prepared tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado in a large mixing bowl, then top with 0.25 cup (1.3 oz / 38g) of crumbled feta cheese.
- Pour 2 tbsp (1 fl oz / 30ml) of vinaigrette salad dressing over the salad components and season with 0.1 tsp (0.5g) of Pink Himalayan salt and 0.1 tsp (0.2g) of black pepper.
- Toss the salad gently until the vegetables are thoroughly coated with dressing and the flavors are combined, being careful not to mash the avocado.
- Divide the mixture evenly between two serving plates and serve immediately.
Nutritional Information: (Amount per serving)
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Calories: 258 kcal
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Total Carbohydrates: 12g
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Dietary Fiber: 6g
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Protein: 5g
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Total Fat: 23g
Pro Tips for Best Results
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Select “Ripe but Firm” Avocados: The texture of this salad relies heavily on the avocado. Choose an avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure but isn’t mushy. If the avocado is too soft, it will turn into a paste when you toss the ingredients instead of holding its cube shape.
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Opt for Persian Cucumbers: I highly recommend using Persian (mini) cucumbers because they have thin skins and very few seeds, making them extra crunchy. If you must use a standard garden cucumber, be sure to peel the waxy skin and scoop out the watery seeds to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
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Buy Feta in Brine: While pre-crumbled cheese is convenient, buying a block of feta stored in brine and crumbling it yourself makes a huge difference. Brined feta is moister, creamier, and has a much sharper, fresher flavor profile.
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Dress Immediately Before Serving: The salt in the vinaigrette will draw moisture out of the tomatoes and cucumbers within minutes. To maintain that satisfying crunch, pour the dressing and toss the salad right before you set it on the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Tomato, Avocado, and Cucumber Salad ahead of time? It is best to assemble this salad right before serving. Because avocados oxidize and turn brown quickly once cut, making it too far in advance can affect the presentation. However, you can chop the cucumbers and tomatoes up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the fridge, adding the fresh avocado and dressing just before you eat.
Is this salad suitable for a Keto or Low-Carb diet? Yes, this salad is excellent for Keto and low-carb diets. With high-quality fats from the avocado and olive oil-based vinaigrette, plus low-carb vegetables, it fits perfectly into ketogenic macros. It contains approximately 12g of total carbohydrates and 6g of fiber per serving, resulting in just 6g of net carbs.
How do I keep the avocado from turning brown in leftovers? If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To minimize browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface of the salad before sealing the lid. The acid in the vinaigrette dressing will also help slow down the oxidation process slightly.
What is a good dairy-free substitute for feta cheese? If you are dairy-free or Paleo, you can omit the cheese entirely or use a vegan feta alternative made from coconut oil or almonds. For a different flavor profile that still adds creaminess, try adding hearts of palm or adding a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a savory kick.
Conclusion
I really hope this Tomato, Avocado, and Cucumber Salad becomes a regular in your lunchtime rotation just as it has in mine. It is the perfect proof that eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. If you give this recipe a try, please scroll down to leave a star rating and a comment letting me know how you liked it—I love hearing from you!
