This Mediterranean Avocado and Cucumber Salad has a fresh and creamy texture. We prepare this refreshing salad with ripe Mexican avocados, English cucumber, scallions, Mexican crema, plain yogurt, fresh lime juice and zest, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, kosher salt, and crumbled Cotija cheese. This refreshing salad contains about 8 g net carbs and 280 calories. We make this refreshing salad in just 15 minutes. This Mediterranean Avocado and Cucumber Salad is naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and low in carbohydrates, making it a great choice for a healthy Mediterranean lifestyle. You can serve this refreshing salad with Grilled Lemon Chicken, Herb-Grilled Salmon, Falafel, Warm Pita Bread, or Mediterranean Lentil Soup.
STATS:
- Cook Time: Zero minutes
- Course: Salad, Side Dish
- Calories: 280 Kcal
- Diet: Mediterranean, Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Servings: 6
- Cooking Mode: No-Cook
- Difficulty: Easy
TOOLS:
- Bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus zester and juicer
- Garlic press
- Serving spoon
INGREDIENTS:
- 3 Mexican avocados
- 1 English cucumber
- 4 scallions
- 5 tablespoons Mexican crema
- 2 tablespoons yogurt
- Juice and zest of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 jalapeño
- 2 tablespoons cilantro
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Cotija cheese
INGREDIENT NOTES AND THEIR SUBSTITUTIONS:
MEXICAN AVOCADOS:
- We use ripe Mexican avocados to provide a creamy, buttery texture and healthy fats to this salad. You can also use Hass avocados, Florida avocados, or a ripe mango.
ENGLISH CUCUMBER:
- English cucumber adds a crisp texture and refreshing flavor to this salad. As a substitute, you can use Persian cucumbers, mini cucumbers, or peeled garden cucumbers.
SCALLIONS:
- To add a little onion taste to the salad without dominating it, we choose scallions. You may also use chives, shallots, or finely chopped red onion.
MEXICAN CREMA:
- Mexican crema gives the dressing a rich, smooth, and creamy texture.
PLAIN YOGURT:
- The depth of the crema is counterbalanced by the subtle tang of plain yogurt. Instead, you can use Greek yogurt, skyr, or dairy-free yogurt.
LIME:
- Lime zest & juice help preserve the avocado’s freshness while adding a crisp citrus flavor. As an alternative, you can use lemon juice or white wine vinegar.
GARLIC:
- Garlic adds a savory depth of flavor to the creamy dressing.
JALAPEÑO:
- We use jalapeño to add a mild spicy kick to the salad. Alternatively, you can use serrano pepper, poblano pepper, or simply omit it.
FRESH CILANTRO:
- Fresh cilantro gives the salad a bright, fresh herbal flavor. You may substitute it with parsley, dill, basil, or mint.
COTIJA CHEESE:
- Cotija cheese provides a salty, crumbly topping that complements the creamy salad. As a substitute, you can use feta cheese, queso fresco, or Parmesan cheese.
INSTRUCTIONS:
- First, include avocado, scallions, and cucumber in a large bowl.
- Whisk crema, lime zest, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a small bowl.
- Then whisk the dressing with the avocado mixture and stir carefully to coat each item.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings as desired.
- Lastly, sprinkle crumbled Cotija cheese on top, then serve.
TIPS:
- Allow the salad to sit for almost five minutes and then serve.
- We utilize ripe and firm avocados.
- Include toasted pumpkin seeds for a crunchier texture.
- Refrigerate the cucumber and then prepare.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS:
GRILLED PROTEINS:
- Grilled Lemon Chicken
- Herb-Grilled Salmon
- Garlic Shrimp Skewers
- Grilled Turkey Breast
- Mediterranean Lamb Kebabs
MEDITERRANEAN FAVORITES:
- Chicken Souvlaki
- Falafel
- Chicken Shawarma
- Beef Kofta
- Grilled Halloumi
BREAD & GRAINS:
- Warm Pita Bread
- Couscous
- Quinoa Pilaf
- Brown Rice
- Whole Wheat Flatbread
SOUPS:
- Mediterranean Lentil Soup
- Tomato Basil Soup
- Chickpea Soup
- Roasted Red Pepper Soup
- Vegetable Minestrone
REFRESHING DRINKS:
- Sparkling Lemon Water
- Mint Iced Tea
- Cucumber Lime Water
- Fresh Lemonade
- Iced Green Tea
STORAGE INFORMATION:
FRIDGE:
- Put this refreshing salad in an enclosed bowl and stock it for nearly one days.
FREEZER:
- We do not advise storing this refreshing salad because the avocados will lose their texture and cucumbers will get watery.
FAQS:
Is this salad good to prepare in advance?
- Yes, you may prepare it early, but include avocado just before serving.
Does this salad contain spice?
- It has mild heat because of jalapeños. You may choose to get the milder version.
Could we utilize Greek yogurt?
- Yes, it makes the dressing thick and gives high protein.
NUTRITIONAL FACTS:
Calories: 280 kcal
Sodium: 360 mg
Total Carbs: 16 g
Net Carbs: 8 g
Fiber: 8 g
Sugar: 3 g
Fat: 25 g
Protein: 5 g
Serving Size: 1¼ cups