When you’re searching for something light, crisp, and bursting with flavor, look no further than this Cucumber Avocado Salad Recipe! The harmony of crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocados, zesty ginger, fresh herbs, and a hint of chili creates a salad that’s as vibrant on your palate as it is on your plate. There’s no cooking required and no heavy dressings—just ingredients that sing for themselves. This is a salad that truly comes alive with every bite, ideal for summer gatherings, healthy lunches, or as a refreshing side to your favorite grilled dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this salad? Every ingredient pulls its weight in flavor and texture, yet the whole process stays blissfully simple. These fresh, colorful components transform a humble veggie mix into a show-stopper you’ll want to make again and again.
- Minced ginger (1/4 cup): Adds a sharp zing that really brightens up the whole dish.
- English cucumbers (2, quartered and sliced): Their crispness and mild flavor are the backbone of this salad.
- Sea salt (1 teaspoon): Not just for seasoning—this draws out water from the cucumbers, making them extra refreshing.
- Sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances the salt and accentuates the natural sweetness of the veggies.
- Garlic (4 cloves, finely minced): A savory kick that works perfectly with ginger and chili.
- Thai red chili (1, sliced): For that subtle, not-too-hot kick of heat.
- Celery (4 stalks, thinly sliced): Brings a lovely crunch that complements the cucumber.
- Neutral-flavored oil (1 tablespoon): Helps all the flavors meld without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- Lime juice (from 1/2 lime): Brightens everything, giving the salad irresistible freshness.
- Avocados (2, diced): Lend a creamy, buttery contrast to all the crunchy elements.
- Basil leaves and cilantro (1/4 cup each, chopped): The mix of soft herbs cools and refreshes with each bite.
How to Make Cucumber Avocado Salad Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Base
Start by mixing the ginger, cucumbers, sea salt, sugar, garlic, and Thai red chili together in a large salad bowl. This step allows the salt and sugar to begin pulling moisture from the cucumbers and infusing everything with aromatic ginger and garlic. Let it rest on your counter for half an hour—the wait is worth it, as your cucumbers become extra crisp and every flavor comes alive.
Step 2: Add Crunch and Zest
Now, toss in your thinly sliced celery, neutral-flavored oil, and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice. Mix well, taste, and adjust your sea salt if needed. The celery adds a different kind of crunch that balances out the cucumbers, while the lime brings the whole salad to a vibrant finish.
Step 3: Fold in the Creamy & Herbaceous Elements
Right before serving, gently fold in the diced avocados, chopped basil, and cilantro. This is the moment your Cucumber Avocado Salad Recipe truly shines—the herbs freshen up the mix, and the avocado adds a luxurious creaminess that makes every forkful satisfying and unique.
How to Serve Cucumber Avocado Salad Recipe

Garnishes
If you’re feeling a bit fancy, a sprinkle of extra chopped herbs, a few thinly sliced rings of chili, or even a twist of lime zest over the top can take your Cucumber Avocado Salad Recipe to the next level. Presentation is half the pleasure!
Side Dishes
This salad is a wildly flexible companion. It pairs perfectly with grilled fish, chicken, or tofu, and also shines alongside rice dishes, summer rolls, or even simply with a slice of crusty bread for scooping. The refreshing quality balances out rich or spicy mains effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small glass jars for picnics, or scoop the salad into lettuce cups for a finger-food twist. Layer it over a bed of greens for a more substantial salad, or tuck it into a wrap with grilled chicken for a lunch upgrade. The possibilities are fun and endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare, but possible), transfer them into an airtight container and refrigerate. The avocados will remain pleasant for a few hours thanks to the lime juice, but it’s best enjoyed the same day for maximum freshness and texture.
Freezing
Unfortunately, this Cucumber Avocado Salad Recipe doesn’t freeze well. The fresh veggies and avocado become mushy after thawing, and you’d lose all that delightful crunch and creaminess that make this salad special.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature, with no heating required. In fact, letting it sit at room temp for a few minutes before serving brings out its best flavors, but skip the microwave—trust me!
FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?
Absolutely, but try to deseed them first and peel if the skin is tough or waxy. English cucumbers have a sweeter, more delicate skin and fewer seeds, which is why they work so well here.
What if I don’t have Thai red chili?
No worries—you can swap in a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a mild jalapeño. If you’re not into heat, just leave it out, and your Cucumber Avocado Salad Recipe will still be bursting with flavor.
How far in advance can I prep this salad?
You can combine the cucumbers, ginger, garlic, and chili ahead of time (but skip the salt, sugar, and avocado until closer to serving). Keep the base mix in the fridge for up to 8 hours, then finish the salad right before guests arrive.
What oils work best in this recipe?
Stick with a neutral-flavored oil like grapeseed, avocado, or sunflower. These allow the fresh herbs and vibrant vegetables in your Cucumber Avocado Salad Recipe to shine through without adding any unwanted flavor.
How can I make it meal-worthy?
Add grilled shrimp, sliced chicken, or cooked tofu to bulk up your salad and turn it into a light, refreshing meal. You can even toss in a handful of cooked quinoa for extra heartiness and protein.
Final Thoughts
You’ll fall in love with how easy, colorful, and satisfying the Cucumber Avocado Salad Recipe is to make and share. Whether you’re bringing it to a picnic or serving it to friends at home, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—and don’t forget to make extra, because it disappears in a flash!
PrintCucumber Avocado Salad Recipe
This Cucumber Avocado Salad is a refreshing and irresistible side dish that combines crunchy cucumbers, zesty ginger, garlic, fresh herbs, and creamy avocados with a hint of heat from red Thai chili and a burst of lime juice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1/4 cup minced ginger
- 2 English cucumbers, quartered and sliced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 Thai red chili, sliced
- 4 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon neutral-flavored oil
- Juice from 1/2 lime
- 2 avocados, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Mix the salad: Combine ginger, cucumbers, sea salt, sugar, garlic, and red chili in a large bowl. Let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Add celery and dressing: Toss in celery, oil, and lime juice. Season with salt to taste.
- Include avocados and herbs: Add diced avocados, basil, and cilantro. Gently toss to combine. Serve promptly.
Notes
- The total time for this recipe is 50 minutes, mostly hands-off.
- You can prepare ahead by combining cucumbers and spices, refrigerating for up to 8 hours, then adding salt and sugar before finishing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 158 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 417mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg