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Salads can be both nourishing and delicious, and the Creamy Cucumber and Avocado Salad is a perfect example. This vibrant dish combines fresh ingredients with a creamy dressing, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for a summer barbecue, or a healthy addition to your dinner table, this salad is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
Nutrient-Packed Ingredients
This salad features cucumbers and avocados, both of which are loaded with health benefits. Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, making them an excellent choice for maintaining a balanced diet. They are rich in vitamins K and C, as well as several B vitamins. On the other hand, avocados are a fantastic source of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fat, which is known for its heart-health benefits. They also provide a range of vitamins and minerals, including potassium and vitamin E.
Flavorful Dressing
The creamy dressing brings this salad to life. Made with low-fat cream cheese, mayonnaise, fresh dill, and a touch of honey, it strikes the perfect balance between rich and tangy. The addition of grain mustard adds a delightful depth, while the lemon juice brightens the entire dish. This dressing is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to for many salads.
Quick and Easy Preparation
This salad comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy days. With just a few simple steps, you can have a refreshing dish ready to enjoy. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a quick grab-and-go meal or side.
Ingredients Notes
- Cucumbers: Choose firm, fresh cucumbers for the best crunch. English cucumbers are ideal as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, but regular cucumbers work just fine too.
- Avocado: Ensure the avocado is ripe but firm. It should give slightly when gently squeezed. Avoid overly soft avocados to prevent mashing when mixing.
- Corn: Fresh corn is best, but you can also use canned or frozen corn. If using frozen, thaw it beforehand.
- Red Onion: For a milder flavor, soak sliced red onion in cold water for about 10 minutes to reduce its sharpness.
- Fresh Dill: Fresh dill adds a unique flavor, but you can substitute with dried dill if fresh isn’t available. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried dill.
- Low-Fat Cream Cheese: Opt for regular cream cheese for a richer taste, or a vegan alternative if you prefer a dairy-free option.
- Mayonnaise: For a healthier twist, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. This adds creaminess while boosting protein.
How To Make Creamy Cucumber and Avocado Salad
1. Prepare the Salad
Begin by thinly slicing the cucumbers and placing them in a large mixing bowl. Next, take the avocado, cut it directly in the skin into cubes, and scoop the pieces into the bowl with the cucumbers. Add the corn and julienned red onion, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
2. Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, combine the low-fat cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, fresh dill, honey, and grain mustard. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk everything together until smooth and well blended.
3. Combine
Pour the dressing over the cucumber, avocado, red onion, and corn mixture. Gently toss the salad to ensure all ingredients are coated in the creamy dressing, being careful not to mash the avocado.
4. Serve
You can serve this salad immediately for a fresh crunch, or allow it to chill in the refrigerator for a bit. Chilling the salad enhances the flavors, making it even more delightful.
Tips and Tricks
- Prepping Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables a few hours in advance. Just keep them separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness.
- Avoid Browning: To prevent the avocado from browning, toss it in a little lemon juice before adding it to the salad. This not only keeps it vibrant but also enhances the flavor.
- Mixing Gently: When combining the salad with the dressing, use a gentle folding motion to avoid mashing the avocado.
- Flavor Enhancements: For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or a splash of hot sauce to the dressing for a bit of heat.
Recipe Variations
- Mediterranean Twist: Add cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired salad. Replace dill with oregano or thyme.
- Asian Flavor: Incorporate sesame oil and soy sauce into the dressing. Add sliced radishes, shredded carrots, and scallions for an Asian twist.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to turn this salad into a more substantial meal.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted sunflower seeds or chopped walnuts on top for added crunch and nutrition.
- Spicy Version: Include diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes in the dressing for some heat.
Serving Suggestions
- As a Side Dish: This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, fish, or roasted vegetables.
- Light Lunch: Serve it on a bed of greens or alongside whole grain bread for a satisfying lunch.
- Picnic or Potluck: This salad is an excellent choice for gatherings. It’s colorful, refreshing, and easy to transport.
- Garnish: Top with additional fresh dill or a squeeze of lemon just before serving for a bright finish.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that the avocado may brown over time, but it will still be safe to eat.
- Dressing Storage: You can store the dressing separately for up to a week in the refrigerator. Shake well before using.
- Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of the cucumbers and avocado will change upon thawing.
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Creamy Cucumber and Avocado Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cucumbers thinly sliced
- 1 avocado cut directly in the skin into cubes
- 3 tbsp corn approximately 45g
- 1 red onion, julienned thinly sliced
Dressing:
- 1 tbsp low-fat cream cheese
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh dil chopped
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp grain mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thinly slice the cucumbers and add them to a large bowl.
- Cut the avocado directly in its skin into cubes, then scoop the pieces into the same bowl with the cucumbers.
- Add the corn and julienned red onion to the bowl.
- In a separate bowl, mix the low-fat cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, honey, and grain mustard.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber, avocado, red onion, and corn. Toss gently to mix everything without mashing the avocado.
- Serve immediately, or chill for a bit before serving for extra flavor development.
