Creamy Avocado Cucumber Olive Salad (Mediterranean-Style)
Description
This Creamy Avocado Cucumber Olive Salad is a light yet satisfying Mediterranean dish that balances cool crunch, creamy richness, and briny depth. Silky avocado replaces heavy dressings, coating crisp cucumbers and salty olives in a naturally creamy, lemony embrace. It’s perfect as a side dish, mezze plate, or quick lunch, and pairs beautifully with grilled fish, chicken, or warm pita.
Ingredients
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2 ripe avocados, peeled and cubed
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2 medium cucumbers, diced (English or Persian preferred)
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½ cup Kalamata or green olives, sliced
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¼ cup red onion, finely sliced
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1½ tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 small garlic clove, finely grated
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2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
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Optional: 2 tbsp crumbled feta (for serving)
Instructions
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Prep the vegetables
Dice cucumbers, slice olives, and finely cut the red onion. Place everything in a large bowl. -
Make it creamy
In a small bowl, gently mash half of the avocado with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. -
Assemble the salad
Add the remaining avocado cubes to the bowl with vegetables. Spoon the avocado dressing over the top. -
Gently toss
Fold carefully to coat without breaking the avocado pieces. -
Finish & serve
Sprinkle with fresh herbs and optional feta. Serve immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes for extra freshness.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve alongside grilled salmon, chicken, or lamb
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Spoon over toasted sourdough or warm pita
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Add chickpeas for a protein-boosted lunch bowl
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Enjoy as part of a Mediterranean mezze spread
Q & A
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can prep the vegetables ahead. Add avocado and lemon just before serving to prevent browning.
Q: What cucumbers work best?
A: English or Persian cucumbers are ideal because they’re crisp and less watery.
Q: Can I skip olives?
A: Yes, but they add that classic Mediterranean saltiness. Capers or sun-dried tomatoes are good substitutes.
Q: Is this salad vegan?
A: Yes—just skip the feta or use a plant-based alternative.
Q: How do I keep avocado from browning?
A: Lemon juice is key. Toss the avocado immediately with lemon and store tightly covered if needed.
