Avocado and Cucumber Arugula Salad

published May 24, 2022
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Credit: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn; Food Stylist: CC Buckley/Kitchn

Feel free to turn this vibrant salad into a meal by topping it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.

Serves4 to 6

Prep10 minutes

Jump to Recipe
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Post Image
Credit: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn; Food Stylist: CC Buckley/Kitchn

There is absolutely nothing wrong with a side salad of mixed greens, a glug of olive oil, a splash of vinegar, and some salt and pepper. But the truth is, with a tiny bit more effort, you can have something truly spectacular — like this avocado, cucumber, and radish salad served with arugula and tossed in an easy lemon vinaigrette. The result is a colorful side that’s much greater than the sum of its parts.

It also goes with just about everything. Whether you’re serving chicken, fish, or even just grilled cheese for dinner, this salad is a perfect partner. It’s full of texture, thanks to crunchy cucumbers and radishes and creamy avocado, but not so flavorful that it won’t overshadow your main.

Make It Your Own

The other great thing about this salad is that it’s flexible. Need to use up that clamshell of spinach, kale, or romaine? No problem. No radishes, but happen to have a carrot or two on hand? Throw them in there instead. The key is to keep that combination of crunchy veggies and creamy avocado.

Avocado and Cucumber Arugula Salad Recipe

Feel free to turn this vibrant salad into a meal by topping it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.

Prep time 10 minutes

Serves 4 to 6

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 1

    medium lemon

  • 3 tablespoons

    olive oil

  • 1/2

    medium English cucumber

  • 1

    small bunch radishes

  • 5 ounces

    arugula (about 5 packed cups)

  • 1

    ripe but firm medium avocado

Instructions

  1. Finely grate the zest of 1 medium lemon into a large bowl, then juice the lemon into the bowl. Add 3 tablespoons olive oil, a pinch of kosher salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Whisk to combine.

  2. Prepare the following, adding each to the bowl of dressing as you complete it: Halve 1/2 medium English cucumber lengthwise, then thinly slice crosswise. Trim the greens from 1 small bunch radishes and thinly slice.

  3. Add 5 ounces arugula (about 5 packed cups) and toss to combine. Halve, pit, and dice 1 medium avocado. Add to the salad and toss again lightly until just combined.