Tomato Cucumber & Avocado Salad - Craving Tasty (2024)

Jun 1, 2019 · 92 Comments

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Italian inspired, this tomato, cucumber and avocado salad is one of our family favorites. It's so tasty and so addictive that you just want to eat more and more of it.

We make this salad all year round, even during winter. I often hear tomato and cucumber salads being labeled as 'summer' salads. I couldn't disagree more, unless you think of them as a piece of summer during cold winter days.

You have to taste this salad to know why it's so special. The base recipe for this salad supposedly originated in Italy and had been passed down from generation to generation for many years. Everything in this salad seems to be spot on and the resulting flavors are fabulous. You don't eat it because you have to, you eat it because it entices you, it makes you want to have more of it. This salad is a sibling of my other favorite salad - rustic tomato and cucumber salad.

Making the salad dressing

A typical salad dressing consists of a 3:1 ratio of oil to acid. That's the first thing you learn when you venture into the realm of making your own salad dressings. In this recipe, I use a 2:1 ratio of oil to acid. I love it. This makes the salad fresh and bright. You have to remember though that not all red wine vinegars are created equal. Some are more acidic than others. I like more mellow kinds. Pompeian Red Wine Vinegar that can be found at pretty much any store is an excellent choice with a very well-rounded taste. Holland House Red Wine Vinegar is another excellent and inexpensive choice for a mild flavor and well-rounded taste.

Tips to help make best tasting tomato, cucumber and avocado salad

This salad tastes especially good when made with fully ripe and flavorful ingredients, which makes it incredibly flavorful and delicious.
The salad only gets better with time as different flavors in it meld together so let it sit at room temperature for a few hours if possible. The oil and the red wine vinegar have time to do their magic to the veggies.
If the tomatoes aren't ripe, leave them on a windowsill for a few days to ripen. They will soften up and become richer in flavor and color.
The cucumbers should be fresh and firm. Try to avoid soft, overripe cucumbers and opt for firm and crisp cucumbers instead.
Avocados should be ripe and just slightly soft. When cut open, they should be bright green in color without brown spots which are an indication of over-ripening.

You can serve this salad as an appetizer or a side dish, or as a meal on its own with a piece of crusty sourdough bread or French baguette. Use that bread to soak in every last drop of that delicious salad dressing. It's so good!

Cucumber, Tomato and Avocado Salad

4.93 from 39 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Salad

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: avocado salad, cucumber salad, tomato cucumber avocado salad, tomato salad

Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes

Resting time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 227kcal

Author: Victor

Ingredients

The Vegetables:

4 tomatoes (medium size, fresh and ripe)
4 baby cucumbers (fresh and firm)
1 Hass avocado (ripe and slightly soft)
1/2 red onion (medium size, peeled and diced)
1/2 bunch fresh basil (rinsed, dried and finely chopped)
1 pinch granulated sugar

The dressing:

6 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (good quality)
3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
3/4 tsp kosher salt
3/4 tsp granulated sugar
1 garlic clove (pressed)
1 tsp dried oregano
1 pinch black pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

Core the tomatoes, cut in half, then cut each half lengthwise into 3 wedges. Then cut each wedge in half crosswise. Place the tomatoes in a large bowl, sprinkle with a pinch of sugar and give them a quick toss.
Cut off the ends of the cucumbers. Using a vegetable peeler, make long stripes going top down. Slice into 1/4" thick slices slightly on the diagonal. Transfer to the bowl with the tomatoes.
Cut the avocado in 4 quarters lengthwise and remove the pit. Gently remove the skin, then slice into 3/8" thick slices on the diagonal and add to tomatoes and cucumbers, along with the diced onion and chopped basil.
To prepare the dressing, throw all of the dressing ingredients into a small bowl and whisk together vigorously, until well blended.
Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently using both hands. You can serve immediately or cover the bowl with a plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature until ready to serve. This salad only gets better with time.

Nutrition

This post post updated on June 1, 2019

More Salad Recipes

Chili Mayo Cucumber Salad
Heirloom Tomato Salad
Summer Fusilli Pasta Salad

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Reader Interactions

Comments

Diane hughes says
April 26, 2024 at 8:47 am

This salad is delicious..thank-you for the recipe
Reply
- victor says
  April 26, 2024 at 3:08 pm
  You are very welcome. Enjoy!
  Reply
Anu says
April 14, 2024 at 2:47 pm
Being pre-diabetic, sugar is forbidden(unfortunately). Would skipping sugar in the dressing have a huge effect on the taste? The salad looks so amazing and I really want to try it out.
Reply
- victor says
  April 14, 2024 at 3:50 pm
  I've tried it with and without. Both taste great. Enjoy!
  Reply
Rita landa says
March 08, 2024 at 2:42 pm

This salad is quick to make usually have ingredients on hand and so refreshing an lite goes with fish chicken . Nice change over lettuce salad!
Reply
- victor says
  March 08, 2024 at 5:25 pm
  Glad you liked my recipe, Rita. Enjoy!
  Reply
Rosabel says
March 05, 2024 at 6:35 pm

I will try this recipe. Looks.good and healthy!
Reply
- victor says
  March 08, 2024 at 5:29 pm
  You will love it, I hope. LOL Enjoy!
  Reply
Frank chomba says
February 13, 2024 at 10:42 am

Great testy
Reply
- victor says
  February 13, 2024 at 1:44 pm
  Enjoy!
  Reply
Rosaida says
February 11, 2024 at 11:22 am

Sounds delicious to me. Im going to do it.
Thanks
Reply
- victor says
  February 11, 2024 at 3:20 pm
  You are welcome. Enjoy!
  Reply
Steven Carleton says
February 04, 2024 at 3:07 pm

This is brilliant on its own - even my kids love it! I've also served it with pita and grilled chicken and tzatziki sauce. Sometimes we make it into a sort of greek salad on a bed of greens with feta, beets, and olives. It really does age well in the fridge, especially with really fresh (farmers market) ingredients. Thanks for sharing Victor!
Reply
- victor says
  February 10, 2024 at 10:28 pm
  You are very welcome, Steven. Glad you liked my recipe. Enjoy!
  Reply
Cassandra says
January 15, 2024 at 4:38 am

This salad was delicious. My bestfriend doesn't like salads and she loved it. I will be eating this salad a lot. I had weight lose surgery August 2023 and salads are on my list but I couldn't find any I liked. Well I just found one.
Reply
- victor says
  January 19, 2024 at 7:56 pm
  Enjoy!!!
  See Also
  30+ Things Do With Fresh Tomatoes - Homemade Mastery Roasted Tomato Chutney Creamy Vegan Tomato Soup | mindful avocado Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad | Fast, Flavorful and Healthy Side Dish!
  Reply
- Patty says
  February 17, 2024 at 9:55 am
  This salad looks delicious, but what could be used as a substitute for the cucumbers? I’m just not a fan. I love everything else though.
  Reply
PC says
December 18, 2023 at 1:22 pm

Excellent Salad Salad Dressing
Very simple , easy to prepare
Reply
- victor says
  December 18, 2023 at 2:37 pm
  Enjoy!
  Reply
Christiline Johnson says
December 11, 2023 at 6:09 am

Hmmmm! looks delicious/ I am certainly going to try this.
Reply
Jeanette says
September 26, 2023 at 10:59 pm

Delicious dressing and a very tasty salad. My husband and I really enjoyed it. I will be making it again soon.
Reply
- victor says
  October 02, 2023 at 10:53 am
  Enjoy!
  Reply
Tamara says
September 06, 2023 at 7:21 pm

This dish is amazing.
Reply
Ahmed says
September 01, 2023 at 12:13 pm

Wwow I will tried on my own and let you guys knows about it. It really looks good and will taste good
Reply
- victor says
  September 01, 2023 at 7:39 pm
  Enjoy!
  Reply
Debra says
August 22, 2023 at 6:45 pm

This was the perfect dish for hot weather. I’ll probably back off a table spoon on the dressing next time just because I like mine a little more vinegary and less oily. Other than that I loved it! Thanks for sharing. ❤️❤️
Reply
- victor says
  August 28, 2023 at 7:41 pm
  You are very welcome. Enjoy!
  Reply
Norma Talarico says
August 21, 2023 at 2:31 pm

Fabulous!
Reply
- victor says
  August 28, 2023 at 7:45 pm
  Enjoy!
  Reply
Lori says
August 20, 2023 at 9:13 pm

Yummy! This salad is a perfect combination and the dressing!! So good!
Reply
- victor says
  August 28, 2023 at 7:45 pm
  Enjoy!
  Reply
Eva says
July 23, 2023 at 6:43 pm

Love this salad!! Also tossed in about half a can of garbanzo beans for some protein!
Reply
- victor says
  July 31, 2023 at 1:06 pm
  Happy to hear it. Enjoy!
  Reply
Jane says
July 04, 2023 at 8:21 pm

I love this salad. How long can it be kept in refrigerator and still be good? I made it today on Tuesday and would like to serve it to family reunion on Saturday. Will it at taste good?
Reply
- victor says
  July 05, 2023 at 12:43 pm
  You can, but I wouldn't recommend it as the texture of the vegetables, especially tomatoes, will change and it won't taste the same.
  Reply
Marcia says
June 19, 2023 at 2:48 pm

This is so delicious- I’ve made this 3 times this month
Reply
- victor says
  June 24, 2023 at 8:51 pm
  Happy to hear it. Enjoy!
  Reply
Jana says
June 13, 2023 at 8:24 pm

Way too much dressing! When I make it again, I will cut the dressing recipe in half
Reply
- victor says
  June 24, 2023 at 8:58 pm
  We like more dressing, no one ever complained. Tastes differ though. ENjoy!
  Reply
Gregory says
June 08, 2023 at 10:47 pm

Good Idea for a delicious tasty salad
Reply
- victor says
  June 27, 2023 at 10:46 pm
  Enjoy!
  Reply
  See Also
  Marinated Cherry Tomato Pasta
Sandy says
June 04, 2023 at 3:23 pm

I made this today and love it! I made a big bowl if it just for myself. I had it for lunch and the rest I put in Mason jars in the fridge for later. Being able to see it as soon as I open my fridge will make for a wonderfully, healthy and tasty snack.
I'm not a fan of red onions, so I substituted a few green onions in their place. I couldn't get fresh basil at the store, so I added dried to the dressing. I love the acid in red wine vinegar, so I also left the sugar out. I also like that you reduced the amount of oil. I can still taste the olive oil, which is good, but it's not overpowering. This is a great salad and I'm a huge fan. Thank you!
Reply
- victor says
  June 05, 2023 at 10:58 am
  You are very welcome. Enjoy!
  Reply
Gwen S says
June 01, 2023 at 6:09 pm

This salad is delicious!! I made this salad for two different dinner parties, and was asked for the recipe both times.
Reply
- victor says
  June 05, 2023 at 11:00 am
  Glad to hear it. Enjoy!
  Reply
Kimberly S. says
May 08, 2023 at 7:47 pm

I made this salad today for dinner. It was DELICIOUS!
Reply
- victor says
  May 10, 2023 at 8:33 am
  Enjoy!
  Reply
Terry says
May 01, 2023 at 6:41 pm

Excellent!! My new favorite. The pinch of sugar on the tomatoes and avocado take the sharp edge off.
Reply
- victor says
  May 04, 2023 at 11:30 am
  Happy to hear it, Terry. Enjoy!
  Reply
- Rhonda says
  July 21, 2023 at 11:16 pm
  Great tip !
  Reply
Papergirl says
April 30, 2023 at 2:39 pm
How many T of red wine vinnegar? My recipe doesn’t show the number. Thanks!
Reply
- victor says
  May 04, 2023 at 11:42 am
  Three Tbsp. Enjoy!
  Reply
Melinda says
April 28, 2023 at 4:25 pm

Great refreshing salad!
Reply
- victor says
  April 30, 2023 at 12:19 pm
  Enjoy!
  Reply
Lisa says
April 21, 2023 at 6:37 pm

I made this salad today to see I want to make it for event and it was delicious!! It is a go, definitely! But I wanted to know if it can be made a day or two ahead? Do you think it will hold up?
Reply
- victor says
  April 23, 2023 at 3:14 pm
  I think it's best made and consumed the same day. Tomatoes don't store well once cut.
  Reply
Kathy says
April 09, 2023 at 1:14 am
Just curious as to how there’s 18 grams of carbs in this recipe. I’m on low carb and when subtracting the fiber…there’s a net carb of 11 grams which still seems like a lot. Is it because of the added sugar and natural sugar in the tomatoes?
Reply
- victor says
  April 23, 2023 at 3:41 pm
  It looks like they come a little from tomatoes, avocado, red onion, red wine vinegar, and other ingredients.
  Reply
Tracy says
April 01, 2023 at 6:43 pm
Can this be tweaked to make it a little healthier? This sounds so good.
Reply
- victor says
  April 02, 2023 at 4:31 pm
  What's not healthy about it? I suppose you could... remove the avocado and go lighter on the dressing/olive oil. But I think it's quite healthy as it is, though it's all relative.
  Reply
  - FranSak says
    April 23, 2023 at 7:18 am
    Just leave out the sugar and dramatically reduce the carbs!
Julie says
March 26, 2023 at 8:36 pm

This was such a simple but refreshing salad. I get tired of lettuce, tomato, co*ke salads.adding avacado just put it over the top!
Reply
- victor says
  March 31, 2023 at 2:58 pm
  Glad you enjoyed it.
  Reply
Vicky Sutherland says
March 26, 2023 at 12:04 pm

I made this along with a scrumptious pasta dish to share with family. Omgosh everyone loved it, grandkids included!!! I’d doubled the recipe and added just a bit more sugar and half the oil was canola. The olive oil was a bit strong for my taste. This recipe is a keeper!!!
Reply
- victor says
  March 31, 2023 at 3:02 pm
  Glad you like my recipe, Vicky. Try it with heirloom tomatoes in a few months when they are in season, you will love it. Enjoy!
  Reply
Vince says
March 25, 2023 at 1:10 pm

Great salad to go with any dish!
Reply
- victor says
  March 31, 2023 at 3:04 pm
  Enjoy! Be sure to try it with heirloom tomatoes when they are in season. Love this salad in July-August with locally grown in-season tomatoes.
  Reply
  - Lori says
    July 03, 2023 at 1:25 pm
    Just wondered if the avocados turn brown quickly?
  - victor says
    July 04, 2023 at 8:55 am
    Hasn't been an issue for same day consumption, but if they are very ripe, they will brown if the salad is left overnight.
Lola says
March 16, 2023 at 3:20 pm
Looks really yummy and am going to try it
Reply
- victor says
  March 17, 2023 at 9:43 am
  Enjoy!
  Reply
Marlee says
January 06, 2023 at 8:19 pm

I have tried this amazing super fresh salad was fantastic
Reply
- victor says
  January 20, 2023 at 1:18 pm
  Happy to hear it, Marlee. Enjoy!
  Reply
Da says
October 16, 2022 at 2:44 pm

Awesomely refreshing salad. A bed of baby spinach can also be layed down. I will definitely be making this often.
Reply
- victor says
  January 20, 2023 at 1:52 pm
  Glad to hear it. Enjoy!
  Reply
Michael says
September 14, 2022 at 5:40 pm

I just made this for the first time and will again!! Fantastic recipe, delicious!!!
Reply
- victor says
  October 06, 2022 at 10:56 am
  You are welcome. Glad you liked it. Happy cooking!
  Reply
Renee says
October 25, 2021 at 9:16 pm

This recipe is soooo good. Even my husband and daughter like it and they are very picky eaters lol. Would definitely keep making.
Reply
- victor says
  October 25, 2021 at 10:17 pm
  Happy to hear it. Enjoy!
  Reply
Laura Karczewski says
August 02, 2020 at 12:19 am

Best salad ever! Thank you for sharing this. My garden is filled with tomatoes, cucumbers and basil so it was so easy to make. Love love love❤️
Reply
Karen says
July 11, 2020 at 7:16 pm
How much is half a bunch of basil? I’m going to pick it from my garden and need a better idea of how much I need.
Reply
- victor says
  July 18, 2020 at 7:30 am
  About 1 cup of loose leaves.
  Reply
Nelly says
May 16, 2020 at 5:01 pm

Looks beautiful, looking forward to making it.
Reply
Margaret says
May 15, 2020 at 5:16 pm

Absolutely love this salad. My new favorite
Reply
Ann says
December 07, 2019 at 12:02 pm

Hey Victor! We make this salad all year round, too. I totally agree with you that it’s really addictive. My husband often asks for it to be removed from his eyesight cuz he can’t control himself. He says he could be on a deserted island with this. Highly recommend everyone to give the recipe a try. Believe me, all of the flavors are fab!
Thank you so much for sharing the idea and all of your precious tips. I hope the recipe will inspire many of your readers. I’m so glad that I discovered your blog a few days ago. I’ll be coming around often. Keep up the good work!
Best wishes,
Ann
Reply
- victor says
  December 07, 2019 at 7:21 pm
  LOL ... Your comment made me laugh, Ann. I hear you, we make this salad, or some variation of it, a few times a week. So good and so easy to make! The best part is that the kids a lot of veggies because of it. I add or substitute celery, radishes, radicchio, and other veggies to change things up. Thank you for the kind words and do come back often.
  Reply
Bella says
September 18, 2019 at 9:18 pm

This recipe is fantastic! I've been making this salad every day for the past week and can't have enough of it. So addictive!
Reply
Ada says
December 20, 2018 at 1:44 am

I?m impressed, I must say. A+++
Reply
Angela says
March 03, 2018 at 4:07 pm
What a gorgeous looking salad. Can't wait to give this a taste! Yum!
Reply
- victor says
  March 03, 2018 at 4:57 pm
  Thank you for the kind words, Angela.
  Reply
Richard Benchimol says
March 02, 2018 at 11:11 am
Thank you for this! For some reason, I have a lot of avocados passing through my kitchen. I was starting to run out of ideas, this is a big help.
Reply
- victor says
  March 02, 2018 at 11:14 am
  No problem, Richard. Glad this recipe caught your attention. I have a feeling it won't disappoint 😉
  Reply