How to store this cucumber salad?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days.

Can I make this cucumber salad in advance?

You can make it in advance. Chop all the ingredients, toss, and store in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, toss in the seeds (and cheese, if using) and season with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt to taste.

Can I add other herbs?

Absolutely! Fresh basil or mint complements cucumbers beautifully.

Cilantro Cucumber Salad With Avocado & Pickles

Name: Cilantro Cucumber Salad With Avocado & Pickles
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 large English cucumber, peeled and chopped (about 320 grams); 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and chopped (about 220 grams); 2 large green onions or spring onions, chopped; 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (about 25 grams); 1/2 cup bread and butter pickles, chopped (70 grams); 1 cup cloves or broccoli sprouts (optional) (30 grams); 1/4 cup Roasted and salted sunflower seeds (35 grams); 2 teaspoons lemon juice (or more to taste); 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; Salt to taste; 1/2 cup chopped hard cheese (optional)

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This healthy cilantro cucumber salad recipe is incredibly refreshing, bursting with crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, bread & butter pickles, and fresh herbs.

Perfect as a light lunch or a delightful side dish for any meal or summer BBQs, it's ready in just 10 minutes!

A fresh healthy cucumber salad in a serving bowl.

This healthy cucumber salad is always a staple summer meal with simple ingredients. It's crunchy, healthily creamy, nutritious, and refreshing, with a touch of sweetness from the pickles like in my Cabbage And Arugula Salad.

It's also incredibly filling as a meal—serve it with these Gluten-Free Biscuits, Garlic Crostini, or some leftovers from my Healthy Chicken Salad.

As a side salad, we often pair it with these Stovetop Juicy Burgers or Healthy Chicken Drumsticks, or serve it with whatever you put on the grill.

Let's make it!

Love something more spicy? Then check out this Spicy Cucumber Salad.

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Why You'll Love This Cucumber Salad Recipe
Ingredients & Notes
How to Make It
Top Tips
Variations & Substitutions
Recipe FAQs
More Healthy Recipes With Cucumbers To Try Next
📖 Recipe

Why You'll Love This Cucumber Salad Recipe

Quick & Easy: Comes together in just 10 minutes, ideal for busy days.
Refreshing & Light: Perfect for summer gatherings or warm-weather meals.
Versatile: A fantastic side dish to complement your favorite recipes.
Low-Carb & Healthy: Fits into a low-carb diet, keto recipes, and is low in calories.

Ingredients & Notes

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Here's the list of ingredients you need to make this cilantro cucumber salad:

Ingredients to make a healthy cucumber salad displayed on a wooden board.

English Cucumber: I prefer small Persian or European cucumbers for the best result. They are crunchier and naturally sweeter than your regular cucumbers. I peel mine to remove any bitter taste, but peeling is optional. Use leftovers in my Pineapple Cucumber Smoothie.
Ripe Avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
Green Onions: A milder-tasting onion than red onion, adding a refreshing peppery bite to fresh cucumbers.
Fresh Cilantro: Adds a citrusy touch and enhances the salad with a vibrant, herby note.
Pickles (bread and butter pickles): Add a subtle sweet crunch.
Cloves or Broccoli Sprouts (optional): I love to add those to the mixed greens to make this salad extra nutritious.
Roasted Sunflower Seeds: Go for salted seeds. They add a lovely flavor and crunchy bite, and you can use any leftovers in my Mango Avocado Salad.
Dressing: Lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and a little salt. This is all you need to make a tasty and healthy cilantro cucumber salad.
Hard cheese (optional): Adds another tasty layer of flavor.

How to Make It

See the full recipe with measurements in the recipe card.

Here is a summary of the steps:

Chopped ingredients to make a healthy cucumber salad in a bowl.

Step 1: In a large bowl, add chopped vegetables, avocado, herbs, and pickles. Add in the sprouts and seeds.

Step 2: Toss the cucumber together with the rest of the ingredients. Then, season with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and salt to taste.

Top Tips

Let it Sit For a Few Minutes: It allows the flavors to meld together.
English Cucumbers: They have thin skin and don't require peeling, but I always peel them for this salad to avoid bitter flavors. Of course, always wash the cucumber under running cold water first if you keep the peel and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Chop the Cucumbers: Chop instead of cutting the vegetables into thin rounds. Cucumber slices create a different texture and, thus, flavor, which is not recommended for this cilantro cucumber salad.
Chop the Pickles: I'm adding a reasonably small amount, so chopping them allows for better distribution in the salad.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice: For the most delicious flavor.
Cheese: Add a handful of your favorite chopped hard cheese (like cheddar or Parmesan) to add a new flavor. You can always use any leftover Parmesan in other Italian recipes like my Italian Meatball Salad.
Fresh Basil: If you have it, round off this delicious cilantro cucumber salad with fresh basil.

Variations & Substitutions

Here are my favorite ways to change things up:

Cucumbers: Persian or fresh garden cucumbers work well if English cucumbers aren't available.
Onions: Swap green onions with thinly sliced red or Vidalia for more bite or sweetness. Scallions are also a great alternative.
Not a Cilantro Fan: Replace it with fresh Parsley leaves if you don't like the taste of cilantro.
Seeds: You can also add some pumpkin seeds to the mix.
Dressings: Lime juice can be substituted for lemon juice. Add black pepper or other fresh herbs for variety.