The Best Healthy Cucumber Salad (Fresh and Easy)

A fresh healthy cucumber salad in a serving bowl.

5 from 7 votes

The Best Healthy Cucumber Salad (Fresh and Easy)

This healthy cucumber salad is easy and refreshing, perfect for lunch or as a side for any meal or BBQ. Made with crisp cucumbers, drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice, it's simple yet delicious. Ready in minutes, it's a great addition to your summer menu.

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Course: Soups and Salads

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Diet: Gluten Free

Servings: Servings

Calories: 195kcal

Author: Mariska Ramondino

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
½ cup bread and butter pickles, chopped 70 grams
1 cup cloves or broccoli sprouts (optional) 30 grams
¼ 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
½ cup chopped hard cheese optional

Instructions

Combine the chopped cucumber, avocado, onions, cilantro leaves, pickles, sprouts, and seeds in a large salad bowl.
1 large English cucumber, peeled and chopped, 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and chopped, 2 large green onions or spring onions, chopped, 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, ½ cup bread and butter pickles, chopped, 1 cup cloves or broccoli sprouts (optional) , ¼ cup Roasted and salted sunflower seeds
Season with lemon juice, olive oil, and salt to taste.
2 teaspoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Toss the salad to ensure that the dressing is evenly distributed.
Toss in chopped hard cheese (optional).
Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Helpful tips:

Let the salad sit for a few minutes before serving. It allows the flavors to melt together.
English cucumbers have thin skin and don't require peeling, but I always peel them for this salad to avoid any bitter flavors. Of course, always wash the cucumber first if you keep the peel.
Persian cucumbers are a great alternative.
Chop the crisp cucumber instead of cutting it into thin slices. Cucumber slices create a different texture and, thus, flavor—unsuitable for this simple salad.
Chop also the pickles. I'm adding a fairly small amount, so chopping them allows for better distribution in the salad.
Use fresh lemon juice for the most delicious flavor.
Add a handful of your favorite chopped hard cheese (like cheddar or Parmesan) to add a new flavor.
If you have it, round off this healthy cucumber salad with fresh basil—delish.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days.

Nutrition