Cucumber Avocado Salad

Fresh, vibrant, and loaded with texture, this Cucumber Avocado Salad with Miso Sesame Dressing is a year-round favorite. It’s a refreshing, umami-rich dish that balances creamy avocado with crunchy cucumbers and tangy miso-lime dressing. Add seasonal fruits like peaches or citrus for an extra pop of color and flavor—it’s the kind of salad you’ll crave again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salad is quick to assemble, full of nourishing ingredients, and endlessly customizable. The miso sesame dressing is what takes it to the next level—salty, sweet, tangy, and full of depth. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a side dish for grilled mains, or even the base for a more substantial meal. The simple preparation makes it ideal for weekday meals, while its presentation makes it worthy of a dinner party.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

• 6–7 Persian cucumbers (or 2 skinny, firm English cucumbers)

• 2 Hass avocados, pitted and sliced

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (or 1/2 of a large one)

• 1–2 yellow peaches or 1 mango, sliced into wedges (optional)

For the Miso Sesame Lime Dressing:

• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lime juice

• 2 tablespoons white miso

• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

• 3 tablespoons maple syrup

• 2 garlic cloves, grated

• 1 tablespoon shoyu (or soy sauce)

• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds (+2 tablespoons for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the cucumbers: Rinse and scrub the cucumbers. For Persian cucumbers, slice into 1/3-inch rounds. For English cucumbers, cut lengthwise and then slice diagonally into bite-sized pieces. Add to a large bowl or platter.

2. Add the avocado and onion: Slice the avocados into 1/3-inch thick wedges. Carefully layer onto the cucumbers. Add the sliced red onion on top.

3. Add fruit (optional): If using peaches or mango, cut into wedges and arrange over the salad.

4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, white miso, sesame oil, maple syrup, grated garlic, shoyu, and sesame seeds until smooth and emulsified.

5. Dress the salad: Drizzle about half of the dressing over the salad, tossing gently to coat. Add more dressing as desired.

6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds and garnish with fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings as a side or 2 as a main.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Seasonal Fruit Swap: Use blood oranges or grapefruit in winter instead of peaches or mango.

• Spicy Kick: Add sliced chili or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.

• Nutty Crunch: Top with chopped roasted almonds or cashews for texture.

• Leafy Base: Serve over arugula or mixed greens for a heartier salad.

• Protein Boost: Add baked tofu, grilled shrimp, or shredded chicken for a more filling option.

• Noodle Twist: Toss with chilled soba noodles or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired cold noodle salad.

Storage/Reheating

This salad is best served fresh due to the avocado’s tendency to brown and the cucumbers’ high water content.
If you must store it, keep the dressing and salad components separate. Store the undressed salad in an airtight container for up to 1 day. The dressing can be refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 5 days. Shake or whisk well before using.

FAQs

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

Yes, the miso sesame dressing can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a shake or whisk before using.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Toss avocado slices in lime juice before adding them to the salad to help slow oxidation.

What can I use instead of miso?

If you don’t have miso, try using tahini with a pinch of salt, though the flavor will be different.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure the shoyu or soy sauce is gluten-free, or use tamari as a substitute.

Can I use other cucumbers?

Yes, any crunchy cucumber variety works—just be sure to remove seeds from larger ones to avoid excess moisture.

What’s the best way to slice cucumbers for this?

Cut them thick enough (about 1/3 inch) to retain crunch and texture. Slice diagonally for a more elegant look.

Can I make this salad spicy?

Absolutely—add sliced fresh chilies, a dash of sriracha, or chili oil to the dressing for heat.

What other herbs can I use?

Try mint, Thai basil, or green onions for a different herbal flavor.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Not entirely, due to the avocado and cucumber texture. For meal prep, keep components and dressing separate until ready to serve.

Can I use lemon juice instead of lime?

Yes, lemon juice works in a pinch, though lime offers a more vibrant citrus note that complements the miso.

Conclusion

This Cucumber Avocado Salad with Miso Sesame Dressing is a bright, fresh, and flavorful dish you’ll want to enjoy all year long. Whether paired with summer stone fruits or winter citrus, it’s a versatile salad that brings balance and bold taste to your table. Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s a must-have in your salad rotation.