Inspired by Italian cuisine, this tomato, cucumber, and avocado salad is a beloved family favorite. It's so delicious and irresistible that you'll keep coming back for more.
We enjoy this salad throughout the year, even in the winter. Many people think of tomato and cucumber salads as strictly 'summer' dishes. I strongly disagree, unless you consider them a bit of summer on chilly winter days.
You must try this salad to understand its uniqueness. The original recipe for this salad is said to come from Italy and has been handed down through generations. Every ingredient in this salad is perfectly balanced, creating fantastic flavors. You don't eat it out of necessity; you eat it because it's so enticing and makes you crave more.
Ingredients
The Vegetables:
- 4 medium fresh, ripe tomatoes
- 4 baby cucumbers, fresh and firm
- 1 ripe Hass avocado, slightly soft
- 1/2 medium red onion, peeled and diced
- 1/2 bunch fresh basil, rinsed, dried, and finely chopped
- 1 pinch granulated sugar
The Dressing:
- 6 tablespoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 garlic clove, pressed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Core the tomatoes, cut them in half, and then slice each half lengthwise into 3 wedges. Cut each wedge in half crosswise. Place the tomatoes in a large bowl, sprinkle with a pinch of sugar, and toss quickly.
Step 2: Trim the ends off the cucumbers. Use a vegetable peeler to create long stripes from top to bottom. Slice the cucumbers into 1/4" thick slices, slightly on the diagonal, and transfer them to the bowl with the tomatoes.
Step 3: Quarter the avocado lengthwise and remove the pit. Carefully peel off the skin, then cut the avocado into 3/8" thick slices on the diagonal. Add the avocado to the bowl with the tomatoes and cucumbers, along with the diced onion and chopped basil.
Step 4: For the dressing, combine all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk vigorously until well blended.
Step 5: Drizzle the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss using both hands. Serve immediately or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature until ready to serve. This salad's flavors improve with time.
Tips for making the best-tasting tomato, cucumber, and avocado salad
Use ripe, flavorful ingredients: For the best taste, use fully ripe tomatoes, firm cucumbers, and perfectly ripe avocados. This will make the salad incredibly flavorful and delicious.
Let it marinate: Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for a few hours if possible. This helps the flavors meld together, and the oil and red wine vinegar have time to enhance the veggies.
Ripen your tomatoes: If your tomatoes aren't ripe, leave them on a windowsill for a few days. They will soften and develop richer flavor and color.
Choose fresh cucumbers: Opt for firm and crisp cucumbers. Avoid soft, overripe ones to maintain the salad's fresh texture.
Select the right avocados: Avocados should be ripe and slightly soft. When cut open, they should be bright green without brown spots, which indicate overripeness.
