The Best Gaby’s Cucumber Salad Recipe You Need to Try!
Crisp, creamy, and bursting with flavor, this cucumber salad is a refreshing side dish that comes together in minutes. With a simple balsamic dressing, fresh cucumbers, and buttery avocado, it’s a perfect balance of tangy and rich, light yet satisfying.
The combination of crunchy cucumbers and velvety avocado makes for an irresistible texture, while the balsamic vinaigrette enhances the natural freshness of each ingredient. A hint of garlic adds depth, and optional additions like arugula, cherry tomatoes, or radishes provide extra vibrancy and crunch.
Whether served alongside grilled meats, tucked into a summer picnic spread, or enjoyed as a light lunch, this salad is a foolproof way to elevate any meal. Simple, wholesome, and undeniably delicious, it’s a must-try for any salad lover.
Gaby’s Cucumber Salad: Ingredients That Shine
Crisp Cucumbers – The refreshing backbone of this salad, offering a satisfying crunch and subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tangy dressing.
Creamy Avocado – Buttery and rich, it adds a luscious contrast to the crisp cucumbers while enhancing the salad’s overall texture and depth.
Balsamic Vinegar – A bold, tangy element that infuses every bite with a delicate balance of acidity and sweetness, elevating the fresh ingredients.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil – Smooth and fragrant, it ties the flavors together with a velvety richness, enhancing both taste and mouthfeel.
Garlic – A hint of aromatic sharpness that deepens the dressing’s complexity, adding a savory warmth to each bite.
Gaby’s Cucumber Salad: Tips, Pairings & FAQs
This refreshing cucumber salad is the perfect blend of crispness, creaminess, and tangy goodness. Whether you’re making it for a light lunch, a side dish, or a summer gathering, these tips and serving ideas will help you make the most of this vibrant dish.
Recipe Tips
1. Choose the Right Cucumbers
For the best texture and flavor, opt for Persian cucumbers or English cucumbers. Their thin skin and fewer seeds make them ideal for salads, providing a crisp bite without excess wateriness. If using standard cucumbers, peel them and remove the seeds to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.
2. Keep the Avocado Fresh
Avocado tends to brown quickly, so toss it in the dressing immediately after slicing. If preparing in advance, drizzle extra balsamic vinegar or lemon juice over the avocado to slow oxidation. You can also add avocado just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and creamy texture.
3. Enhance with Optional Additions
This salad is delicious on its own, but a few extra ingredients can elevate it further. Arugula adds a peppery bite, cherry tomatoes bring natural sweetness, and radishes introduce a slight crunch and mild spice. Experiment with different add-ins to suit your taste.
What to Serve with Gaby’s Cucumber Salad
1. Grilled Chicken or Fish
The bright, tangy flavors of this salad make it a perfect side for grilled meats. Serve it alongside grilled chicken breast, lemon-garlic shrimp, or a simple herb-seasoned salmon fillet for a balanced and refreshing meal.
2. Crusty Bread or Pita
Pairing this salad with warm, crusty bread or toasted pita wedges enhances its richness. The bread soaks up the balsamic dressing beautifully, making each bite extra flavorful and satisfying.
3. Mediterranean or Middle Eastern Dishes
This cucumber salad complements Mediterranean favorites like hummus, falafel, or grilled halloumi. The crisp cucumbers and creamy avocado provide a cooling contrast to spiced dishes, making it a fantastic addition to mezze platters.
FAQ
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, add the avocado just before serving. The cucumbers and dressing can be prepped in advance and stored separately for up to a day.
2. How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?
To avoid excess moisture, pat the cucumbers dry before slicing. If making ahead, store the dressing separately and toss everything together just before serving.
3. Can I substitute balsamic vinegar?
Absolutely! Red wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even lemon juice can be used for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
4. Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes! With healthy fats from avocado and low-carb cucumbers, this salad is naturally keto-friendly. Just be mindful of any additional ingredients that may add extra carbs.
This simple yet flavorful salad is a must-try, whether you’re serving it as a side or a light meal. Try it with your favorite pairings and enjoy its fresh, vibrant taste!
Gaby’s Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 4 Persian cucumbers or 2 medium English cucumbers 12 ounces, finely sliced for a crisp texture
- 1 ripe avocado pitted and either diced or sliced, adding a creamy contrast
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil offering a smooth and rich base for the dressing
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar lending a tangy depth that balances the flavors
- 2 small-to-medium garlic cloves minced or pressed, introducing an aromatic sharpness
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper adjusted to taste for seasoning
- Optional additions: 1 to 2 cups arugula for a peppery bite, ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes (for sweetness), and 1 to 2 chopped radishes (for a mild crunch)
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic until the dressing achieves a well-emulsified consistency. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Incorporate the sliced cucumbers and avocado into the bowl, gently tossing them to ensure an even coating of the dressing. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve immediately to maintain the freshness and integrity of the ingredients. Enjoy this salad as a light yet flavorful dish.
