Cucumber Avocado Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Refreshing Flavors Of Summer
Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that end up being made all summer long, like this Cucumber Avocado Salad with Poppy Seed Vinaigrette that combines crisp fresh vegetables with a sweet and tangy dressing. It’s a refreshing side dish that’s perfect for cookouts, weeknight dinners, or anytime you need something light and flavorful on the table.
I love a good poppy seed dressing, but for this salad I wanted something lighter than the traditional creamy version. I decided to make a poppy seed vinaigrette instead.
If you’re ever in Chicago and looking for one of the best poppy seed dressings around, you have to try the one from Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company. I still dream about it!
This crisp cucumber and onion salad is the perfect side dish for grilled meats and summer dinners. It keeps well in the refrigerator for a couple of days, but if you’re planning to enjoy it throughout the week, I recommend adding the avocado to individual servings.
This is better than mixing it into the entire bowl, so it stays fresh and vibrant.
Double The Fun
If you enjoy this dressing as much as I do, I highly recommend doubling the recipe and keeping the extra in a mason jar in the refrigerator. The sweet and tangy poppy seed vinaigrette is delicious on mixed greens, spinach salads, fruit salads, and grilled chicken salads.
It is even great drizzled over sliced tomatoes and cucumbers for a quick side dish. Just give it a good shake before serving, as the ingredients will naturally separate as it sits.
Another Poppy Salad Dream
If you’re a fellow poppy seed dressing lover, be sure to check out my Mandarin Orange Chicken Salad as well. For that recipe, I take a completely different approach and use canned poppy seed filling, the same kind often used in kolaches and other pastries.
This one creates a sweet and creamy dressing that pairs perfectly with juicy mandarin oranges and tender chicken.
When To Serve
This salad is the perfect side dish for just about anything coming off the grill. I especially love serving it with grilled chicken breasts, chicken thighs, pork chops, burgers, bratwurst, or a simple grilled flank steak.
If you’re cooking indoors, broiled chicken, pork tenderloin, or even a juicy London broil would pair beautifully. The cool, crisp vegetables and tangy vinaigrette are a perfect pair.
The fresh flavors of the salad help balance richer meats, making it an ideal addition to summer cookouts and easy weeknight dinners alike.
Add More Veggies
This salad is easy to customize with other fresh vegetables depending on what you have on hand.
Halved cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness.
Thinly sliced radishes bring a peppery crunch that pairs nicely with the cool cucumbers.
Diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, celery, or even a handful of sweet corn would all be delicious additions.
If you’re looking to make it a little heartier, crumbled feta cheese, sunflower seeds, or chickpeas would also work beautifully with the poppy seed vinaigrette.
Cucumber Avocado Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing Recipe
This refreshing cucumber, red onion, and avocado salad is tossed in a sweet and tangy poppy seed vinaigrette for the perfect balance of crisp, creamy, and bright flavors. It's an easy side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, and all your favorite summer meals.
Ingredients
- FOR THE SALAD:
- 3 seedless cucumbers, partially peeled and sliced
- 2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
- 1 large bunch green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 avocados, diced
- A light sprinkle of salt
- FOR THE POPPY SEED VINAIGRETTE:
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add the sliced cucumbers, red onions, and green onions to a large bowl.
- Sprinkle lightly with salt and toss to combine. Let the vegetables sit for 20 to 30 minutes. This will help draw out some of their natural moisture and soften the bite of the onions.
- While the vegetables are resting, make the dressing. Add the olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, celery salt, and black pepper to a jar with a lid. Shake well until combined.
- Just before serving, add the diced avocado to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately or let the salad sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Recipe Notes
- The light salting step helps create a flavorful base as the cucumbers and onions release some of their natural juices.
- Add the avocado at the very end to keep it from becoming mashed while tossing.
- This salad pairs well with grilled chicken, pork chops, burgers, steaks, or any summer cookout meal.
- Leftovers are best enjoyed the same day, as the avocado will soften and the cucumbers will continue to release moisture.