Crisp Vegetable Salad with Avocado and Nuts in a Zesty Dressing

Bright and fresh, this salad pairs cucumbers, carrots, ripe avocado, and nuts with a lively lemon-sesame dressing. It stays crisp, feels light, and comes together in minutes — perfect for a quick lunch or a side for something hot.

Ingredients

• Cucumbers — 2 medium (cut into thin ribbons or batons)
• Carrot — 1 medium (julienned)
• Avocado — 1 (diced)
• Red onion — 1/2 (thinly sliced into half-moons)
• Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro) — 1 bunch
• Nuts (walnuts or peanuts, chopped) — 1 to 1.8 oz | 30–50 g
• Sumac or spice blend — 1 tsp | 1 tsp
• Sesame seeds — 1 tsp | 1 tsp
• Olive oil — 3 tbsp | 45 ml
• Lemon juice — 1 to 2 tbsp | 15–30 ml
• Salt and black pepper — to taste

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Build the base: in a large salad bowl, combine the cucumbers and carrot.
2. Add the avocado, thinly sliced red onion, and finely chopped herbs.
3. Scatter over the chopped nuts and sumac, or your favorite spice blend.
4. Make the dressing: whisk together the olive oil, sesame seeds, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
5. Drizzle the salad with the dressing, toss gently, and serve at once.

Nutrition per Serving

Calories	290 kcal
Protein	6 g
Fat	24 g
Carbohydrates	13 g
Fiber	6 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	220 mg

Tips and Variations

• Texture: shave the cucumbers into ribbons with a peeler for an especially crisp, delicate salad.
• Nuts: walnuts, peanuts, cashews, or almonds all work well; toast them lightly in a dry pan for a deeper flavor.
• Spices: if you do not have sumac, use a pinch of paprika, coriander, or cumin; for more heat, add a little chili.
• Acidity: adjust the lemon juice to taste; you can swap part of the oil for yogurt for a lighter dressing.
• Add-ins: kimchi cucumber, daikon radish, baby spinach, or radish slices fit beautifully; feta adds a creamy finish.

FAQ

Can I make the salad ahead of time?

It is best to prep and slice the ingredients in advance, then dress the salad just before serving so it stays crisp and fresh.

What can I use instead of sumac in this recipe?

Sumac brings a gentle tang and citrus note. Replace it with a pinch of paprika and a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar.

Which nuts work best?

Walnuts give a rich flavor, while peanuts add a brighter crunch and a neutral profile. Cashews and almonds also work well — choose what you like and have on hand.