Easy Messy Avocado Summer Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Messy Avocado Summer Salad is the ultimate carefree, flavorful dish for warm-weather days. It’s tossed together without fuss, featuring creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fresh herbs—all drizzled in a tangy vinaigrette. This salad is all about simplicity and big flavor, perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or spontaneous gatherings.

ingredients

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

this Recipe

ripe avocados
cherry or grape tomatoes
English cucumber
red onion
fresh parsley or cilantro
lemon juice
olive oil
salt
black pepper
optional: crumbled feta or fresh mozzarella, chili flakes

directions

Cut the avocados into chunks—don’t worry about perfection, messy is good.

Halve the tomatoes and slice the cucumber and red onion thinly.

Roughly chop the fresh herbs of your choice.

In a large bowl, combine avocado, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and herbs.

Drizzle with olive oil and fresh lemon juice.

Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if using.

Toss gently to mix, letting the avocado coat everything a bit.

Serve immediately while the avocado is fresh and creamy.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

Add grilled corn or black beans for extra heartiness.
Swap lemon for lime juice for a citrusy twist.
Top with seeds or nuts for added crunch.
Add arugula or spinach to turn it into a leafy salad.
Include diced mango for a sweet-savory flavor combo.

storage/reheating

Best enjoyed immediately after making.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day—note that avocado may brown.
Do not freeze, as the texture will not hold up.

FAQs

Can I prep this salad in advance?
You can prep the veggies ahead, but cut the avocado just before serving.

Is this salad vegan?
Yes, as long as you skip the cheese or use a plant-based version.

Can I use regular cucumbers?
Yes, just peel and de-seed them if desired for a better texture.

How do I make this more filling?
Add protein like chickpeas, quinoa, or grilled chicken.

What herbs work best?
Parsley, cilantro, or basil all pair beautifully with the other ingredients.

Is this salad spicy?
Not by default, but you can add chili flakes or jalapeño for a kick.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch.

What’s the “messy” part of the salad?
The avocado gets mashed slightly as you toss, making a creamy, rustic coating for everything.

Can I add dressing instead of oil and lemon?
Yes, a light vinaigrette or tahini-based dressing works well too.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Toss it in lemon juice and store with plastic wrap pressed to the surface.

Conclusion

Easy Messy Avocado Summer Salad is a laid-back, flavor-packed favorite that’s as effortless as it is delicious. Whether you’re eating it straight from the bowl or serving it at a backyard barbecue, it’s sure to bring a refreshing, creamy, and colorful touch to your summer table.

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