Gaby’s Cucumber Salad
Gaby's cucumber salad recipe is the best cucumber salad I've ever had! It's made with crisp cucumber and creamy avocado tossed in a simple balsamic vinegar dressing.
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on September 3, 2024
Let’s clear up a few things about this cucumber salad. First of all, it’s Gaby’s Mom’s recipe, but we’re calling it Gaby’s for short.
Second, it’s the most delicious cucumber salad I’ve ever met. Somehow, crisp cucumber, creamy avocado and a super basic balsamic dressing create a stellar cucumber salad.
This recipe comes from Gaby Dalkin’s new cookbook, What’s Gaby Cooking: Everyday California Recipes. Perhaps you know Gaby’s blog, which has the same name. I’m always admiring Gaby’s simple, colorful, fresh-from-the-farmers’-market recipes.
The Best Cucumber Salad Recipe
Here’s what Gaby says about this salad: “My mom made this salad just about every night when I was growing up. It was so yummy that I’d eat half the bowl before we even sat down for dinner, even though I’d get yelled at for not saving any for my dad and sister… Now it’s my go-to side salad, and my husband eats half of it before we sit down for dinner.”
Here’s what I have to say about this salad: I’ve demolished this cucumber salad all on my own in one sitting. I want to plant Persian cucumbers in my garden so I can eat cucumber salad all summer long. I’d grow an avocado tree if I could—well, I’d grow an avocado tree for many reasons. Anyway, it’s that good.
Watch How to Make Gaby’s Cucumber Salad
Cucumber Salad Tips
- I found Persian cucumbers at Trader Joe’s. They’re smaller in diameter, extra-crisp, and less seedy and watery than regular old cucumbers. If you can’t find them, opt for English cucumbers, which are similar in texture.
- Don’t overdo the garlic in this recipe, or it will overwhelm the other flavors (speaking from experience here). Two small-to-medium cloves or one large clove will be just right.
- No need to bust out your thick, expensive balsamic vinegar for this recipe. Regular balsamic will do great.
- This recipe is best served immediately, since the avocado browns over time. However, if you toss it well, you can refrigerate leftovers for a few hours.
- Gaby suggested tossing in arugula and cherry tomatoes, if you want this salad to go further. I added a chopped radish mostly for color, honestly, but it’s also nice and springy.
I got so excited about this salad that I made a couple more of her simple side dishes from her book the other night, her charred sugar snap peas and Omi’s haricots verts salad. They were both so easy and so tasty.
I’m dying to make her Cobb salads for all seasons, poblano scallion queso and green rice burrito bowl. The book isn’t vegetarian, but I found lots of recipes to make in there.
If you’re looking for fresh recipes to make on the grill this summer and appealing fresh comfort food, I think you’ll really enjoy What’s Gaby Cooking.
Gaby’s Cucumber Salad
Gaby’s cucumber salad recipe is the best cucumber salad I’ve ever had! It’s made with crisp cucumber and creamy avocado tossed in a simple balsamic vinegar dressing. Recipe yields 4 servings.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 small-to-medium cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted and sliced or diced
- 4 Persian cucumbers or 2 medium English cucumbers (12 ounces), thinly sliced
- Optional additions: 1 to 2 cups arugula, ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes, and/or 1 to 2 chopped radishes
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar and garlic until blended. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the avocado and cucumbers to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve immediately.
Notes
Recipe adapted just a tiny bit from What’s Gaby Cooking by Gaby Dalkin.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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Can’t wait to try this. I love cucumbers and I love Gaby’s recipes, they are easy and always delicious.
I know right! Gaby is great. :) It’s really good!
My mom gave me some cucumbers from her garden so I went looking for ideas last night and came across this recipe. It turned out AMAZING! Since the cukes were standard ones and humungus I used only one. I spiralized it with my KitchenAid spiralizer and sweated it with a little salt for about an hour. Also to make a light but full meal, i doubled the sauce to marinate and bake some tofu sticks and I threw in a little extra Italian seasoning. I did add the cherry tomatoes and radish but left out the arugula. Thank you for sharing, this is a great recipe!!
Thanks for sharing theses adaptations… will incorporate the tofu and sweating standard clues; since we will soon have slit of them!!!
5 min!!? Caught my eye!
Have all ingredients, caught my other eye!
Your suggestions always spruce up the finished product. Thanks for my cold veggie plate for tonite’s supper!
You’re welcome! Gaby’s recipe is great.
What is the caloric count?
cant wait to try! love whats gaby cooking:)
She is great! And this salad is wonderful.
YES, Persian cucumbers are my favorite to use in a salad! Love how fresh this salad looks! For some reason, I am unable to see the nutritional breakdown of the recipe when I click on the arrow/ Not sure if something’s wrong with my computer or what! :(
Hi Cassie! I’m sorry. I have been having some issues with it. But, it should be working now!
OMG love it and love you for sharing :)
You’re very welcome! The salad is wonderful, and your book. :)
Thank you! SO glad you like it :)
Ok, this is delicious and so so easy to make. I used standard cucumbers from my garden as that’s what I have an abundance of right now. I did use the specialty balsamic that I love that is manufactured by Veronica Foods and sold by lots of independent oil and vinegar stores. I cut down oil to two Tbsp and vinegar kept at 2 Tbsp. Good shake of salt and grind of pepper. Two yummy cloves of German red garlic, avocado, fresh sungold tomatoes from my garden, and a small handful of arugula. It’s divine, delicious, and a new easy favorite.
My mouth is watering now It looks really fresh and green. I’ve never tried Persian cucumbers but it looks like they are polular around. Aw, I have to try these soon!!
It’s so good! Let me know what you think.
Made this immediately last night and loved it – my daughter as well! Quick and easy for when you get home from work – served alongside pasta.
That’s perfect, Connie! Thank you for your review.
I love Gaby! Her IG stories and posts are so fun and her recipes are always fantastic. I am looking forward to grabbing her book soon. I would love to see you do some live posts, Kate! It would be so fun! (for me and your other fans! :))
She is great! I know, I know. :) We will see!
This salad just screams FRESH, but I have to admit…I love your photos just to see what vintage utensil you are using.
Thank you! Fun fact, most of the vintage silverware came from my grandmother and great-grandparents. :)
Lady Hamilton silverplate. Love that pattern.
Oh yum! I love vinegar-y cucumber salads and I’ve been on a balsamic kick lately. Will definitely be making this
Great!
YUM! This sounds fresh and crisp and deliciously luxurious at the same time (thanks, avocado!)
Let me know what you think when you try it!
Can’t wait to hear how you like it!
Amazing. I did dice up some white onion and grape tomatoes. Nice addition to an already perfect salad.
Wow, I never thought to combine cucumbers and avocado. This also caught my eye because I happened to have all the ingredients and an avocado that needed to be used before it got too ripe. I also included the radishes and halved grape tomatoes. Voila, a terrific cucumber recipe. Trader Joe’s is midtown in my city so I picked up an English cucumber from Whole Foods downtown since they didn’t look like they had Persian cucumbers. Thanks as usual!!!
You can never go wrong with adding avocados!!
I’m happy to provide a great recipe from another food blogger! :)
Love this recipe because it sounds A. very simple and B. extra delicious. Creamy avocado with “crunchy” cucumber must be totally great together. Also, I like the idea of adding a pop of pink colour in the form of chopped radishes. Going to try this salad.
Let me know what you think!
Thanks for sharing! Planning to make it, soon. Sounds delicious.
Let me know what you think, Nina!
This is so simple and delicious! I had radishes hanging around so I added those and it’s the best combo of texture and flavors. Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Liz!
I love the Cucumber Salad. I put radishes on mine. I’m thinking next time I make it (which will probably be in the next few days, that’s how good it is), I may put the Quick Pickled Onions in for the sweet. I like those too! Keep it up.
All great add-ins!
Yum! How can something so good be so easy?? my refrigerator is in a sorry state right now so this bit of inspiration came during desperate times, haha. Cherry tomatoes would go so well, but sadly didn’t have any, so my add-ins became Siracha and cilantro.
Thanks for trying it, Grace!
I just made this as written to go along with some roasted asparagus for dinner. Delicious! Thank you!
You’re welcome! I’m glad it worked out.
I can see why this recipe is good but I found there was just a bit too much vinegar and next time I would use white balsamic as the color was off putting to my eye
Vinegar can be one of those ingredients that some like more thank others! Sounds like a great way to make it more to your liking, Deb. Thanks for sharing!
This was sooooo good and fresh for a healthy weeknight meal. I served it over cooked quinoa and added chopped arugula as you suggested. Even my hubby gobbled up two helpings. Thanks for a great salad recipe!
Win! Thank you, Lori for sharing. I’m glad to hear your husband gobbled it up. :)
oh my goodness. this salad is SO addictive! I made a 4 person serving and my husband and I ate the whole thing up. We added some arugula and radishes to make it more of a dinner salad with a side of protein.
Great combination!
Made this last week for the family and it was a huge hit! Very delicious!
Wonderful! Thank you, Nicole. I appreciate the review.
This looks amazing!! I have just been introduced to your site because of your amazing thai pineapple fried rice recipe and I am excited to make all of your food!!
Will leftovers of this cucumber salad hold up well? Or is it kind of a one and done type dish?
It should hold up nicely! That fried rice is delicious. Thanks so much for your comment, Bri!
Made this salad and ate the whole thing by myself :) It was fast and delicious. Are these side dish recipes available on your website? Or do I bookmark this page? I want to try more of these recipes.
I love that! Here are some of my favorites! https://capital-fly.pro/2018/17-easy-healthy-side-dish-recipes/%3C/a%3E%3Cbr /> Or, you can search the site by course https://capital-fly.pro/category/food-recipes/side-dishes/%3C/a%3E. Hope this helps!
This cucumber salad is AMAZING! I made it tonight for the first time and I could just eat only this for dinner. This will be one of my go to salads from now on! Thank you!
Great! You’re welcome, Christy.
I made this one for the first time 12 days ago and have since made it 4 more times. So simple and tasty!
That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing, Libby.
What vinegar would you substitute for the balsamic? For some reason balsamic doesn’t agree with me ? Thanks: )
You can use red wine vinegar. It will change the flavor slightly. But can be a good substitute.
This dish was so tasty! I added radishes, arugula and cherry tomatoes to make it a little more hearty. Served alongside some vegan carrot dogs! Thanks for another winner!
Sounds like a delicious combination, Emily! Thanks so much.
Just made this after finding your website a few hours ago looking up seasonal produce. Went down a rabbit hole on your site and pinned about 80 things Then I found this amazing salad and it needed to be tried. So happy I did because I’m currently sitting on the couch with this on my belly enjoying every bite! Also, great name
I’m so glad you went down a rabbit hole. :) Let me know what you think as you start to try them, Kate!
LOVE this salad! Super easy to make and always a hit at dinner! Very easy to customize. I tend to add mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes along with the cucumbers and avocado. My husband and I usually race to grab the leftovers (if there are any) after dinner to see who the lucky winner is to bring the rest to work the next day. Definitely would recommend.
Thanks for sharing, Caitlin! I appreciate the review.
Amaaaaazing! I couldn’t stop myself from eating the whole lot. From now on I am going to double this recipe because I couldn’t stop going back for a little more until it was all gone. This will be a permanent side from now on in my house. Thanks Kate, and thanks Gabby x
You’re welcome, Bel! Thanks for the review.
Thanks for all your great pecipes
You’re welcome!
I do not like salad very much. But Sometime I like it. I was searching for few good and testy salad recipe and I found this blog. I love this cucumber salad.
That’s great!
Fantastic salad! I made it with sweet cucumber produced in Holland and organic cherry tomato.Its addicting!
Thank you for your review, Alice!
I discovered you while googling ideas for avocado toast – and then got pulled in to your other beautiful recipes! Just my style and nutrition philosophy. I immediately thought, “Oh, I have to share this with…….”.
I’m in California, recently retired and relocating to the Charlotte, NC area. I’m looking forward to building a healthy kitchen and celebrating the beautiful art of food!
Thanks for what you do!
Polly
Thank you, Polly! Let me know what you think as you start to try recipes.
First time trying this recipe and boy am I glad I stumble upon this page! Gone in 60 seconds.;)
Salamat!
Great to hear!
I love cucumbers and looking at the recipe I know this salad is for me! Thanks for your recipe.
Dee
Loved this recipe. I did add a bit of olive tapenade with the olive oil for the dressing, as it was on hand and I love it. Turned out great! So quick and easy.
Thank you for your review, T. Jones!
I love your recipes! I’ve noticed that some brands of olive oils have a weird smell to it, whats your favorite brand to use?
Some can have a distinct taste! I vary in what brands I do buy, however. This is a great one!
Which one is it? I’m not sure if I’m missing something that you may have posted but I don’t see anything.
I loved the flavors of the salad. But that amalgamation of ingredients ended up looking less than desirable. Balsamic is absorbed by the cucumbers and the avacado breaks down into some of the sauce. Whole thing turns brownish green. Might try using red wine next time.
I’m sorry you didn’t have the best experience, but I’m glad you still enjoyed the flavors together Tate.
File this under “looks weird, tastes delicious.” Since it’s SO easy to throw together, it gets a pass.
That’s funny! But, I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for your feedback, Claire.
This is a very simple and delicious salad! I adjusted it to my taste by reducing garlic to 1 clove and adding a thinly sliced green onion and halved cherry tomatoes. I also tossed the diced avocado in lemon juice to prevent it from browning. Thanks for the recipe!
Oh and I used white balsamic vinegar, it really helps with the look!
Hi Marilou, I wanted to say thanks for the suggestion of using white balsamic for this salad. I wouldn’t have thought of it on my own, but I used it in making the salad this afternoon and it was refreshingly delicious!
Thank you for sharing your variation, Marliou!
This was just what I was looking for tonight, a light, crisp, tasty salad that was quick to prepare. The only thing I didn’t have was the avocado (I know, crucial), but it was still tasty and fresh, and just what I wanted. And now, I have the full version still to look forward to . Thanks for posting.
You’re welcome, Lara! I’m happy you still liked it without avocado.
Trying the full version with avocado tonight!
This recipe is amazing! I was so very proud that my adult kids loved and bragged on me…..This 63 year old mama and grandmama has never been able to cook, EVER!…My head is as big as a football stadium… I became a star and out did their dad! Thank you!
That’s great! Thanks for sharing.
Made this tonight. Simple and delicious! I added the tomatoes to give it a pop of color. My mom, who isn’t a fan of cucumber ate seconds. Definitely adding it to the summer rotation.
Wonderful to hear, Valerie!
Love this recipe! I used this for lunch and actually added some pharaoh grains and cherry tomatoes. Loved it!
Great to hear, Michelle! I like you you paired it.
Excellent cue and avo salad. Loved the freshness of the salad. Pam UK
Thank you for your review, Pam!
Such a great salad and so easy to make. My new summer favourite so refreshing and light, love it with the radishes
Thanks for your review, Steph!
Need nutritional information. Not there
Hi Phyllis! Make sure you allow cookies in your browser. This is a plug-in on my blog and acts as a pop-up.
LOVED this salad. So easy (really, so so easy) and can be made with all pantry staples. I thought the picture included red onion (it was radish) but I added the onion anyway and it paired great. Next time I’ll add in tomato and chickpeas to keep building onto the recipe. loved it, thanks Kate!
I’m glad you loved it, Kristy!
I added radish to the salad and it was delish!
Thank you for sharing!