Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make Cucumber Avocado Salad featuring sumac-marinated shallots, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh dill. Perfect as a light, vegan, and gluten-free side dish for warm weather meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Sumac-Marinated Shallots
- 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced (about 1/3 cup)
- 3 Tbsp. rice vinegar
- 2 tsp. ground sumac
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
Salad
- 1 lb. cucumbers (English/Hot House or Persian, ideally), cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 medium ripe avocado, cut into small pieces or thinly sliced
- 3/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 scant Tbsp. sesame seeds
- 1/3 cup fresh dill, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Marinate Shallots: Combine sliced shallots, rice vinegar, ground sumac, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt in a small bowl. Massage the sumac into the shallots and let the mixture sit for a minimum of 20 minutes, or up to 3 hours, to allow flavors to meld.
- Toast Sesame Seeds: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add sesame seeds and toast them for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are lightly browned and aromatic. Be attentive to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Salad Base: Arrange cucumber chunks and avocado pieces on a large plate or serving platter. Sprinkle with the remaining 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and drizzle with the extra-virgin olive oil evenly over the top.
- Assemble Salad: Scatter the sumac-marinated shallots along with their residual rice vinegar over the cucumber and avocado. Garnish the salad by sprinkling the toasted sesame seeds and fresh chopped dill evenly over the surface.
Notes
- The marination of shallots with sumac adds a tangy, lemony flavor; allowing them to sit longer enhances the taste.
- Use English, Hot House, or Persian cucumbers for the best texture and flavor.
- To toast sesame seeds, watch carefully as they can burn quickly once browned.
- This salad is vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for optimal freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.6 cup
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6.5 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
