Name: Cucumber and Avocado Salad with Sumac Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced (about 1/3 cup); 3 Tbsp. rice vinegar; 2 tsp. ground sumac; 1/4 tsp. kosher salt; 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

There’s something so fresh and vibrant about a well-made salad, and this Cucumber and Avocado Salad with Sumac Recipe perfectly hits that note. The zingy sumac-marinated shallots combined with creamy avocado and crisp cucumbers make it a simple yet standout dish worth trying.

A white round plate filled with a fresh salad, showing chunks of light green avocado with creamy texture, mixed with bright green cucumber pieces that have a crisp look, and thin slices of purple-red onions scattered on top. Small green dill sprigs are spread around the salad, adding a feathery texture, and the whole dish is lightly sprinkled with beige sesame seeds and reddish spice flakes. A silver spoon is placed on the right side of the plate, resting on the salad. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a small bowl of sesame seeds visible in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cucumber and Avocado Salad with Sumac Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cucumber and Avocado Salad with Sumac Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cucumber and Avocado Salad with Sumac Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This salad has been one of my quick go-to recipes for when I want something that feels light but still packs a punch of flavor. It’s a supercharged veggie combo that elevates a simple salad into something you’ll crave again and again.

Bright and Tangy Flavor: The sumac-marinated shallots add a uniquely tangy twist you don’t see in everyday salads.
Creamy Meets Crunchy: The contrast of buttery avocado and crisp cucumbers keeps every bite interesting.
Easy and Quick: You’ll have this whipped up in about 30 minutes with minimal effort.
Versatile and Light: Great as a side for barbeques, light lunches, or even a snack that feels special.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This salad combines a few simple ingredients, but each one plays a key role in bringing out fresh, layered flavors. Plus, these are pantry-friendly items that you might already have on hand — just grab some good-quality cucumbers and ripe avocados for best results.

Flat lay of a medium shallot sliced into thin rings on a simple white ceramic plate, a small white bowl filled with bright red ground sumac powder, a small white bowl with translucent rice vinegar, a small white bowl holding coarse kosher salt crystals, a small white bowl containing lightly toasted golden sesame seeds, fresh English cucumbers cut into bite-sized chunks arranged neatly on a white ceramic dish, a medium ripe avocado sliced into small pieces on a separate white ceramic plate, a small white bowl with extra-virgin olive oil glistening, and a few sprigs of fresh dill with bright green feathery leaves placed delicately beside them, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Shallot: Thinly sliced to soften its sharpness when marinated, adding a zing without overpowering.
Rice Vinegar: Gives a mild acidity to the shallots, brightening the salad with subtle sweetness.
Ground Sumac: This Middle Eastern spice adds tangy, lemony notes that are absolutely addictive here.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the acidity.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted for a toasty crunch and nutty aroma—watch them closely so they don’t burn!
Cucumbers: English or Persian types are ideal for their thin skins and crisp texture, keeping the salad refreshing.
Ripe Avocado: Creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the crisp cucumbers and adds richness.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a silky finish and slight fruitiness to tie flavors together.
Fresh Dill: Herby freshness that lifts the whole dish and complements sumac wonderfully.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this salad depending on the season and what’s fresh in my fridge. Feel free to get creative and really make this Cucumber and Avocado Salad with Sumac Recipe your own.

Add Some Heat: Once, I tossed in a few thin slices of fresh chili for a spicy kick – it balanced beautifully with the acidity.
Herb Variations: When dill isn’t available, fresh mint or cilantro also bring a wonderful freshness here.
Nutty Upgrades: Swap sesame seeds for toasted pine nuts or almonds for a different texture and flavor profile.
Make It a Meal: Top with grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein and turn it into a light lunch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cucumber and Avocado Salad with Sumac Recipe

A beige round plate holds chopped pieces of green cucumber and sliced avocado. The cucumber pieces are roughly cut into thick chunks showing a shiny, crisp texture with bright green skin and light green inside. The avocado slices are fanned out and placed in small clusters on top of the cucumber, showing smooth pale green flesh with a soft texture. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with soft light coming from above. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate the Shallots

Start by thinly slicing your shallot – about ⅓ cup. Toss it in a small bowl with rice vinegar, ground sumac, and a pinch of kosher salt. Massage the sumac into the shallots gently; this helps release those lemony flavors and softens the sharpness. Let this sit for at least 20 minutes — this step is key for that zesty punch in your salad.

Step 2: Toast the Sesame Seeds

While your shallots marinate, toast the sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Keep stirring often and pay close attention because they can go from golden to burnt really fast. You want them lightly browned and fragrant – that toasty aroma adds such depth!

Step 3: Prep the Vegetables

Cut your cucumbers into bite-sized chunks. I prefer English or Persian cucumbers because they’re tender and not too watery. Dice or thinly slice a ripe avocado – make sure it’s at the perfect softness, not mushy. This texture contrast is what makes the salad sing.

Step 4: Assemble and Dress

On a large plate or serving platter, gently arrange cucumbers and avocado pieces. Sprinkle the remaining kosher salt, drizzle olive oil over everything, and then scatter your marinated shallots with all their flavorful liquid. Finish with toasted sesame seeds and a generous handful of fresh chopped dill. That’s it—simple, fresh, and packed with flavor.

Top Tip

From making this salad many times, I’ve learned a few things that really help it stand out and keep your prep easy and stress-free.

Sumac & Shallots: Let the shallots soak in sumac and vinegar long enough — the flavor develops beautifully and softens the pungency.
Watch Those Sesame Seeds: Toast them slowly and stir constantly; burnt seeds stink and will ruin the salad.
Choose Ripe Avocado: Avoid underripe or overly mushy — just right firmness keeps the salad's texture on point.
Salt in Two Places: Salt both with the shallots and sprinkled over cucumbers/avocado to balance the layers of flavor perfectly.

How to Serve Cucumber and Avocado Salad with Sumac Recipe

cucumber and avocado salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish this salad with a little extra fresh dill sprinkled on top because it brightens the whole dish. Sometimes I add a few lemon wedges for guests to squeeze on if they want an even fresher zing.

Side Dishes

This salad is a natural partner to grilled fish or chicken. It’s also fantastic alongside Mediterranean spreads like hummus and pita, or with a hearty grain bowl on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For summer entertaining, I like serving this salad in individual clear glasses or small bowls so guests can admire the vibrant colors. Layering the ingredients or using fancy heirloom cucumbers can make it feel special for guests too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing leftover salad tightly covered in the fridge and eating within 24 hours for best freshness. The avocado can brown, but a little lemon juice added right before storing helps slow that down.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well because the texture of cucumber and avocado suffers. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a day of making.

Reheating

No reheating needed here! This salad is always served cold or at room temperature. Just give it a gentle stir before serving leftovers.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is sumac and where can I find it?

Sumac is a tangy, lemony spice popular in Middle Eastern cooking. You can find it at most spice stores, Middle Eastern markets, or online. It adds a unique bright flavor to dishes like this salad.

Can I use regular white vinegar instead of rice vinegar?

Rice vinegar has a mild and slightly sweet flavor, which works best here, but if you don’t have it, white vinegar can be used in a pinch. You might want to use a bit less, to avoid overpowering the salad.

How do I keep avocado from browning in the salad?

To slow browning, use ripe but firm avocados and toss them gently with a bit of olive oil or lemon juice before adding them to the salad. Serve soon after preparing for the best color and taste.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add cherry tomatoes, radishes, or even thinly sliced bell peppers if you want to mix things up. Just keep the balance of flavors and textures in mind so the sumac and avocado still shine.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber and Avocado Salad with Sumac Recipe really is one of those easy dishes that sticks with you. It's refreshing enough to brighten a hot day but still comforting with the creamy avocado. I always feel like I’m enjoying something special but without spending hours in the kitchen — and I’m betting you’ll feel the same. Give it a try soon, and don’t be shy about adding your signature twist!