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Pickle Cucumber Salad with Avocado and Lime, refrigerator pickle cucumber salad dinner side dish
Brittany Stage

Pickle Cucumber Salad with Avocado and Lime

Crisp cucumber spears soak in a lime and apple cider vinegar brine for two hours, then get folded gently with fresh avocado, cilantro, and a pinch of red pepper flake right before the meal. It is a bright, cooling side dish that feels like something between a pickle salad and a fresh guacamole bowl.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Calories: 145

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb English cucumber about 1 large, sliced into thin rounds or half-moons
  • 1/3 cup fresh lime juice from about 3 limes
  • 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 small jalapeño thinly sliced, seeds removed for less heat or left in for more
  • 1/4 cup red onion very thinly sliced
  • 2 medium ripe but firm avocados cut into 3/4-inch chunks
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves loosely packed, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes or more to taste

Equipment

  • cutting board
  • sharp knife
  • large jar or medium bowl with lid
  • small bowl

Method
 

  1. Stir together the lime juice, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and kosher salt in a large jar or bowl until the sugar and salt dissolve completely, about one minute of stirring.
  2. Add the sliced cucumbers, jalapeño, and red onion to the brine. Toss everything so the cucumbers are evenly coated. Seal the jar or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours. The cucumbers will soften slightly and turn a little translucent at the edges, which means the brine has done its job.
  3. When you are ready to serve, cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh. Cut into chunks about three quarters of an inch wide. Keeping them on the larger side means they will hold their shape when folded in rather than breaking down into a paste.
  4. Use a slotted spoon to lift the pickled cucumbers out of the brine and into a serving bowl. Leave most of the liquid behind so the salad is not soupy, but keep a few tablespoons of the brine in the bowl for flavor.
  5. Add the avocado chunks and cilantro to the cucumber mixture. Fold everything together gently with a spoon or rubber spatula, turning just two or three times so the avocado stays in distinct pieces.
  6. Scatter the red pepper flakes over the top and taste for salt. Add a small pinch more if needed. Serve right away at the table.

Notes

This salad is best assembled and eaten within 20 minutes of adding the avocado. The pickled cucumber base can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored in the brine in the refrigerator.