Made with crisp cucumbers, perfectly ripe California avocados, fresh herbs, and lime juice, this Smashed Cucumber and Avocado Salad is perfect for spring and summer.

This Isn’t Just a Salad—It’s a Game Changer

Ever feel like your meals are stuck on repeat? Same old sides, same boring flavors? It’s time to shake things up. This cucumber and avocado salad is here to break you out of the salad rut with a fresh punch of texture, brightness, and that bold CA GROWN attitude we love around here.

This salad doesn’t whisper “healthy”—it yells “flavor!” It’s crunchy, creamy, herby, citrusy, and spicy all at once. The best part? You don’t need a culinary degree or a pantry full of fancy ingredients. Just simple ingredients, a few minutes, and a good appetite.

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Why This Salad Deserves a Spot in Your Rotation 🥑🥒

This smashed cucumber and avocado salad has officially entered the group chat. Here’s why:

• 🥒 Crunchy cucumbers bring a texture party
• 🥑 Perfectly ripe avocados melt in your mouth
• 🌿 Fresh herbs and green onions make it sing
• 🌶️ A tiny hit of jalapeño = just enough sass
• 🥄 Fresh lime juice gives it the wake-up zing we all need

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When Is Avocado Season in California?

Great news: if you’re reading this between March and September, you’re in prime avocado season here in California. That means better texture, richer flavor, and more nutrient-packed fruit straight from local groves.

These are the months when avocados really show off—smooth, creamy, and perfectly green (no sad brown spots). It’s the best time of year to turn a simple salad into something craveable.

And when you buy California avocados in season, you’re not just getting a better product—you’re supporting local farmers who are literally growing gold on trees. 🙌

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How Are Avocados Grown in California?

Now that we’re on the topic of avocados, let’s talk about what it takes to grow these beauties. According to California Grown, growing avocados in California is part art, part science, and a whole lot of patience.

Here’s the short version:

1. Avocados love the coastal climate. That cool ocean breeze? Perfect for growing.
2. Trees bloom in spring, and with the help of bees, those blossoms turn into baby avocados.
3. They take months to mature—like 12-18 months in some cases!
4. Harvest is done by hand, usually with clippers and poles, to avoid bruising that rich creamy avocado flesh.

Pretty wild, right? A fruit that takes a year to grow deserves more than being mashed on toast—let it shine in a simple dressing with crisp cucumbers and lime.

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Pro Tips for the Best Cucumber and Avocado Salad

Want the best results every single time? Keep these tips in your back pocket:

• Smash your cucumbers. Not only is it oddly satisfying, but it also opens them up to soak in all that zesty lime and salt.
• Keep your avocados chunky. Think “bite-sized pillows,” not guacamole.
• Taste and season. A pinch more salt or an extra squeeze of lime can change everything.
• Don’t skip the pepitas. They’re not optional—they’re the delicious topping that pulls it all together.

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Add Your Own Unique Twist

This easy salad is basically a blank canvas for your cravings. Try switching it up with:

• Cherry tomatoes for a juicy pop of color
• A drizzle of olive oil for richness
• Feta or cotija cheese for a tangy kick
• Roasted shrimp or grilled chicken to make it a full meal
• A sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a little danger 🌶️

Or just keep it simple—after all, it’s one of those great recipes that doesn’t need much to shine.

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When to Serve This Salad?

This is your perfect side for pretty much everything:

• Grilled meats
• Tacos of all kinds
• Picnic lunches
• Potlucks
• Lazy Tuesdays when you want something fast and feel-good

You can even pile it into a tortilla for a crunchy, creamy taco moment. It’s that versatile.

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Your Spring Salad Era Starts Now 🌱

This smashed cucumber avocado salad isn’t just trendy. It’s timeless. The kind of salad that tastes like you’ve got your life together, even when you don’t. It’s made with garden cucumbers, fresh herbs, and CA GROWN pride.

It’s a reminder that sometimes the best things in life are the simplest. The loudest flavors can come from the quietest ingredients—if you treat them right.

And hey, whether you’re making this for a crowd or just feeding yourself, you deserve food that feels like sunshine. This salad? Yeah, it’s that.

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NEED A PLAYLIST TO LISTEN TO WHEN YOU’RE SMASHING THOSE CUCUMBERS? CHECK OUT THIS CA GROWN SPOTIFY PLAYLIST:

Tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out! Share your Cucmber and Avocado Salad with us using #CAGROWN or tag us on Instagram.

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