
Fresh, creamy, crunchy, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Avocado Salad with Crushed Almonds & Fresh Dill is an easy recipe you’ll want to make again and again! π₯
Ripe avocados create a naturally creamy base, crisp cucumbers add refreshing crunch, and crushed almonds bring a delicious nutty texture. Fresh dill, lemon juice, and a simple dressing tie everything together beautifully.
Serve this salad as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a healthy addition to your favorite Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Prep time
15 minutes
Cook time
5 minutes
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients
For the salad
- 2 large ripe avocados, diced
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- ΒΌ small red onion, thinly sliced
- β cup (35 g) almonds, roughly crushed
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Β½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
For the creamy dressing
- ΒΌ cup (60 g) plain Greek yogurt or unsweetened dairy-free yogurt
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Β½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup, optional
- Salt, to taste
- ΒΌ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1β2 tablespoons water, as needed to thin the dressing
For a fully vegan salad, use unsweetened dairy-free yogurt and maple syrup instead of honey.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the almonds
- Roughly crush the almonds using a knife or rolling pin.
- Place them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat.
- Toast for 3β5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Remove from the heat and let them cool.
Tip: Keep an eye on the almonds because they can burn quickly. Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and gives the salad extra crunch.
Step 2: Make the creamy dressing
- In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Dijon mustard.
- Add the optional honey or maple syrup.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Add 1β2 tablespoons of water if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Taste the dressing and adjust the lemon juice, salt, or pepper to suit your preference.
Step 3: Chop the fresh vegetables
- Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and dice the flesh.
- Wash the cucumber and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Thinly slice the red onion.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes if using.
- Chop the fresh dill and parsley.
Handle the avocado gently to keep the pieces intact.
Step 4: Combine the salad ingredients
- Add the diced avocado and cucumber to a large salad bowl.
- Add the red onion and optional cherry tomatoes.
- Sprinkle in the chopped dill and parsley.
- Gently toss the ingredients together using a large spoon.
Avoid vigorous mixing, which can mash the ripe avocado.
Step 5: Add the creamy dressing
- Pour the creamy dressing over the vegetables.
- Gently fold everything together until lightly coated.
- Taste and add more lemon juice, salt, or black pepper if needed.
- Let the salad rest for 5 minutes so the flavors can come together.
Step 6: Add crushed almonds and serve
- Sprinkle the toasted crushed almonds over the salad just before serving.
- Add a little extra fresh dill for color and aroma.
- Finish with a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil if desired.
- Serve immediately while the almonds are crunchy and the avocado is fresh.
Serving suggestions
8
This versatile salad pairs beautifully with:
- Grilled salmon or roasted chicken.
- Warm pita bread or toasted sourdough.
- Chickpea patties or baked falafel.
- Quinoa or Mediterranean grain bowls.
- Grilled vegetables and hummus.
For a more filling meal, add chickpeas, white beans, or cooked quinoa.
Tips for the best avocado salad
- Choose ripe avocados: They should yield slightly to gentle pressure without feeling mushy.
- Use fresh dill: Fresh herbs give this salad its signature bright flavor.
- Add almonds at the end: This helps preserve their crunchy texture.
- Balance the dressing: Lemon juice brightens the creamy avocado and yogurt.
- Cut everything evenly: Bite-sized pieces make the salad easier to serve and eat.
- Make it dairy-free: Unsweetened plant-based yogurt works well in the dressing.
Storage instructions
- Best served fresh: Avocado can brown and soften after cutting.
- Refrigeration: If necessary, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
- Keep almonds separate: Store extra toasted almonds separately and add them just before serving.
- Meal prep: Prepare the dressing, chop the cucumber and onion, and toast the almonds in advance. Cut the avocado and assemble the salad just before eating.
Recipe card
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recipe name | Creamy Avocado Salad with Crushed Almonds & Fresh Dill |
| Course | Lunch, side dish, or light dinner |
| Cuisine | Mediterranean-inspired |
| Diet | Vegetarian; easily vegan and gluten-free |
| Prep time | 15 minutes |
| Cook time | 5 minutes |
| Total time | 20 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Main ingredients | Avocado, almonds, cucumber, dill, creamy lemon dressing |

