Looking for a simple, crunchy, and vibrant dish to punch up your weekly menu? Meet the Everyday Salad: a cheerful medley of crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado, all lightly kissed with olive oil and tossed together in seconds. Whether you need a quick lunch, a refreshing side, or a colorful dinner plate upgrade, this salad is a reliable favorite I reach for again and again. It’s the kind of recipe that’s alive with flavor yet truly fuss-free, making it the kind of dish you’ll want to have on repeat—trust me, your taste buds (and your weeknight routine) will thank you for having this go-to salad in your back pocket!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Everyday Salad is in its simplicity: each ingredient is hand-picked to bring a burst of flavor, freshness, and texture. You can find everything at your local grocery store, and together they make each forkful pop with color and taste.

Cucumber: Choose a firm, medium-sized cucumber for maximum crunch and vibrant green color.
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these gems bring a lively pop that balances the other flavors perfectly.
Scallions: These add a gentle oniony bite and a lovely crisp finish you won’t want to skip.
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon brings everything together with its silkiness and hint of richness.
Green Bell Pepper: A third of a pepper brings a grassy crunch and a dash of fresh color.
Avocado: Quarter of a creamy avocado rounds out the textures and makes every bite feel extra satisfying.
Olives: Pitted and chopped, they give a briny, savory punch that wakes up the salad.
Salt and Pepper: These essentials season all the veggies and help their flavors sing—always taste and adjust to your liking.

How to Make Everyday Salad

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Take a moment to wash all your veggies—there’s nothing better than starting with clean, crisp produce! Peel the cucumber and chop it into bite-sized pieces, halve your cherry tomatoes, chop up the scallions and green bell pepper, cube the avocado, and roughly chop the olives. This gentle prep sets you up for a perfect salad and makes assembling a total breeze.

Step 2: Toss Everything Together

Get a lovely salad bowl, and add in all your gorgeous chopped ingredients: cucumber, tomatoes, scallions, bell pepper, avocado, and olives. Drizzle with your olive oil, and sprinkle on a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Gently toss everything together so all the flavors mingle without bruising the delicate avocado. You’ll see the colors come alive instantly!

Step 3: Taste, Adjust, and Enjoy!

Before you grab your fork, take a little taste. This is the secret to a truly great Everyday Salad—add a bit more salt or pepper if needed, maybe a touch more olive oil if you want. Once you’re happy, the salad is ready: fresh, simple, and inviting. Grab a bowl and dig in immediately to enjoy every crunchy, creamy, zesty bite.

How to Serve Everyday Salad

Garnishes

Give your Everyday Salad a little something extra with bright garnishes! Try a scatter of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or dill, a dusting of feta cheese for a tangy note, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving. These touches not only dress up the bowl but amplify all those fresh flavors.

Side Dishes

This salad makes a fantastic sidekick to almost any meal. I love pairing it with grilled chicken or salmon, packing it alongside veggie burgers, or even scooping it up with warm pita bread for a light lunch. Its zippy, refreshing vibe lifts up richer main courses beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

To really wow your family or guests, layer your Everyday Salad in jars for a portable lunch or arrange it atop a bed of leafy greens for an instant upgrade. Serve it family-style on a big platter with additional avocado slices or whole olives on the side, or tuck it inside wraps for an on-the-go snack that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare at my place!), cover your Everyday Salad tightly and pop it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though the avocado may brown just a tad—still totally delicious and safe to eat.

Freezing

I wouldn’t recommend freezing this salad. The fresh vegetables and avocado simply won’t hold up to freezing and thawing; they lose their signature crunch and creamy texture. This is a salad you’ll want to savor while it’s freshly made!

Reheating

Good news—you don’t need to worry about reheating! The Everyday Salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Just give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and refresh all the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables in the Everyday Salad?

Absolutely! This is a flexible recipe—try adding red onion, radishes, or even thinly sliced carrots for extra crunch and color. Make it your own with what’s in your crisper drawer.

What’s the best way to keep avocado from browning?

Cutting avocado right before mixing into the salad helps keep it fresh, and the olive oil coating in the salad slows down browning. Adding a squeeze of lemon juice works wonders too if you’re prepping ahead of time.

Can I use a different dressing instead of olive oil?

Of course! A splash of balsamic vinegar, a spoonful of yogurt-based dressing, or even a zip of lemon juice can all bring a new twist to the Everyday Salad. Just keep things light so the freshness shines through.

Is this salad good for meal prepping?

It can be! For best results, prep all your veggies and keep the avocado separate until you’re ready to serve. Add the dressing just before eating to maintain that perfect crunch.

Can I make Everyday Salad in advance for a party?

Certainly! Chop and combine all the veggies except avocado a few hours ahead, cover, and chill. When it’s time to eat, add the avocado and toss everything together for that just-made flavor and freshness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something bright and wholesome, give the Everyday Salad a place at your table. It’s so easy to whip up, packed full of flavor, and always leaves me feeling cheerful. Let this be your excuse to eat the freshest produce every day—your new favorite salad is just a few minutes away!