Crunchy cucumbers and creamy avocados are the stars
of this simple five-ingredient salad. Peeling the cucumbers in
alternating stripes helps them soak up seasonings while maintaining
their shape. After being cut into bite-size pieces, they are combined
with salt to draw out moisture, concentrating their flavor. Cubed
avocado is tossed with lemon juice or vinegar to prevent browning, then
everything is stirred together vigorously so that the avocado breaks
down a bit to add a glossy coating. Finish with a hit of red-pepper
flakes for heat, or embellish with herbs, lettuces, beans, soft-boiled
eggs, feta, nuts and so on.
Ingredients
-
2
scallions, trimmed then sliced crosswise 1/4-inch-thick
-
Ice
-
1
pound cucumbers (such as 6 Persian or mini seedless, or 1 English)
-
Kosher salt
-
2
very ripe avocados
-
2
tablespoons fresh lemon or lime juice, or unseasoned rice vinegar, plus more as needed
-
Red-pepper flakes or hot sauce, for serving
Preparation
- Transfer the scallions to a small bowl of ice water to crisp.
- Peel the cucumbers in alternating strips and trim
ends. If desired, halve lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Cut
cucumbers into bite-size pieces (thin slices, 1/2-inch cubes, or smashed
into irregular shapes), then transfer to a colander set in the sink.
Toss with 1 teaspoon salt and set aside to drain, at least 5 minutes or
up to 15.
- When you’re ready to eat, halve the avocados and
remove the pits. Using a spoon, remove the flesh from the skins, then
cut the flesh into 1/2-inch cubes. Transfer to a large bowl, add the
lemon juice and season with salt. Stir to combine.
- Shake the cucumbers in the colander to get rid of
any excess moisture, then transfer to the bowl with the avocado. Drain
and shake the scallions in the colander. Add the scallions to the bowl.
- Stir the salad ingredients vigorously just until the
avocado breaks down a bit. The cucumbers should be glossed with avocado
but the majority of the avocado pieces should still remain cubed.
Season to taste with salt, lemon and red-pepper flakes or hot sauce.