Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad with Creamy Basil Pesto Dressing

Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones. This fresh Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad brings together juicy summer tomatoes, creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, red onion, and mozzarella with an easy homemade basil pesto dressing.

The pesto gets a Thrive twist with fresh basil, lemon, olive oil, Parmesan, plain yogurt, and macadamia nuts instead of the more traditional pine nuts. The result is a creamy, bright dressing that pulls the whole salad together.

Serve this as a side dish, pair it with grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it as an easy lunch.

Why We Love This Recipe

• Packed with fresh, colorful vegetables
• Healthy fats from avocado, olive oil, and nuts
• Homemade pesto dressing adds big flavor without a long ingredient list
• Easy to customize with whatever produce you have available
• Comes together quickly with very little cooking or cleanup

Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound red cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 pound yellow cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 avocados, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/3 cup red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup mozzarella balls
• 1/4 cup Creamy Basil Pesto Dressing, plus more if desired
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Add the red and yellow tomatoes, avocado, cucumber, red onion, and mozzarella to a large serving bowl.
2. Add 1/4 cup of the pesto dressing and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add additional pesto dressing if desired and serve.

Creamy Basil Pesto Dressing

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup macadamia nuts, walnuts, or pine nuts
• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt

Directions

1. Add nuts, basil, Parmesan, garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and yogurt to a food processor.
2. Process until smooth and creamy. If you’d like a thinner dressing, add a small amount of water or additional olive oil until it reaches your desired consistency.
3. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Cooking Tips

Make the dressing ahead. You can prepare the pesto in advance and refrigerate it, making assembly even faster at mealtime.

Add protein. Grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp, or white beans can turn this simple salad into a more substantial meal.

Don’t overdress it. Start with 1/4 cup of pesto dressing. The tomatoes and cucumber will release some liquid as the salad sits, so you can always add more before serving.

Use the leftover pesto. Try it over roasted vegetables, grilled chicken or fish, whole-grain pasta, or as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.

Want More Ideas for Making Healthy Cooking Easier?

Simple recipes like this remind you that getting a flavorful meal on the table doesn’t have to mean spending the evening in the kitchen.

If you’re looking for more ways to make weeknight cooking easier, join us for our Cooking Demonstration: One Pot Meals on September 22 from 6:00–7:30 PM.

We’ll explore simple one-pot meals along with time-saving cooking techniques, meal-preparation tips, and practical strategies for stocking and organizing your kitchen. The class includes a cooking demonstration, tastings, and recipes to take home.

Cost: $38 (Thrivers receive their membership discount.)

Register through the Thrive Carolinas app or call 704-390-7150.