Name: Cucumber Avocado Salad with Sumac and Dill Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced (about 1/3 cup); 3 Tbsp. rice vinegar; 2 tsp. ground sumac; 1/4 tsp. kosher salt; 1 lb. cucumbers (English/Hot House or Persian, ideally), cut into bite-sized chunks; 1 medium ripe avocado, cut into small pieces or thinly sliced; 3/4 tsp. kosher salt; 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil; 2 scant Tbsp. sesame seeds; 1/3 cup fresh dill, roughly chopped

Fresh, creamy, and tangy, this Cucumber Avocado Salad with Sumac and Dill Recipe is a delightful mix of flavors that instantly brightens any meal. The sumac-marinated shallots add a unique twist that you’ll find hard to forget.

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad made of bright green avocado pieces and crisp cucumber chunks. The avocado is sliced thickly, showing its smooth, pale green flesh, while the cucumber slices are chunkier with dark green skin still on. Thin rings of purple-red pickled onions are spread evenly over the top. Sprigs of fresh green dill are scattered all around, adding light feathery texture. The salad is sprinkled with small beige sesame seeds and a fine dusting of red spices, creating a colorful and appetizing look. A silver spoon rests on the right side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cucumber Avocado Salad with Sumac and Dill Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cucumber Avocado Salad with Sumac and Dill Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cucumber Avocado Salad with Sumac and Dill Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I keep coming back to this salad whenever I want something light but packed with flavor. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy to whip up but feels special—with the zing from sumac and the creaminess of avocado, it just hits the spot every time.

Bright Flavor Combination: The sumac gives a beautiful tartness that livens up the milder cucumber and avocado.
Simple Ingredients: You don’t need fancy shopping — just fresh cucumbers, ripe avocado, a handful of herbs, and pantry staples.
Quick to Prepare: The sumac-marinated shallots add depth with just a short wait and minimal effort.
Versatile Side Dish: This salad complements everything from grilled fish to spicy foods, making it a go-to summer favorite.

Ingredients & Why They Work

It’s the thoughtful combination of fresh textures and vibrant seasonings that makes this Cucumber Avocado Salad with Sumac and Dill Recipe a winner. Here’s why each ingredient matters, plus some handy tips for picking the best ones.

Flat lay of a medium shallot thinly sliced in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl with bright red ground sumac, another small white bowl containing pale golden extra-virgin olive oil, a small white bowl filled with toasted light brown sesame seeds, fresh pale green cucumber chunks spilling slightly on a large white ceramic plate, ripe avocado pieces with creamy yellow-green flesh arranged neatly beside the cucumber, a small white bowl holding clear rice vinegar, and a bunch of fresh green dill sprigs loosely arranged, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Shallot: Thinly sliced, it mellows when marinated and brings subtle sweetness and crunch.
Rice Vinegar: Adds a gentle acidity that balances richness without overwhelming any flavors.
Ground Sumac: This tangy, lemony spice is the star twist—you can find it in Middle Eastern grocery aisles or well-stocked supermarkets.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other tastes, use as directed for best results.
Sesame Seeds: Toasting them unlocks their nutty aroma and adds crunch, elevating the salad’s texture.
Cucumbers: English or Persian cucumbers work best because they have fewer seeds and thinner skins. Cut into bite-sized chunks for easy eating.
Avocado: Pick a ripe but firm avocado for creamy texture without it getting mushy too soon.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Brings richness and helps meld all flavors together smoothly.
Fresh Dill: Its bright, herbal notes add freshness and a beautiful green pop on the plate.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this salad depending on what's in season or my mood. It’s super forgiving, so you can definitely make it your own without stress!

Variation: Sometimes I swap dill for fresh mint when I want a cooler, brighter finish—it really changes the vibe in a delightful way.
Spice it up: A pinch of chili flakes stirred in can add a gentle heat that contrasts beautifully with the creamy avocado.
Protein boost: Add chickpeas or toasted almonds if you want to turn it into a light lunch or boost the texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cucumber Avocado Salad with Sumac and Dill Recipe

A light beige round plate filled with chunks of fresh green cucumber and sliced avocado. The cucumbers are cut into thick wedge shapes showing their wet, pale green flesh, while the avocado pieces have soft, pale yellow-green flesh with neat, thin horizontal slices. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and fresh backdrop for the simple salad. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate the Shallots

Start by tossing thinly sliced shallots with rice vinegar, ground sumac, and just a pinch of salt. Massage the spices into the shallots gently—this helps release their flavor. Let them rest for at least 20 minutes, or even up to three hours if you have time. I usually prep these first and get the rest ready while they soak up those delicious tangy notes.

Step 2: Toast the Sesame Seeds

While the shallots marinate, heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast your sesame seeds, stirring often. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn lightly golden and you can smell that nutty goodness. Keep your eyes peeled—they burn quickly! I usually toast just enough to sprinkle on top, which adds an extra special crunch.

Step 3: Prep the Vegetables

Cut your cucumbers into bite-sized chunks for easy eating. For the avocado, I like cutting into smaller chunks or thin slices to mix throughout the salad without overpowering each bite. Season both lightly with salt and drizzle with the olive oil to make sure everything feels fresh but balanced.

Step 4: Assemble and Garnish

Arrange cucumber and avocado on a platter, scatter the marinated shallots (and their vinegar), then sprinkle on toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh dill. This last step is where the salad really comes alive visually and flavor-wise—I always make sure to add plenty of dill because it lifts the entire dish.

Top Tip

Having made this salad a bunch of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really help you get the best results — and avoid common pitfalls.

Sumac Magic: Don’t skip the marination of the shallots with sumac—it softens their sharpness and lets that tart, lemony flavor infuse the whole salad.
Watch the Avocado: Use ripe but firm avocados. Too soft and you’ll end up with mush; too firm and the texture feels off. I usually press gently before cutting to test.
Toast Sesame Seeds Just Right: Toast them until fragrant but not browned too dark—this keeps their flavor delicate and prevents bitterness.
Don’t Overdress: The olive oil and the sumac-marinated vinegar slices are enough—the salad stays fresh and balanced without drowning the veggies.

How to Serve Cucumber Avocado Salad with Sumac and Dill Recipe

Cucumber Avocado Salad - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often finish this salad with a little extra fresh dill and some toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving. Sometimes I add a few lemon zest curls for an extra pop, which my family surprisingly loves. It's those small touches that make it feel more special.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish, especially when you’re aiming for a light, fresh meal. I also like serving it alongside warm pita bread and hummus for a simple Mediterranean-inspired lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For get-togethers, I serve this salad in a pretty bowl lined with edible flower petals or arrange small portions in clear glasses to showcase the colors. It’s a simple step up that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually lasts a day or two. The cucumber holds up well, but keep in mind the avocado may brown slightly—the dill and sumac help mask that a bit. If possible, I toss the avocado in last when serving leftovers.

Freezing

Freezing this salad isn’t ideal because avocado and cucumbers don’t maintain their texture well after thawing. I recommend enjoying it fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating needed. If you like, just let it sit out a few minutes after taking it from the fridge to bring out the flavors better before serving again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this salad vegan and gluten-free?

Absolutely! This Cucumber Avocado Salad with Sumac and Dill Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a safe, delicious choice for many diets.

What is sumac, and can I substitute it?

Sumac is a tangy, lemony Middle Eastern spice that adds a unique flavor. If you can’t find it, a light sprinkle of lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice can substitute, though it won’t be exactly the same.

How long does the salad keep before it gets soggy?

Best enjoyed within 1-2 days refrigerated. The cucumbers stay firm but the avocado can soften and discolor. To keep it fresh longer, store avocado separately and add before serving.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Definitely! Adding chickpeas, grilled chicken, or toasted nuts can easily transform this salad into a satisfying main dish while keeping all the fresh flavors intact.

Final Thoughts

When I think of easy, fresh, and full-of-flavor recipes, this Cucumber Avocado Salad with Sumac and Dill Recipe always comes to mind first. It’s a perfect blend of simple ingredients that makes every bite exciting yet comforting. If you want a salad that feels both fancy and foolproof, give this one a try—you won’t regret it!