Trying Viral TikTok cucumber salad
Trying VIRAL TikTok cucumber salad is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Lynee' Monae on YouTube.
Prep: 14 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 24 min
Cost: $8.69 total, $4.35 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 large English Seedless Cucumber (thinly sliced with mandolin)
- 0.25 medium Red Onion (thinly sliced with mandolin)
- 100 g Smoked Salmon (thinly sliced with mandolin or sharp knife)
- 1 ripe Avocado (sliced just before serving)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil (high quality, drizzle over salad)
- 1 pinch Salt (to taste)
- 1 pinch Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill (chopped, optional garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Mandolin
Set the mandolin to its thinnest setting, secure the safety guard, and place a clean cutting board underneath.
Time: PT1M
Slice the Cucumber
Run the English seedless cucumber over the mandolin, creating ultra‑thin ribbons. Transfer to a bowl of ice water to keep them crisp.
Time: PT2M
Slice the Red Onion
Using the same mandolin setting, slice the red onion very thinly. Rinse briefly in cold water to mellow the bite, then pat dry.
Time: PT2M
Slice the Smoked Salmon
Lay the smoked salmon flat and run it through the mandolin (or use a sharp knife) to obtain delicate ribbons.
Time: PT2M
Prepare the Avocado
Halve the avocado, remove the pit, scoop out the flesh, and slice into thin wedges. Sprinkle with a tiny pinch of lemon juice to prevent browning.
Time: PT2M
Assemble the Salad
Pat the cucumber ribbons dry, then arrange them on the serving plate. Layer the red onion, smoked salmon, and avocado slices on top. Drizzle lemon juice and olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper. Garnish with fresh dill if desired.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 250
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 12g
- Fat
- 18g
- Fiber
- 5g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Pescatarian, Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly
Allergens: Fish (smoked salmon)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of English Seedless Cucumber: regular seedless cucumber, English cucumber
- Instead of Red Onion: white onion, shallots
- Instead of Smoked Salmon: lox, cooked salmon
- Instead of Avocado: ripe mango slices, guacamole
- Instead of Lemon Juice: lime juice, apple cider vinegar (1 tsp)
- Instead of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: avocado oil, grapeseed oil
- Instead of Salt: sea salt, kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper, pink peppercorns
- Instead of Fresh Dill: chives, parsley
Equipment Needed
- Mandolin Slicer
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Serving Plate
- Spatula or Spoon (optional)
- Lemon Juicer (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Using the mandolin safely – always keep fingers behind the guard.
- Dry the cucumber ribbons before dressing to avoid a soggy salad.
- Add lemon juice to avocado immediately to prevent browning.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Chill the smoked salmon and the mandolin blade for extra crisp slices.
- For extra zing, add a pinch of finely grated lemon zest to the dressing.
- If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain.
Troubleshooting
Cucumber becomes watery.
After slicing, soak the ribbons in ice water, then pat completely dry with a clean kitchen towel before assembling.
Avocado turns brown.
Coat avocado slices with a thin layer of lemon juice and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to serve.
Mandolin slices are uneven.
Check that the mandolin is set to a consistent thin setting and that the vegetable is steady on the board; use the safety guard to guide the slice.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours; keep avocado separate and add just before serving.
Freezer: Not recommended – texture will degrade.
Room temperature: Serve immediately; salad does not hold well at room temperature for more than 1 hour.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Slice cucumber, onion, and salmon up to 4 hours ahead and keep them in separate containers in the fridge.
- Store avocado slices in a bowl with a splash of lemon juice and cover tightly with plastic wrap.
- Dress the salad only moments before serving for maximum crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of English Seedless Cucumber Salad with Smoked Salmon and Avocado in American cuisine?
While cucumber salads have long been a staple in European summer cuisine, the addition of smoked salmon and avocado reflects a modern American twist that blends coastal seafood traditions with the health‑focused avocado trend that surged in the early 2000s.
What are the traditional regional variations of cucumber‑salmon salads in the United States?
In the Pacific Northwest, cucumber‑salmon salads often feature dill and a mustard‑yogurt dressing, whereas on the East Coast, a lemon‑olive‑oil vinaigrette with capers is more common. The version shown by Lynee' Monae emphasizes simplicity and thin mandolin slices.
How is English Seedless Cucumber Salad with Smoked Salmon and Avocado traditionally served in American brunch settings?
It is typically plated as a chilled starter on a large platter, sometimes accompanied by toasted bagels or rye crackers, allowing guests to enjoy the delicate flavors before the main brunch dishes.
What occasions or celebrations is English Seedless Cucumber Salad with Smoked Salmon and Avocado traditionally associated with in American culture?
The salad is popular at brunches, holiday gatherings like Easter or Mother's Day, and upscale cocktail parties where a light, elegant finger food is desired.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for English Seedless Cucumber Salad with Smoked Salmon and Avocado versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include English seedless cucumber, high‑quality smoked salmon, ripe avocado, fresh lemon juice, and extra‑virgin olive oil. Acceptable substitutes are regular seedless cucumber, lox or cooked salmon, lime juice, and other neutral oils.
What other American dishes pair well with English Seedless Cucumber Salad with Smoked Salmon and Avocado?
It pairs beautifully with poached eggs, smoked trout pâté, fresh fruit salads, or a light quinoa pilaf, creating a balanced brunch or light dinner menu.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making English Seedless Cucumber Salad with Smoked Salmon and Avocado?
Common errors include slicing the cucumber too thick, which makes the salad soggy; over‑dressing, which overwhelms the delicate flavors; and letting avocado sit exposed, causing it to brown. Follow the thin‑slice technique and dress just before serving.
Why does this recipe use a mandolin for slicing instead of a regular knife?
A mandolin produces uniformly ultra‑thin ribbons that create a delicate texture and allow the flavors of the smoked salmon and avocado to coat each strand evenly, something harder to achieve with a standard knife.
Can I make English Seedless Cucumber Salad with Smoked Salmon and Avocado ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can slice the cucumber, onion, and salmon up to 4 hours ahead and keep them refrigerated in separate containers. Store avocado slices with lemon juice in an airtight bowl and add them just before serving. Dress the salad right before plating.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making English Seedless Cucumber Salad with Smoked Salmon and Avocado?
The cucumber ribbons should be translucent and crisp, the onion slices fine and slightly glistening, the salmon ribbons delicate and glossy, and the avocado wedges buttery yet firm. The finished plate should look bright, with green and pink layers drizzled with a light sheen of lemon‑olive oil.
What does the YouTube channel Lynee' Monae specialize in?
The YouTube channel Lynee' Monae focuses on quick, visually appealing home‑cooking tutorials that often feature trendy ingredients, modern plating, and a playful, energetic presentation style.
How does the YouTube channel Lynee' Monae's approach to American fusion cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Lynee' Monae blends high‑energy editing with a focus on minimal‑cook, fresh‑ingredient dishes, emphasizing tools like mandolins and bold flavor pairings, whereas many other channels stick to traditional recipes or longer cooking processes.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
