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5 Minute Salad

This literally takes 5 minutes to make and is a perfect lunch when you don’t have time or don’t feel like making anything. Adding some bread, cheese and fruit will make a complete meal! For more healthy gluten-free, low-GI, pesco-vegetarian recipes, please visit www.innerharmonynutrition.com.

5.0 · 1 reviewsRecipe card by InnerHarmonyNutritiEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 15, 2026
Lactose FreeVeganFree Of...< 15 MinsEasy
5 Minute Salad

Total time

5 min

Servings

1

Calories

440.7

Category

Vegetable

This 5 Minute Salad is the ultimate solution for busy lunch hours when you crave fresh, plant-based fuel without the cleanup. It is a vibrant, texture-rich vegetable medley perfectly suited for vegans or anyone needing a quick, lactose-free side dish on a tight schedule.

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

  • 1 avocado
  • 1 tomatoes
  • 1/8 onion
  • 1/4 cucumber
  • 1 cilantro
  • 1 lemon juice
  • 2 olive oil
  • 1 salt
  • pepper

Method

  1. In a bowl, mix all the vegetables.

  2. Add lemon juice, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper and mix.

  3. Infuse love and serve!

Cook's notes

  • Dice your cucumber and tomatoes into uniform sizes to ensure every forkful contains a perfect balance of crisp skin and juicy interior.
  • To prevent your avocado from bruising while mixing, fold it in gently as the final step after tossing the other vegetables with the vinaigrette.
  • Finely mince the onion using a sharp knife to ensure its sharp bite permeates the dressing without overpowering the creaminess of the avocado.
  • Massage the cilantro into the olive oil and lemon juice for thirty seconds before adding the vegetables to create a more fragrant, herb-forward dressing base.

Easy swaps

  • Instead of Red onion, use Green onionsUse for a milder, subtle onion flavor that won't linger on the palate.
  • Instead of Lemon juice, use Apple cider vinegarProvides a fermented, fruity acidity that balances the richness of the olive oil.
  • Instead of Cilantro, use Flat-leaf parsleyAn excellent alternative if you prefer a peppery, clean herb profile instead of citrusy notes.
  • Instead of Olive oil, use Toasted sesame oilAdds an earthy, nutty depth that transforms the salad into an Asian-inspired flavor profile.

Frequently asked

Can I prep the vegetables for this salad ahead of time?

You can chop the cucumbers and onions beforehand, but it is best to add the fresh avocado and dressing immediately before serving to maintain the best texture.

Is this 5 minute salad filling enough for a main course?

It serves as a light, refreshing meal on its own, but you can easily turn it into a heartier dish by adding chickpeas or hemp seeds for extra plant-based protein.

How do I keep the avocado from getting mushy?

Choose a semi-firm avocado and fold it into the bowl at the very last second using a silicone spatula rather than a metal spoon.

What is the best way to cut the cucumber for this recipe?

A quarter-inch dice is ideal, as it mirrors the size of the tomatoes and ensures you get a mix of textures in every bite.

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