Radicchio Cucumber and Avocado Recipe

This Radicchio Cucumber and Avocado Recipe with a red wine vinaigrette is a wonderful way to use seasonal radicchio. Radicchio forms the base of the salad, which is then topped with chopped cucumber, creamy avocado, crunchy walnuts, and sweet goji berries.

On a recent weekend away, also mentioned in my substack newsletter, we found the creamiest avocados and fresh radicchio, so creating this recipe felt effortless.

The addition of goji berries was inspired by my Radicchio Orange Salad Recipe, where I used a berry granola mix for sweetness and crunch.

In this salad, the goji berries add a lovely chewy crunch with just enough sweetness. Be sure to check out the variation ideas below for more ways to make this salad your own.

The red wine and garlic vinaigrette is proof that a salad is only as good as its dressing. Most of the time, we enjoy salads with a simple drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper, but this salad deserved its own specially made vinaigrette.

The combination is a perfect match. Some ingredients simply belong together, and this vinaigrette works beautifully with the slight bitterness of the radicchio and the creamy avocado.

Looking for another fresh way to use radicchio? My Radicchio Orange Salad Recipe combines citrus, kiwi, and a vibrant orange red wine vinaigrette.

For the vinaigrette, you will need:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Fresh garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Why You’ll Love This Radicchio Cucumber and Avocado Salad

• Super simple to make.
• Made with very few ingredients.
• Creamy avocado balances the bitterness of the radicchio beautifully.
• The red wine garlic vinaigrette adds incredible flavor.
• Easy to customize with different nuts or toppings

Ingredients You Will Need

• Radicchio
• Cucumber
• Avocado
• Walnuts
• Optional: Goji berries

For The Vinaigrette

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Fresh garlic clove
• Salt
• Black pepper

How To Make This Radicchio Cucumber and Avocado Recipe

Please find the full ingredient quantities and instructions in the recipe card below.

Rinse the Vegetables: Rinse the radicchio and cucumber well before chopping. Pull the radicchio leaves apart while rinsing. Pat the leaves dry or shake the excess water off.

Chop: Dice the cucumber into small pieces.

For the radicchio, roll the leaves together and fold them in, then thinly slice. Add the cleaned and chopped veg into a serving plate or bowl.

Prepare the avocado: Remove the peel and pit from the avocado, then cube and add it to the salad.

Add the toppings: Roughly chop the walnuts and scatter over the salad. Add the goji berries, if using.

Make the vinaigrette: Combine the vinaigrette ingredients in a mason jar or measuring jug. Shake or whisk well, then drizzle over the salad just before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Dice the cucumber into small pieces for the best texture.
• Leave the cucumber peel on to help keep the cucumber crisp.
• Fold the radicchio leaves a few times before slicing to create thin, even strips.
• Add the vinaigrette just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
• Use ripe but firm avocado for the best texture.

Variations

• Try pistachios or almonds instead of walnuts.
• Add feta cheese for a salty, creamy addition.
• Swap the goji berries for raisins, cranberries, or sultanas.
• Add grilled chicken for extra protein. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil also work beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this easy radicchio cucumber salad with these grilled lamb chops for a complete meal.
• To serve with another side dish, serve with crusty bread.
• For a more protein based option you can add rotisserie chicken.
• Serve with these easy less than 20 minutes oven baked chicken breasts.
• For a crowd serving, use this easy whole chicken air fryer recipe with this salad.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

• This radicchio and cucumber salad is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
• If making ahead, add the avocado and vinaigrette just before serving for the best texture and freshness.

Why Avocado Works So Well In This Salad

Avocado adds a rich, creamy texture that balances the slight bitterness of the radicchio beautifully. It softens the sharper flavors in the salad while making the whole dish feel more satisfying and substantial.

For the best texture, use ripe but firm avocados that will hold their shape once sliced or cubed. Their creamy texture pairs especially well with the crisp cucumber, crunchy walnuts, and tangy red wine vinaigrette.

FAQs

What does radicchio taste like?

Radicchio has a slightly bitter flavor with a crisp texture that pairs beautifully with creamy avocado and tangy vinaigrettes.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but for the freshest results, add the avocado and vinaigrette just before serving.

What nuts work best in this salad?

Walnuts work wonderfully, but pistachios, almonds, pecans, or pine nuts are all great alternatives.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as written.

What protein can I add to this salad?

Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, grilled fish, or chickpeas all pair well with this salad.

More Salad Recipes You May Love

• Radicchio Orange Salad
• Pan Grilled Radicchio
• Tuscan Panzanella Salad (Best Italian Bread and Tomato Recipe)
• Cucumber, Tomato and Feta Salad
• Avocado Salad Dressing

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Your comments help other readers and are always one of my favorite parts of sharing recipes online.

More Avocado Recipes You May Enjoy

If you love creamy avocados as much as I do, here are a few more easy avocado recipes you may enjoy.

• Avocado Salad Dressing
• Peanut Butter Avocado Toast
• Avocado and Rice Bowl
• Avocado Caprese Salad on Toast
• Smashed Avocado on Toast with Sunny-Side- Up Eggs
• 3 Ingredient Avocado Smoothie Without Banana
• Easy Guacamole Recipe