Barley Free Basil-Avocado Cucumber Bites
These little bites are the kind of appetizer that disappears from the platter before you even get a chance to announce them. Crisp cucumber rounds get topped with a silky, vibrant spread made from ripe avocados, fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, and a warm hint of turmeric and ginger — it's bright, herby, and genuinely addictive. The whole thing comes together in a food processor in under a minute, making it one of those rare recipes that looks impressive without demanding much effort. For anyone navigating grain sensitivities, packaged dips and spreads can be a minefield of hidden thickeners and fillers, but every single ingredient here is naturally clean and straightforward. There's no flour, no starch, no grain of any kind — just fresh produce, good olive oil, and bold aromatics doing all the work. A finishing pinch of flaky sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil take it from simple snack to something that genuinely feels party-ready. Serve them immediately so the cucumber stays crisp and the spread stays lush and green.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the bites
- 2 large english cucumbers
For the basil-avocado spread
- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
For serving
- fresh basil leaves, for serving (optional)
- extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling (optional)
- flaky sea salt, for finishing (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Slice the cucumbers into rounds about 1/2 inch thick, discarding the ends. Arrange the rounds in a single layer on a serving platter.
- 2
Scoop the avocado flesh into a food processor. Add the basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, turmeric, and ginger. Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides once, about 30–45 seconds.
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