Paraben Free Whole30 Cucumber Avocado Cups
Fresh cucumber rounds hollowed into little cups and loaded with chunky, lime-bright avocado — this appetizer is as pretty as it is satisfying. Every ingredient here is a whole, recognizable food: ripe avocado, crisp English cucumber, fresh cilantro, red onion, and a squeeze of lime. That simplicity is exactly what makes this recipe such a reliable pick for anyone navigating parabens, since processed sauces, bottled dressings, and packaged dips are common sources of preservative concerns. By building the filling from scratch with nothing but fresh produce and a few pantry spices, you stay completely in control of what goes into every bite. The jalapeño and red pepper flakes are optional, so you can dial the heat up or down depending on your crowd. These are best served immediately after assembly so the cucumber stays crisp and the avocado filling stays vibrant — a quick finish with extra lime wedges at the table makes the whole platter pop.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the cups
- 2 large english cucumbers
For the filling
- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime)
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely minced (optional)
- 3 tbsp fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For serving
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Slice the cucumbers into rounds about 3/4-inch thick. Using a small spoon or melon baller, scoop a shallow well into the center of each round, leaving the bottom intact to form a cup. Arrange the rounds on a serving platter.
- 2
Scoop the avocado flesh into a small mixing bowl. Add the lime juice, red onion, cilantro, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mash and stir with a fork until the mixture is chunky but cohesive, with no large unbroken pieces of avocado remaining.
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