Cucumber and Avocado Salad

Name: Cucumber and Avocado Salad
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 24 sprigs cilantro; 1 1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro leaves; 1 1/4 cup chopped peeled ginger; 1 6 garlic cloves, lightly crushed; 1 2 dried chiles de árbol; 1 2 English hothouse cucumbers (about 2 pounds total), cut into 1/2" pieces; 1 1 teaspoon (or more) kosher salt; 1 1 teaspoon sugar; 1 4 celery stalks, thinly sliced on a diagonal; 1 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1 2 tablespoons grapeseed or vegetable oil; 1 2 avocados, halved, pitted, sliced; 1 1/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves; 1 Ingredient info: Chiles de árbol are sold at some supermarkets and at Latin markets.

From the kitchen of Carly

Crisp cucumber salad with crushed ginger, garlic, and dried chiles that macerates into a briny, herbaceous side. Cilantro and lime brighten the mix, while celery adds snap. Light, refreshing, and perfect alongside rich proteins or grilled fish.

Prep: n/a
Cook: n/a
Total: n/a
Servings: 4
Difficulty: medium

Ingredients

4 servings

124 sprigs cilantro
11/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro leaves
11/4 cup chopped peeled ginger
16 garlic cloves, lightly crushed
12 dried chiles de árbol
12 English hothouse cucumbers (about 2 pounds total), cut into 1/2" pieces
11 teaspoon (or more) kosher salt
11 teaspoon sugar
14 celery stalks, thinly sliced on a diagonal
12 tablespoons fresh lime juice
12 tablespoons grapeseed or vegetable oil
12 avocados, halved, pitted, sliced
11/4 cup torn fresh basil leaves
1Ingredient info: Chiles de árbol are sold at some supermarkets and at Latin markets.

Instructions

Combine cilantro sprigs, ginger, garlic, and chiles in a resealable plastic freezer bag; seal. Lightly pound with a skillet or rolling pin until ginger and garlic are well mashed.
Add cucumbers, 1 teaspoon salt, and sugar. Seal bag; shake to mix. Squeeze bag firmly to slightly mash cucumbers, 1-2 minutes. Place bag in a large bowl; let macerate at room temperature, turning halfway through, until juices form, about 35 minutes.
Empty contents of bag into bowl; turn bag inside out and scrape out any small bits. Discard cilantro sprigs. Mix in celery, juice, and oil. Season with more salt, if desired.
Divide avocado among plates; spoon salad over. Garnish with chopped cilantro and basil.