Cucumber, Avocado & Tomato Salad with Marinated White Beans

When the weather warms up, our bodies naturally crave lighter, more refreshing meals, and that’s no accident. God designed our bodies to respond to the seasons, and summer is the perfect time to enjoy what He’s provided in abundance: crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and foods that hydrate and fuel without weighing us down.

This clean salad is one of my favorite go-to meals for hot days, busy weeks, or those times when you want something that feels fresh but still fills you up. It’s loaded with healthy fats, fiber, plant-based protein, and a whole lot of flavor.

To keep it from feeling too dense, I like to serve it over a bed of leafy greens, adding lightness, texture, and an extra layer of nutrition. The star of the show? Lemon-garlic marinated white beans... a simple, flavorful way to boost protein and keep things satisfying without meat. Pair that with creamy avocado, hydrating cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty basil vinaigrette, and you’ve got a wholesome, beautiful dish that’s worthy of fueling your day and honoring your body.

Cucumber, Avocado & Tomato Salad with Marinated White Beans

Clean. Refreshing. Protein-rich. Full of purpose.

Ingredients (Serves 2-3):

• 2–3 cups leafy greens (arugula, spinach, or spring mix)

• 1 large cucumber, diced

• 1 avocado, cubed

• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup lemon-garlic marinated white beans (see below)

• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Lemon-Garlic Marinated White Beans:

• 1 can white beans (cannellini or navy), drained and rinsed

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 small garlic clove, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper for heat

To Prepare Beans:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

2. Add the white beans and toss gently.

3. Cover and let them marinate for 15–20 minutes (or refrigerate overnight for even deeper flavor).

Instructions (for full salad):

1. Prepare marinated beans as directed and set aside.

2. In a large bowl, layer the leafy greens as your base.

3. In a separate bowl, combine cucumber, avocado, and cherry tomatoes.

4. Add chopped basil, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.

5. Spoon this mixture over the greens, then top with marinated white beans.

6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or chill for 10–15 minutes before enjoying.

Why This Nourishes More Than Just the Body:

This salad is more than a bowl of nutrients... it’s a picture of what it means to fuel your body with intention. Every ingredient serves a purpose. Every choice reflects a deeper commitment to care for the body God entrusted to you, not for perfection, but for worship.

Healthy eating isn’t about obsessing over calories. It’s about honoring the body you’ve been given.

It’s about walking the narrow road, even in your kitchen.

So whether you’re prepping for the week, sharing a meal with your family, or simply trying to make better choices one day at a time, this salad is a beautiful step in the right direction.