Embrace the essence of summer with our “Garden Fresh” Cucumber Tomato Salad, a vibrant dish that celebrates the simplicity and freshness of its ingredients. This refreshing salad pairs crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes with a light, herby dressing, making it the perfect accompaniment to any meal or a delightful dish on its own. Ideal for hot summer days, barbecues, or as a healthy side, this cucumber tomato salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, ensuring a burst of garden-fresh flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love “Garden Fresh” Cucumber Tomato Salad:
- Bright and Refreshing: The perfect palate cleanser or side dish to complement heavier meals.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes, with no cooking required.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and hydration.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with additional ingredients like red onions, olives, or feta cheese.
Ingredients Notes For “Garden Fresh” Cucumber Tomato Salad:
- Cucumbers: English cucumbers or garden fresh cucumbers, thinly sliced for the best texture.
- Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes halved, or ripe vine tomatoes cut into chunks, offer sweetness and juiciness.
- Dressing: A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar (white wine or apple cider), and fresh herbs like dill or parsley enhances the salad’s flavors.
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste, with the option to add minced garlic or shallots for extra zing.
Recipe Steps:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and slice the cucumbers, and halve or chop the tomatoes. If using, thinly slice the red onion and chop the herbs.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic (if using), and herbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Toss: In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers and tomatoes (and onions and olives, if desired). Drizzle with the dressing and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to marinate, or chill it in the refrigerator for a refreshing touch. Give it a final toss before serving.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.
Easy Recipe: Cucumber Tomato Salad for a Healthy Meal
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- Cucumbers: 2 medium, thinly sliced – for crunch and freshness.
- Tomatoes: 3 large, diced – for sweetness and juiciness. Cherry or grape tomatoes halved can also be used for a different texture.
- Red onion: 1 small, thinly sliced – adds a sharp, slightly spicy flavor.
- Fresh parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped – for a fresh herbal note.
- Fresh dill: 2 tablespoons, chopped (optional) – adds a unique, tangy flavor.
For the Dressing:
- Olive oil: 3 tablespoons – serves as the base of the dressing.
- Lemon juice: From 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons) – adds brightness and acidity.
- White vinegar or apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon – for extra tanginess.
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced – for a punch of flavor.
- Salt: To taste – enhances the overall flavors of the salad.
- Black pepper: To taste – adds a slight heat.
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds and dice the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. If using cherry or grape tomatoes, cut them in half.
- Peel and thinly slice the red onion into half-moons. This can reduce the sharpness and make them more palatable in the salad.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Combine the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, chopped parsley, and dill (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are well coated.
- Chill and Serve:
- For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Give the salad a quick toss before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
