Immerse yourself in the freshness of summer with this Cucumber Tomato Salad, a vibrant and refreshing dish that’s as nourishing as it is delightful. Perfect for hot summer days, barbecues, or as a light accompaniment to any meal, this salad combines the crispness of cucumbers, the juiciness of tomatoes, and the sharpness of red onion, all dressed in a simple yet flavorful vinaigrette. Not only is this salad incredibly easy to assemble, but it also offers a burst of colors and flavors that celebrate the bounty of the season. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side dish or a quick, refreshing bite, this Cucumber Tomato Salad is sure to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love Cucumber Tomato Salad:
- Fresh and Light: Ideal for those seeking a healthy, refreshing side dish.
- Quick and Easy: Comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy days or impromptu gatherings.
- Versatile: Pairs beautifully with a wide range of main dishes, from grilled meats to plant-based proteins.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to include your favorite herbs, cheeses, or additional vegetables.
Ingredients Notes For Cucumber Tomato Salad:
- Cucumbers: English cucumbers or garden cucumbers are preferred for their crisp texture and mild flavor. Peel if desired.
- Tomatoes: Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes. Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved, add sweetness and a pop of color.
- Red Onion: Adds a sharp contrast in flavor and a beautiful pop of purple.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil enhance the salad with their vibrant flavors.
- Vinaigrette: A simple dressing made with olive oil, vinegar (white wine or apple cider), lemon juice, salt, and pepper brings all the components together.
Recipe Steps:
- Prep the Vegetables: Slice cucumbers, halve tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Chop the herbs finely.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- Combine and Toss: In a large bowl, combine the prepared vegetables and herbs. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to ensure everything is well coated.
- Chill and Serve: Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Give it a quick toss before serving.
Storage Options:
- Best Enjoyed Fresh: This salad is best enjoyed the day it’s made, as the vegetables will begin to release water over time.
How to Make a Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled (if desired) and sliced
- 3–4 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges (Roma, cherry, or heirloom tomatoes all work well)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Feta cheese, crumbled, for garnish
- Optional: Olives, Kalamata or black, for added flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, tomato wedges, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and honey (if using). Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine and Chill:
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables in the bowl. Add the chopped parsley and gently toss everything together until the vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
- If using, add the crumbled feta cheese and olives, and gently toss again.
- Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional but recommended for the best flavor.
- Serve:
- Give the salad a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Serve chilled, garnished with additional parsley and feta cheese if desired.
