Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe for Summer Bliss

The vibrant, refreshing crunch of cucumber tomato salad is like a summer day on your plate. Picture bright green cucumbers and juicy tomatoes mingling in a bowl, drizzled with zesty dressing that tickles your taste buds. This dish isn’t just a side; it’s a celebration of flavors and colors that makes every meal feel special.

Every time I whip up this cucumber tomato salad, I’m transported back to family barbecues where laughter echoed around the grill. The aroma of fresh herbs mingled with the warmth of the sun, creating memories as delicious as the food. Perfect for picnics or as a light side at dinner, this salad promises to elevate any occasion.

I remember the first time I served this cucumber tomato salad at a family gathering; everyone was raving about how refreshing it was!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Cucumbers: Choose firm cucumbers without blemishes for the best crunch and flavor.

• Ripe Tomatoes: Opt for juicy, ripe tomatoes to add sweetness and richness to the salad.

• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a zesty kick; soak them in cold water first to mellow their sharpness.

• Fresh Herbs (like parsley or basil): Fresh herbs brighten the salad; choose your favorites for a personalized touch.

• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for depth of flavor in your dressing.

• Balsamic Vinegar: A splash of balsamic vinegar enhances the sweetness of tomatoes and balances the flavors beautifully.

• Salt and Pepper: Season with salt and pepper to taste; these essentials elevate all other flavors.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by washing your cucumbers and tomatoes under cool running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel before moving on.

Chop the Vegetables: Dice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and chop the tomatoes into similar-sized chunks. The goal here is uniformity for even flavor distribution.

Add Onion & Herbs: Thinly slice red onion and toss it into the bowl along with freshly chopped herbs. This is where freshness meets zestiness!

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste-test; adjust seasoning if needed.

Toss It All Together: Pour the dressing over your chopped veggies in a large mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are coated evenly.

Let It Chill: If you have time, let your cucumber tomato salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully!

Now you’ve created a delightful cucumber tomato salad that will impress everyone! Enjoy its fresh crunch and vibrant colors at any meal!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by chopping vegetables first; this allows flavors to meld while you prepare your dressing. Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl, ensuring every bite will burst with flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a different flavor profile. You can also add feta cheese or olives for an extra punch, making your salad truly your own creation.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. There’s no need to reheat; this salad tastes best cold and retains its crunchiness when served chilled.

Sharing my first experience making cucumber tomato salad brings back fond memories of family gatherings where everyone raved about my “masterpiece.” Who knew such simple ingredients could steal the show?

FAQ

What can I add to cucumber tomato salad for protein?

Consider adding chickpeas, grilled chicken, or shrimp to boost protein content.

Can I make cucumber tomato salad ahead of time?

Yes, but add tomatoes just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.

Is there a vegan option for this salad?

Absolutely! Just skip cheese and use a plant-based dressing instead for a vegan delight.

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Cucumber Tomato Salad

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• Author: Rachel Lawson
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Cucumber tomato salad is the ultimate refreshing dish, perfect for summer gatherings or as a light side at dinner. Featuring crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes, this salad bursts with flavor and color, enhanced by a zesty dressing made from olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Quick to prepare and versatile enough to serve as a main or side, it’s a delightful addition to any meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups fresh cucumbers, diced
• 2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup fresh herbs (parsley or basil), chopped
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Wash cucumbers and tomatoes under cool water; pat dry.
2. Dice cucumbers and chop tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
3. Thinly slice red onion and mix it with chopped herbs in a large bowl.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the vegetables; toss gently until coated.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No cooking required
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg