Looking for a quick and easy salad recipe that is both healthy and delicious? A cucumber tomato salad is the perfect choice! Whether you’re preparing for a summer picnic, a family BBQ, or just a light meal, this salad offers a refreshing combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy dressing. Simple to prepare yet bursting with flavor, it’s an excellent addition to any occasion.
Why This Cucumber Tomato Salad is Perfect for Any Occasion
This cucumber tomato salad is quick to make, light on the stomach, and brimming with fresh, vibrant flavors. Its simplicity makes it an ideal side dish, but it also stands well as a light lunch or snack. Thanks to its healthy ingredients and refreshing taste, this salad is an all-season favorite, especially during the warmer months when tomatoes and cucumbers are at their peak.
Ingredients for Cucumber Tomato Salad
This salad is made with just a few fresh, nutritious ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
• Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch with a mild flavor.
• Tomatoes: Juicy and slightly sweet, they provide the base flavor and absorb the dressing well.
• Red Onion: Offers a bit of tang and crispness to balance the salad’s sweetness.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note to brighten the flavors.
• Olive Oil: The base for the dressing, providing richness.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Gives the dressing a tangy kick.
• White Sugar: Balances the acidity of the vinegar for a smooth dressing.
• Dried Basil: A subtle flavor that complements the freshness of the vegetables.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the salad.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you’re missing an ingredient or need a substitution, here are some great alternatives:
• Zucchini or Celery: If you don’t have cucumbers, zucchini or celery can work as crisp alternatives.
• Cherry Tomatoes: If grape tomatoes aren’t available, cherry tomatoes work just as well.
• Sweet Onion or Green Onion: Red onion not to your liking? Sweet onion or green onions provide a milder taste.
• Balsamic Vinegar: If red wine vinegar is unavailable, balsamic vinegar will give a deeper, sweeter flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this cucumber tomato salad is as easy as 1-2-3. Here’s how:
- Wash and Chop Ingredients: Start by thoroughly washing the vegetables. Slice the cucumber into ½” rounds, then cut each round into quarters. Cut the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion and chop the parsley finely.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, granulated sugar, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine and Toss: In a large bowl, combine the chopped vegetables and parsley. Drizzle the dressing over the top. Gently toss the salad to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for 1-2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld. Toss again before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Here are a few tips to enhance your cucumber tomato salad:
• Let It Soak: Allowing the vegetables to sit in the dressing for an hour before serving helps them absorb the flavors.
• Bite-Sized Pieces: For easier eating and better flavor absorption, chop the vegetables into uniform bite-sized pieces.
• Chill for Freshness: Keep the salad chilled until ready to serve to maintain its freshness and crunch.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This cucumber tomato salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, like chicken or fish. You can also serve it alongside other salads for a light, refreshing meal. Consider adding feta cheese, olives, or even toasted nuts for added texture and flavor.
For a variation, you can spice it up by adding a diced chili or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra tang. If you prefer a creamy version, consider mixing in a dollop of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the dressing.
Why This Salad is a Summer Favorite
This cucumber tomato salad isn’t just about its incredible taste—it also packs a variety of health benefits. Tomatoes and cucumbers are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, making this salad both refreshing and nutritious. The olive oil provides healthy fats, while the fresh herbs offer a burst of flavor with minimal calories.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, enjoying a light lunch, or just craving something fresh, this cucumber tomato salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to be a hit at any table.
Conclusion
In summary, this cucumber tomato salad is not only a light and refreshing dish but also a versatile one that pairs well with numerous meals. Its simple preparation, healthy ingredients, and delightful flavors make it an ideal choice for any gathering or as a quick meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or simply craving a cool, crunchy snack, this salad will always hit the spot. Enjoy it fresh, and don’t forget to get creative with your own variations and toppings!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What other herbs can I add to cucumber tomato salad?
While parsley is a classic choice for this salad, you can also experiment with basil, dill, or cilantro. Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor that complements the vegetables. Fresh mint also pairs nicely for a unique twist!
Can I make cucumber tomato salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time. In fact, chilling it in the fridge for 1-2 hours allows the flavors to meld together. However, it’s best to avoid adding delicate ingredients like cheese or avocado until just before serving to maintain their texture.
How can I store leftover cucumber tomato salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If the salad becomes a bit soggy, you can always refresh it with a little extra dressing before serving.
Can I make this cucumber tomato salad vegan?
Absolutely! This salad is naturally vegan, but you can easily customize it to suit dietary preferences. Simply skip cheese toppings and opt for a plant-based dressing to keep it entirely vegan-friendly.
Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe – 5 Simple Steps to Refreshing Flavor
- Total Time: 1-2 hours
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy cucumber tomato salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for summer picnics, BBQs, or light meals.
Ingredients
- Cucumber
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Parsley
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- White sugar
- Dried basil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Wash and chop vegetables: slice cucumber into ½” rounds and quarter them; cut tomatoes into bite-sized pieces; thinly slice red onion; finely chop parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, dried basil, salt, and pepper to make dressing.
- Combine chopped vegetables and parsley in a large bowl.
- Drizzle dressing over salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Cover and chill in refrigerator for 1-2 hours to meld flavors.
- Toss again before serving.
Notes
Letting the salad sit in dressing enhances flavor. Chop vegetables uniformly for better texture. Keep chilled until serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
