When summer rolls around, there's nothing quite as satisfying as a simple dish bursting with fresh flavors. Our Cucumber Tomato Salad is exactly that – an effortless, vibrant recipe that captures the essence of the season in every bite. Forget heavy meals; this salad is light, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make, perfect for any occasion from a quick lunch to a family barbecue.
This isn't just about throwing a few vegetables together; it’s about highlighting the natural sweetness of ripe tomatoes and the cool, crisp texture of cucumbers, all brought to life with a perfectly balanced, zesty dressing. Ready to experience pure, refreshing deliciousness?
Why This Cucumber Tomato Salad Will Be Your New Favorite
Sometimes, the best recipes are the simplest ones. This cucumber tomato salad embodies that philosophy, proving that minimal effort can lead to maximum flavor. Here’s why you’ll want to make this dish on repeat:
- Speedy Preparation: With only 5 steps, you can have this vibrant salad ready to enjoy in less than 20 minutes. It's ideal for those busy days when you crave something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Garden-Fresh Goodness: Utilizes peak-season produce, ensuring every forkful is packed with natural vitamins and incredible taste.
- Perfectly Light: A healthy, low-calorie option that complements any meal without leaving you feeling weighed down.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its universal appeal makes it a hit at potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings.
Choosing Your Ingredients Wisely
The secret to a fantastic salad lies in the quality of your ingredients. Opt for firm, bright green cucumbers and deeply colored, fragrant tomatoes. Red onion adds a delightful bite, while fresh parsley offers a burst of herbaceous freshness.
Crafting the Zesty Dressing
The dressing is what truly ties this salad together. A simple whisk of good quality extra virgin olive oil, tangy red wine vinegar, a touch of sugar to balance the acidity, aromatic dried basil, and perfectly seasoned salt and pepper creates a harmony of flavors. You'll want to make sure you have a Quality Chef's Knife on hand for precise dicing and slicing, making prep even easier!
5 Simple Steps to Your Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad
Follow these easy steps to create a show-stopping salad that tastes as good as it looks. The beauty of this recipe is its straightforward nature, yielding fantastic results every time.
Pro Tips for the Best Salad:
- Chill for Flavor: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 15-20 minutes lets the flavors meld beautifully.
- Even Cuts: Uniformly dicing your vegetables ensures every bite is balanced and the dressing coats everything perfectly.
- Adjust to Taste: Always taste the dressing and the finished salad, adjusting salt, pepper, or sugar as needed to suit your preference.
If you're looking for more fresh and easy salad ideas, you might love our Meal-Prep Friendly Cucumber Salad Recipes for Easy Entertaining – Clara's Recipes for a different take on a cucumber classic, or perhaps try a more unique blend like the Warm Pear and Walnut Salad with Blue Cheese for another fantastic option!
Final Thoughts on This Refreshing Delight
This cucumber tomato salad is more than just a recipe; it's an invitation to enjoy the simple pleasures of fresh, wholesome food. It’s a versatile side that brightens any table and pairs well with countless main dishes. So, go ahead, gather your ingredients, follow these five simple steps, and prepare to be delighted by a burst of refreshing, summery flavor!
Print
Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and easy-to-make salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty herbaceous dressing, perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
2 English cucumbers, diced
4 ripe Roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare your vegetables. Dice the English cucumbers and Roma tomatoes into similar-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion and finely chop the fresh parsley.
Step 2: In a small bowl, prepare the dressing. Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, granulated sugar, dried basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley.
Step 4: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables. Gently toss until all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Ensure the dressing is well distributed for maximum flavor.
Step 5: For best results, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen. Serve chilled.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. You can also experiment with different fresh herbs like dill or mint for a delightful variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
FAQs
What kind of cucumbers are best for this salad?
For the best results, English or Persian cucumbers are recommended due to their thin skins and fewer seeds, which helps prevent the salad from becoming watery. If using standard slicing cucumbers, you might want to scoop out the larger seeds.
Can I add cheese to this cucumber tomato salad?
Absolutely! Crumbled feta cheese or small cubes of fresh mozzarella are excellent additions. They add a creamy, tangy dimension that perfectly complements the fresh vegetables and zesty dressing.
How long does cucumber tomato salad last in the refrigerator?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, ideally within 1-2 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cucumbers release water over time, which can make the salad less crisp. For optimal freshness, dress the salad just before serving if preparing it in advance.
What main dishes pair well with this refreshing salad?
This versatile cucumber tomato salad is a fantastic accompaniment to a variety of main courses. It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, baked fish, or even alongside sandwiches and wraps for a lighter meal. It's also a staple for any summer barbecue or potluck spread.
