Cucumber Tomato Salad: A Refreshing Summer Recipe

Summer’s arrival often means an abundance of fresh, juicy produce, and what better way to celebrate than with a vibrant and incredibly simple Cucumber Tomato Salad? This recipe is far more than just a tossed salad; it’s a burst of sunshine on your plate, a testament to the beauty of uncomplicated flavors, and the perfect complement to any summer meal. Imagine the crisp crunch of cool cucumbers, the sweet pop of ripe tomatoes, and the subtle zing of a bright, tangy vinaigrette. This Cucumber Tomato Salad is the epitome of effortless elegance, a recipe that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight dinner or a sophisticated summer gathering, this salad is guaranteed to impress. From its refreshing taste to its undeniable versatility, this Cucumber Tomato Salad is destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Let’s dive in and discover why this simple salad deserves a place on your table all summer long!

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

This Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe isn’t just another salad; it’s a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients. There are numerous reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe: First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With minimal prep time and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this refreshing salad in minutes. Second, it’s unbelievably versatile. This salad easily adapts to your taste preferences and dietary needs. Want to add some feta cheese for a salty bite? Go for it! Prefer a spicier kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick! Third, the flavor profile is simply outstanding. The combination of crisp cucumbers and sweet tomatoes is a classic pairing, perfectly balanced by the bright acidity of the red wine vinegar and the richness of olive oil. The fresh herbs add an extra layer of complexity, elevating the simple flavors to something truly special. Finally, this Cucumber Tomato Salad is incredibly healthy. It’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a guilt-free pleasure you can enjoy without reservation. It’s light, refreshing, and the perfect side dish to balance out a heavier meal. Prepare to be amazed by its simplicity and its delightful taste!

Why You Should Try This Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

In a world of complicated recipes and elaborate cooking techniques, this Cucumber Tomato Salad stands out as a refreshing beacon of simplicity. This recipe is perfect for those who appreciate the art of letting fresh ingredients shine. You’ll appreciate the minimal cooking involved, focusing instead on the preparation and artful combination of flavors. Furthermore, this salad is a budget-friendly option, relying on readily available produce rather than expensive or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s also a great way to use up extra vegetables from your garden or farmers’ market haul. Beyond its practicality, this Cucumber Tomato Salad is a fantastic way to impress your guests. Its vibrant colors and fresh flavors create an aesthetically pleasing and delicious dish that’s sure to be a conversation starter. And if you’re looking for a healthy and delicious side dish to complement any main course, look no further. This Cucumber Tomato Salad is the answer, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for the Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad

This Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients to enhance the overall taste. Let’s explore the components in detail.

• Cucumbers (2 large): Choose firm, dark green cucumbers for the best flavor and texture. Avoid cucumbers that are soft or have blemishes. Thinly slicing the cucumbers is key to ensuring they are tender and not overwhelming.
• Cherry or Grape Tomatoes (2 pints): The sweetness of these small tomatoes adds a delightful contrast to the refreshing cucumbers. Halving or quartering larger tomatoes is recommended to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.
• Red Onion (1/2, optional): A thin slice of red onion adds a piquant bite, complementing the sweetness of the tomatoes. If you’re sensitive to raw onions, consider using a smaller amount or omitting it altogether.
• Fresh Parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Fresh parsley adds a vibrant green color and a subtle herbaceous flavor. Using fresh parsley is essential as dried parsley lacks the same vibrancy and flavor.
• Fresh Dill (1/4 cup, chopped, optional): Fresh dill offers a unique, slightly anise-like flavor, complementing the cucumbers and tomatoes. This is optional, but highly recommended for an enhanced taste.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): High-quality extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its rich flavor and health benefits. Its richness complements the salad’s other ingredients.
• Red Wine Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Red wine vinegar provides the necessary acidity to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the olive oil. A good quality red wine vinegar will enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients, bringing out their natural sweetness and savory notes. Sea salt or kosher salt is recommended for their larger crystals and less salty taste.
• Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of warmth and spice, balancing the acidity of the vinegar. The grind of the pepper is important; freshly ground is preferred for the best taste.

Utensils:

• Large Bowl: For combining the salad ingredients.
• Small Bowl: For whisking the vinaigrette.
• Whisk: For emulsifying the olive oil and vinegar.
• Knife: For slicing the cucumbers and red onion, and halving/quartering the tomatoes.
• Cutting Board: A clean cutting board for prepping the ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Serving Bowl (Optional): For a more elegant presentation.

Detailed Recipe Steps for a Delicious Cucumber Tomato Salad

This Cucumber Tomato Salad is surprisingly easy to make, requiring only a few simple steps.

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Begin by washing all the vegetables thoroughly. Thinly slice the cucumbers using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for even slices. Halve or quarter the cherry or grape tomatoes depending on their size. If using red onion, thinly slice it to prevent it from overpowering the other ingredients. **Tip:** To reduce the sharpness of the red onion, soak the sliced onion in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This will help to mellow out the onion’s flavor.
2. Chop the Herbs: Finely chop the fresh parsley and dill (if using). **Tip:** Avoid over-chopping the herbs, as this can bruise them and make them less flavorful. Try using kitchen shears for a more even chop.
3. Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined. **Tip:** For a smoother vinaigrette, add a teaspoon or two of cold water while whisking to emulsify the oil and vinegar properly. A proper emulsion will give you a consistently flavored salad.
4. Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion (if using). Add the chopped parsley and dill (if using). **Tip:** Be gentle when tossing the salad to avoid bruising the cucumbers and tomatoes.
5. Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. **Tip:** Don’t add the dressing until just before serving, as the cucumbers can release excess water and make the salad soggy.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Cucumber Tomato Salad immediately for the best flavor and texture. If you prefer a chilled salad, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. **Tip:** Garnish with extra fresh herbs before serving for an extra touch of visual appeal.

Tips and Variations for Your Cucumber Tomato Salad

This Cucumber Tomato Salad is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to your preferences. Here are some helpful tips and variations:

• Ingredient Alternatives: Feel free to substitute other vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even avocado can add variety. Different types of vinegar can also be experimented with; apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can create slightly different flavor profiles.
• Cheese Additions: Crumbled feta cheese, goat cheese, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese can add a salty, tangy dimension. The creamy textures of these cheeses also complement the fresh ingredients.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce will add a spicy kick for those who enjoy a little heat.
• Add Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas can be added to make this salad a more substantial meal.
• Vegan Variation: Simply omit any cheese and ensure your olive oil is vegan-friendly. Consider adding toasted sunflower seeds or hemp seeds for added texture and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Variation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so no adjustments are needed.
• Avoiding Common Mistakes: Overdressing the salad is a common mistake. Add the dressing just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. Also, ensure you are using fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.

Nutritional Values and Health Benefits of Cucumber Tomato Salad

This Cucumber Tomato Salad is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. It’s a low-calorie, low-fat option packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The exact nutritional values will vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used, but generally:

• Cucumbers: Are low in calories and a good source of vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium. They are also high in water content, which aids in hydration.
• Tomatoes: Are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to various health benefits. They’re also a good source of vitamin C and potassium.
• Red Onion (if used): Contains quercetin, another powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also a good source of vitamin C.
• Parsley: Provides vitamin K, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It also boasts high levels of antioxidants.
• Dill (if used): A good source of vitamin C and other antioxidants.
• Olive Oil: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats which are beneficial for heart health.

Overall, this Cucumber Tomato Salad is a light and refreshing meal that provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to a healthy and balanced diet. The high water content in cucumbers aids in hydration, while the antioxidants in tomatoes and herbs offer protection against cell damage.

FAQs about Cucumber Tomato Salad

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad!

This Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe is a testament to the power of simplicity. By focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients and a simple yet flavorful vinaigrette, we create a dish that’s both visually appealing and incredibly delicious. Remember to use fresh herbs, choose ripe tomatoes, and don’t overdress the salad. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless customization – add your favorite cheeses, proteins, or spices to create your own signature version. Now that you’ve mastered this recipe, I encourage you to try it out and share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your culinary creations on social media, tagging us so we can see your delicious Cucumber Tomato Salad. For more delightful and easy recipe inspiration, check out our other recipes on See More Recipes, such as this Cucumber Vinegar Salad for another refreshing option! Happy cooking!

Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad with Dill and Red Onion

A simple yet flavorful salad perfect for a light lunch or side dish. The combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh herbs creates a vibrant and refreshing taste.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Mediterranean

Servings 4 servings

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Small Bowl

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 large Cucumbers thinly sliced
• 2 pints Cherry Tomatoes halved or quartered if large
• 0.5 medium Red Onion thinly sliced (optional)
• 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley chopped
• 0.25 cup Fresh Dill chopped (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, halved or quartered cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion (if using).
• Add the chopped fresh parsley and dill (if using).
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
• Pour the dressing over the salad.
• Gently toss the salad to combine, ensuring all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or vinegar to your preference.
• Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving.

Notes

For a creamier dressing, try adding a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or shredded carrots. Feel free to experiment with different herbs as well, such as chives or oregano.

Keyword cucumber salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, quick salad, side dish recipe, summer salad, tomato salad