Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that shines in the summer months. With its crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty dressing, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side dish at dinner, it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This salad takes just 15 minutes to make, making it an ideal choice for busy days.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh vegetables ensures a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a side or add protein for a light main course.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with nutrients and low in calories, it’s a guilt-free addition to any meal.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or swap out vegetables for personal preference.

Tools and Preparation

A few essential tools can make your cooking experience smoother when preparing Cucumber Tomato Salad. Gather these items before you start!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife allows for clean cuts, making your vegetables look great and ensuring even sizes for uniform flavor.
• Medium mixing bowl: This is perfect for tossing the salad ingredients together without spilling.
• Whisk: An essential tool for blending the dressing ingredients thoroughly.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 English cucumber (no need to peel)
• 10 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes (halved)
• ½ small red onion (thinly sliced, about ½ cup)

For the Dressing

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red apple vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt or fine sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Herbs

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, dill, and/or basil

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

1. Trim off the two ends of the cucumber and halve it lengthwise.
2. Slice the cucumber into ¼-inch thick half rounds.
3. Place the cucumber, halved tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion in a medium bowl.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red apple vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

1. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture in the bowl.
2. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
3. If using herbs, stir in chopped parsley, dill, or basil.
4. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for an hour or two to let flavors meld before serving.

Enjoy this quick and tasty Cucumber Tomato Salad at your next gathering!

How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber tomato salad is a versatile dish that can enhance any meal. Whether you are hosting a barbecue or enjoying a quiet dinner, this salad pairs wonderfully with various main courses and sides.

As a Refreshing Side

• With Grilled Chicken: The lightness of the salad complements the smoky flavor of grilled chicken.
• Alongside Fish Tacos: The freshness of cucumber and tomato adds balance to spicy fish tacos.
• Served with Quinoa Bowls: This salad provides a juicy contrast to hearty quinoa bowls filled with veggies and protein.

In a Wrap or Sandwich

• In a Pita Pocket: Stuff your pita with this salad for a delightful crunch alongside other fillings.
• On a Turkey Sandwich: Add it to your turkey sandwich for extra flavor and moisture.
• Mixed into Hummus Wraps: Incorporate the salad into hummus wraps for added texture and taste.

As a Light Appetizer

• On Crostini: Top toasted bread slices with the salad for an elegant appetizer.
• In Lettuce Cups: Serve the salad in crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb option.

How to Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad

For the best cucumber tomato salad, focus on freshness and balance in your ingredients. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always select ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for optimal flavor.
• Slice Uniformly: Cut vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even distribution in each bite.
• Chill Before Serving: Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad; adjust salt or acidity based on preference.
• Add Textural Elements: Consider adding nuts or seeds for an extra crunch in every bite.

Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber tomato salad pairs well with numerous side dishes, making it an excellent addition to any meal. Here are some great options:

1. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add depth and smokiness that complements the freshness of the salad.
2. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes provide heartiness alongside the lightness of cucumber tomato salad.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: These sweet, crunchy fries pair nicely with the tangy flavors of the salad.
4. Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers of seasonal vegetables bring vibrancy and fun to your meal presentation.
5. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread offers a comforting contrast, perfect for soaking up any remaining dressing.
6. Lentil Soup: A warm bowl of lentil soup balances out the coldness of cucumber tomato salad beautifully.
7. Stuffed Peppers: Savory stuffed peppers filled with grains or meat complement the fresh flavors perfectly.
8. Quinoa Salad: A hearty quinoa salad rounds out your meal while keeping things fresh and nutritious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad, avoid these common mistakes.

• Using unripe tomatoes – Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Unripe tomatoes can taste bland and ruin the salad’s freshness.
• Not seasoning properly – A sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances flavors. Always season your salad dressing before combining it with the vegetables.
• Chopping ingredients too large – Cut your cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. This ensures every bite is flavorful and easy to eat.
• Making the salad too early – For optimal freshness, prepare the salad shortly before serving. If made too early, it may become watery and lose crispness.
• Skipping fresh herbs – Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil elevate the salad’s taste. Don’t skip this step for added flavor and color.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in cucumbers and tomatoes after thawing.

Reheating Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Oven – Not recommended; salads are best served cold.
• Microwave – Avoid microwaving; this will make the vegetables soggy.
• Stovetop – Not applicable; serve chilled for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cucumber Tomato Salad.

How do I customize my Cucumber Tomato Salad?

You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or avocados. For protein, consider chickpeas or grilled chicken.

What dressing works best with Cucumber Tomato Salad?

A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and a touch of honey complements this salad perfectly.

Can I make Cucumber Tomato Salad ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best to dress it just before serving to maintain its crunchiness.

What are some variations of Cucumber Tomato Salad?

Try adding feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean twist. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices for unique flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Tomato Salad is not only refreshing but also versatile. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients for a personal touch!

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Cucumber Tomato Salad

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• Author: charlies
• Total Time: 44 minute
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly embodies the essence of summer. With its crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty dressing, this salad is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to prepare in under 15 minutes. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a delightful side at dinner, it delivers a refreshing combination of flavors and textures that everyone will adore. Customize it with your favorite herbs or proteins to make it your own!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 English cucumber (unpeeled)
• 10 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes (halved)
• ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red apple vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or basil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Trim cucumber ends, halve lengthwise, and slice into ¼-inch half rounds. Combine cucumber, halved tomatoes, and sliced onion in a medium bowl.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red apple vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Combine and Serve: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat. Stir in any fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Side
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: For added crunch, consider incorporating nuts or seeds. Allowing the salad to chill for about 30 minutes enhances flavor melding. Feel free to swap vegetables based on personal preference—bell peppers or avocados work wonderfully.