Cucumber tomato salad is a delightful dish that brings together fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing. This refreshing salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side at family dinners. With its vibrant colors and crisp textures, it’s sure to impress guests while being incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it at lunch or dinner, this salad elevates any meal with its lightness and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This salad takes just 15 minutes of prep time, making it ideal for busy days.
• Refreshing Flavor: The combination of ripe tomatoes and cool cucumber creates a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Side Dish: Perfect alongside grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own, this salad fits various occasions.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and low in calories, it’s a guilt-free addition to your meals.
• Make Ahead Option: Allowing the salad to chill enhances the flavors, making it great for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Cucumber Tomato Salad effortlessly, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. These tools will help you chop, mix, and serve with ease.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Small bowl for dressing
• Spoon for mixing

Importance of Each Tool

• Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe, ensuring clean cuts without bruising.
• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is necessary for tossing all the ingredients together thoroughly.
• Small bowl for dressing: This helps in easily combining the dressing ingredients before adding them to the salad.
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Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 English cucumber (sliced into rounds then quartered)
• 2 cups grape tomatoes (sliced in half)
• ½ cup red onion (sliced into thin strips)
• 2 Tbsp chopped parsley

For the Dressing

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbsp red apple vinegar
• 1 Tbsp granulated sugar (or honey)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and chop the vegetables:
1. Slice the cucumber into rounds then cut each round into quarters.
2. Slice the red onion into thin strips.
3. Cut the grape tomatoes in half.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine all of the dressing ingredients:
1. Pour in the olive oil.
2. Add the red apple vinegar.
3. Stir in granulated sugar (or honey), dried basil, salt, and pepper until well mixed.

Step 3: Combine Everything

1. In a large bowl, add all the chopped vegetables.
2. Drizzle the prepared dressing over top.
3. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
4. Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to let flavors meld.

Just before serving, give it another stir to refresh the flavors! Enjoy your crisp and tangy Cucumber Tomato Salad!

How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber tomato salad is a versatile dish that can complement various meals or stand alone as a refreshing snack. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Side Dish

• Serve alongside grilled chicken for a light and healthy meal.
• Pair with fish tacos to balance the rich flavors with freshness.

In a Wrap

• Use in wraps with turkey and avocado for a nutritious lunch option.
• Add to pita pockets filled with hummus for a delightful snack.

On Toast

• Spoon over toasted bread or crostini for a quick appetizer.
• Top whole-grain crackers for an easy, satisfying bite.

As a Sandwich Topping

• Layer onto sandwiches for extra crunch and flavor.
• Use as a filling in lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.

How to Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad

To elevate your cucumber tomato salad, consider these simple tips that will enhance its flavor and texture.

• Choose fresh ingredients: Always use the freshest cucumbers and tomatoes for the best taste and crunch.
• Let it marinate: Allow the salad to sit in the fridge for at least two hours; this enhances flavor absorption.
• Add crunch: Incorporate bell peppers or radishes for added texture and color.
• Season wisely: Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference before serving.
• Use high-quality oil: Opt for premium extra virgin olive oil to boost the dressing flavor.
• Experiment with herbs: Try adding fresh dill or cilantro for an exciting twist on the classic recipe.

Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber tomato salad pairs well with many side dishes, creating balanced meals that are both healthy and delicious. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken adds protein and complements the salad’s freshness beautifully.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa dish brings additional fiber and complements the flavors of the salad.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables add depth and warmth to your meal alongside this cool salad.
4. Falafel: Crispy falafel provides satisfying crunch and protein, making it an ideal partner.
5. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs makes a comforting side that balances the crispness of the salad.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains or legumes offer hearty satisfaction while maintaining healthiness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cucumber tomato salad is simple, but there are a few common missteps to watch out for. Here’s how to make sure your salad is perfect every time.

• Incorrect vegetable cutting: Cutting vegetables too thick can lead to uneven textures. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even flavor and crunch.
• Skipping the marinating time: Not allowing the salad to sit can result in bland flavors. Giving it at least 2 hours in the fridge helps the dressing penetrate the vegetables.
• Using low-quality oil: A poor-quality olive oil can ruin the taste of your salad. Always opt for extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor.
• Forgetting seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient has its own taste; don’t forget to adjust salt and pepper after mixing! Taste and tweak as needed for the best results.
• Not storing properly: Leaving the salad uncovered in the fridge can make it soggy. Use a sealed container or cover it well before chilling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Cucumber tomato salad can last up to 3 days in the fridge, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing Cucumber Tomato Salad

• It is not recommended to freeze this salad due to textural changes in cucumbers and tomatoes.

Reheating Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Oven: Not suitable for reheating; best served cold.
• Microwave: Avoid reheating; serve fresh instead.
• Stovetop: This salad should be served cold, so no need for stovetop reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making cucumber tomato salad that might help enhance your dish.

What are the best types of tomatoes for Cucumber Tomato Salad?

Grape tomatoes work well because they are sweet and juicy. However, cherry or vine-ripened tomatoes can also be great options.

Can I customize my Cucumber Tomato Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or herbs like dill for extra flavor.

How long should I let my Cucumber Tomato Salad sit before serving?

Aim for at least 2 hours in the fridge to allow flavors to meld beautifully.

Is there a vegan alternative for the dressing?

Yes, you can use maple syrup instead of honey, making it completely plant-based!

Final Thoughts

Cucumber tomato salad is light, refreshing, and versatile, perfect for any meal or gathering. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs. Give this simple recipe a try, and enjoy a burst of flavors that everyone will love!

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Cucumber Tomato Salad

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• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 59 minute
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that brings together the crispness of cucumbers and the sweetness of ripe tomatoes. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a side at family dinners, this salad adds a splash of color and flavor to any meal. The zesty dressing combines olive oil and red apple vinegar, enhancing the natural flavors of fresh produce. Quick to prepare in just 15 minutes, it’s a healthy option packed with vitamins and low in calories. Perfect for meal prep, this salad is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 English cucumber
• 2 cups grape tomatoes
• ½ cup red onion
• 2 Tbsp chopped parsley
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbsp red apple vinegar
• 1 Tbsp granulated sugar (or honey)
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Wash and chop the vegetables: slice the cucumber into rounds and then quarter each round, slice the red onion into thin strips, and cut the grape tomatoes in half.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red apple vinegar, sugar (or honey), dried basil, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine all chopped vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over them and toss gently until evenly coated.
4. Cover with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to enhance flavors.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Feel free to add bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch. Adjust salt and pepper according to taste before serving. For added freshness, experiment with herbs like dill or cilantro.