Name: Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe for Summer
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 5 large tomatoes (quartered); 1/2 large red onion (sliced); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped); 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped); 1 pinch kosher salt; 1 pinch black pepper; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 pinch black pepper (freshly ground); 1 clove garlic (minced); 1/2 teaspoon honey or brown sugar (optional); 1 teaspoon dried oregano

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Cucumber Tomato Salad is not just a dish; it’s a vibrant, refreshing experience that captures the essence of summer. This zesty salad combines crisp cucumbers with juicy tomatoes, making it the perfect accompaniment for your outdoor gatherings or a healthy side for any meal. With its bright colors and bold flavors, this salad is sure to impress your guests and elevate your summer dining.

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Tomato Salad

This refreshing cucumber tomato salad is a must-try for numerous reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to for quick meals. Second, it’s packed with nutrients, ensuring you enjoy a healthy cucumber tomato salad that aligns with your wellness goals. Third, the vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it visually appealing, adding a pop of color to your table. Fourth, it’s versatile enough to pair with various main dishes, especially during summer BBQs. Fifth, you can easily customize it with ingredients like feta, avocado, or olives to create a cucumber tomato salad with feta or a cucumber tomato salad with avocado. Lastly, it’s a perfect option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh flavors throughout the week.

Ingredients for Cucumber Tomato Salad

Gather these items:

5 large tomatoes (quartered)
1/2 large red onion (sliced)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
1 pinch kosher salt
1 pinch black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 pinch black pepper (freshly ground)
1 clove garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon honey or brown sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon dried oregano

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the quartered tomatoes, sliced cucumber, red onion, parsley, and cilantro. Lightly sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper, then toss gently to combine the fresh flavors.
Step 2: In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, and honey (if using). Blend until smooth for a zesty dressing.
Step 3: Pour the prepared dressing over the chopped vegetables in the large bowl. Toss everything well to ensure all the ingredients are beautifully coated and mingling together.
Step 4: Cover the salad with a lid or plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Stir again just before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad

Keep these in mind:

Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best flavor.
Let the salad chill in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors.
For an extra kick, add some chopped jalapeños.
Mixing the dressing in a mason jar allows for easy storage and shaking.
This dish is a fantastic cucumber tomato salad for BBQ gatherings.

Best Ways to Serve Cucumber Tomato Salad

There are numerous delightful ways to serve your cucumber tomato salad. First, it pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish, offering a refreshing contrast to the savory main dishes. Second, consider serving it alongside pita bread and hummus for a light Mediterranean meal. Lastly, this salad is an excellent option for picnic outings, as it stays fresh and delicious even when made ahead of time.

How to Store and Reheat Cucumber Tomato Salad

To store your cucumber tomato salad, keep it covered in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it an ideal choice for cucumber tomato salad for meal prep. It’s best served cold, so no reheating is necessary; simply enjoy it straight from the fridge!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cucumber Tomato Salad

What is Cucumber Tomato Salad?

This vibrant salad is a combination of fresh cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, dressed in a zesty vinaigrette, making it a wholesome and easy cucumber tomato salad option.

Can I make Cucumber Tomato Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this salad a few hours in advance. Allowing it to chill enhances the flavors, making it an excellent choice for entertaining.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cucumber Tomato Salad?

To avoid sogginess, don’t dress the salad until just before serving. This keeps the cucumbers crisp and the herbs vibrant.

Variations of Cucumber Tomato Salad You Can Try

There are endless variations to enjoy with your cucumber tomato salad. For instance, try adding feta for a creamy twist, or incorporate avocado for a richer texture. You can also experiment with different dressings, such as a cucumber tomato salad with balsamic vinegar or a vegan cucumber tomato salad by omitting any honey or dairy ingredients. Each variation brings a new flavor profile to this classic summer dish!

For more ideas on summer salads, check out this refreshing tuna pasta salad or a delicious chickpea avocado salad.

Additionally, if you’re interested in the health benefits of tomatoes, you can read more about them here.

Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe for Summer

Author: basmer
Total Time: 135 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Zesty Cucumber Tomato Salad That Will Refresh Your Summer

Instructions

In a large bowl, mix together the quartered tomatoes, sliced cucumber, red onion, parsley, and cilantro. Lightly sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper, then toss gently to combine the fresh flavors.
In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, oregano, and honey (if using). Blend until smooth for a zesty dressing.
Pour the prepared dressing over the chopped vegetables in the large bowl. Toss everything well to ensure all the ingredients are beautifully coated and mingling together.
Cover the salad with a lid or plastic wrap, and place it in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Stir again just before serving.