Refreshing Chilled Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe for Hot Days

Cool summer days demand a refreshing cucumber tomato salad that brings crisp, garden-fresh flavors to your plate.

Gardens overflow with ripe produce during peak season, inspiring creative combinations.

Juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers create a light, vibrant mix that feels like sunshine on a fork.

Mediterranean influences shine through in this simple yet elegant dish.

Chopped herbs add unexpected brightness and depth to each colorful bite.

Minimal ingredients guarantee maximum satisfaction without complicated preparation.

Friends and neighbors will ask you to share this delightful recipe after one taste.

FAQs

• Is this salad healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with fresh vegetables, low in calories, and rich in vitamins. Cucumbers provide hydration, tomatoes offer antioxidants, and herbs add nutrients.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and toss again before serving to redistribute the dressing.

• What if I don't like red onions?

No problem! You can reduce the amount of red onion or skip it completely. The salad will still taste delicious with just cucumbers and tomatoes.

• Do I need fresh herbs or can I use dried?

Fresh herbs are best for maximum flavor, but if you only have dried herbs, use about 1/3 of the amount called for in the recipe. Dried herbs are more concentrated.

Chilled Cucumber Tomato Salad For Hot Days

• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients allow you to swap or add elements like different herbs, cheese types, or even additional vegetables to match your taste preferences.
• Beat the Heat Deliciously: Packed with cool cucumbers and juicy tomatoes, this chilled salad provides a refreshing antidote to warm weather, offering a crisp and light eating experience.
• No-Fuss Healthy Option: Loaded with fresh vegetables and a light dressing, this salad delivers nutritious goodness without complicated preparation, making it a smart choice for health-conscious eaters.

All Ingredients For Cool Tomato Cucumber Salad

• Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes add vibrant color and juicy sweetness to the salad.
• Cucumbers: Crisp cucumbers provide a cool and refreshing crunch.
• Red Onion: Sharp red onions contribute a zesty and pungent flavor.

• Olive Oil: Smooth olive oil creates a rich and silky base for the dressing.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Tangy red wine vinegar adds a bright and acidic note.
• Sugar: A touch of sugar balances the acidity and enhances the overall flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Chili Flakes: These seasonings provide depth and a subtle heat to the dressing.

• Basil, Parsley: Fresh herbs bring aromatic and herbaceous qualities to the salad.
• Feta Cheese: Optional creamy feta cheese adds a salty and tangy Mediterranean touch.

Steps To Make Chilled Tomato Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Whisk Zesty Dressing

In a medium mixing bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes.

Whisk these ingredients vigorously until they blend into a smooth, well-incorporated dressing that promises a burst of tangy flavor.

Step 2: Infuse with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle in freshly chopped basil and parsley, stirring them gently into the dressing to release their aromatic oils and add a vibrant green dimension to your salad.

Step 3: Prepare Crisp Vegetables

• Ripe, juicy tomatoes
• Crisp cucumbers
• Thinly sliced red onion

Chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces that will perfectly capture the dressing’s flavors.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetable mixture.

Toss everything together using salad servers or two large spoons, ensuring each piece gets a generous coating of the zesty dressing.

Step 5: Optional Cheese Topping

If desired, crumble some tangy feta cheese over the top of the salad, adding a creamy, salty element that complements the fresh vegetables.

Step 6: Chill and Marinate

Place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a more harmonious and refreshing dish that’s perfect for hot summer days.

Tips To Keep Cucumber Tomato Salad Fresh

• Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow ingredients to marinate and develop deeper, more complex tastes.
• Cut cucumbers and tomatoes into consistent, thin slices to ensure even dressing distribution and balanced texture.
• Modify chili flakes according to personal heat preference, adding more for extra kick or reducing for milder palates.
• Use freshly chopped basil and parsley for vibrant, aromatic flavors that elevate the entire salad.
• Select high-quality, creamy feta cheese to add a rich, tangy dimension to the light and refreshing salad.

New Takes On Classic Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Mediterranean Herb Switch: Replace basil and parsley with fresh dill and mint for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to transform the salad into a complete meal with extra protein.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Swap sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and reduce onion quantity to meet ketogenic dietary requirements.
• Vegan Friendly Version: Eliminate feta cheese and use nutritional yeast or vegan feta alternative for plant-based protein and tangy flavor.

Serving Chilled Cucumber Tomato Salad Easily

• Summer Picnic Companion: Pack this refreshing salad in a mason jar for easy outdoor dining and transport.
• Mediterranean Platter Partner: Serve alongside grilled chicken, hummus, and warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with grilled shrimp or crumbled hard-boiled eggs to transform this side dish into a light, nutritious main course.
• Brunch Sensation: Present as a zesty side dish during weekend brunches, complementing quiches or frittatas with its bright, tangy flavors.

Storing Tomato Cucumber Salad For Tomorrow

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping salad cool and crisp. Drain excess liquid before storing to prevent soggy vegetables.
• Before serving leftovers, use a slotted spoon to remove salad, leaving watery dressing behind to maintain fresh texture.
• Do not freeze this salad as cucumbers and tomatoes will become mushy and lose their crisp, fresh quality when thawed.
• If salad seems wilted, add fresh chopped herbs or a sprinkle of feta cheese to revive flavors and appearance before serving again.

Chilled Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cool Mediterranean flavors dance in this refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad, bringing crisp vegetables together with zesty herbs and tangy vinaigrette. Serve chilled as a perfect summer side that will transport you to sunny Greek islands with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Vegetables:

• 4 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 cucumbers, sliced
• 1 large red onion, sliced

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup basil, chopped and loosely packed
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped and loosely packed
• 3/4 teaspoon (3.75 ml) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) chili flakes

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) sugar
• Feta cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes until smoothly emulsified.
2. Gently fold freshly chopped basil and parsley into the dressing, releasing their aromatic essence.
3. Slice ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and pungent red onion into a spacious mixing vessel.
4. Drizzle the herb-infused dressing over the vegetable medley, carefully tossing to ensure every morsel is thoroughly coated.
5. For an optional creamy element, crumble tangy feta cheese across the salad’s surface.
6. Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and ingredients to chill thoroughly before serving.

Notes

• Swap sugar with honey or agave for a natural sweetener that adds depth to the dressing’s flavor profile.
• Quickly salt cucumber slices and let them sit for 10 minutes to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp texture.
• For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or chickpeas to transform this side dish into a light main course.
• Enhance Mediterranean vibes by using fresh oregano instead of basil, creating a more traditional Greek-inspired salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: No cooking method
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 120 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg