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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Craft a vibrant vinaigrette by whisking olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes until smoothly emulsified.
- Gently fold freshly chopped basil and parsley into the dressing, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Slice ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and pungent red onion into a spacious mixing vessel.
- Drizzle the herb-infused dressing over the vegetable medley, carefully tossing to ensure every morsel is thoroughly coated.
- For an optional creamy element, crumble tangy feta cheese across the salad’s surface.
- 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