Fresh & Zesty Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Summer’s vibrant cucumber tomato salad brings crisp freshness to any meal.

Mediterranean flavors dance across a colorful plate of sliced ingredients.

Ripe garden tomatoes complement cool cucumber slices with zesty charm.

Delicate herbs and tangy dressing create an irresistible combination that sings of sunshine.

Light yet satisfying, this simple dish feels like a refreshing breeze on a warm afternoon.

Quick preparation means you can savor every delicious bite without spending hours in the kitchen.

Grab your cutting board and let’s make magic happen with just a few fresh ingredients.

Cucumber Tomato Salad That Tastes Like Summer

• Celebrate Healthy Simplicity: Packed with fresh vegetables and minimal ingredients, the recipe offers a nutritious side dish that doesn't compromise on flavor or require complex cooking techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible herb options and simple seasoning allow you to personalize the salad according to your taste preferences or available ingredients, making it adaptable for different palates.
• Summer Gathering Star: Ideal for picnics, barbecues, and potlucks, this light and zesty salad brings a cool, fresh element to any outdoor meal or casual get-together.

What You Need For A Crisp Tomato Salad

• Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing base of the salad that adds a cool crunch.
• Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet component that brings bright flavor to the dish.
• Red Onion: Sharp and tangy ingredient that provides a zesty bite.

• Fresh Herbs (such as parsley, basil, or dill): Aromatic addition that enhances the overall flavor profile of the salad.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: Combination that creates a light and tangy dressing to coat the vegetables.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Steps For Mixing Cucumber Tomato Salad Quickly

Step 1: Slice and Dice Fresh Vegetables

Grab your cucumber and slice it into thin, half-moon shapes.

Chop the ripe tomatoes into bite-sized cubes.

Thinly slice the red onion into delicate rings for a zesty crunch.

Step 2: Sprinkle Aromatic Herbs

• Basil
• Parsley
• Dill

Right into the vegetable mix to boost the salad’s flavor profile.

Step 3: Create Tangy Dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Red wine vinegar

Drizzle the liquid mixture evenly across the vegetables to coat every morsel.

Step 4: Season With Flavor Enhancers

Shake salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad.

Use a light hand to ensure balanced seasoning without overwhelming the fresh ingredients.

Step 5: Gently Toss and Combine

Use a large spoon or salad tongs to mix all ingredients.

Ensure every vegetable gets coated with dressing and herbs, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Step 6: Chill and Let Flavors Mingle

Cover the salad and refrigerate for up to an hour.

This brief resting time allows the ingredients to blend and intensify their delicious characteristics.

Serve cold and enjoy the crisp, refreshing result.

Tips For A Juicy Refreshing Tomato Salad

• Cut cucumber and tomatoes into consistent, thin pieces for even flavor distribution and beautiful presentation.
• Refrigerate salad for 30-60 minutes to enhance the taste and allow ingredients to marinate together.
• Add fresh basil, dill, or parsley to elevate the salad's aroma and provide extra vibrant flavor.
• Add salt gradually and taste as you go to prevent over-seasoning and maintain a balanced profile.
• Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a tangy, creamy element that complements the fresh vegetables.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Variations Worth Trying

• Mediterranean Herb Boost: Replace red wine vinegar with lemon juice and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Mix in diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and swap olive oil for a lime-based dressing to create a zesty southwestern variation.
• Protein Power Salad: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas to transform the recipe into a more substantial meal with extra protein and nutrients.
• Vegan Friendly Option: Use apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar and include diced avocado for a creamy, plant-based alternative that keeps the salad light and refreshing.

Presenting Tomato Salad At Your Gatherings

• Fresh Mediterranean Platter: Arrange the salad alongside grilled pita bread, hummus, and feta cheese for a vibrant Mediterranean-style spread that bursts with flavor.
• Protein Power Bowl: Top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to transform it into a protein-packed lunch or light dinner option that keeps you satisfied.
• Picnic Perfect Side: Pack this refreshing salad in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, barbecues, or summer picnics where it can shine as a cool, crisp accompaniment.
• BBQ Companion: Serve alongside grilled meats like steak, lamb, or kebabs to provide a light, tangy contrast that cuts through rich and heavy main dishes.

Storing Cucumber Tomato Salad To Keep It Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. Keep salad chilled to maintain crispness and prevent soggy vegetables.
• Before serving chilled leftovers, gently stir the salad to redistribute dressing and revive texture.
• If moisture accumulates, carefully drain any extra liquid using a colander to prevent wateriness.
• Do not freeze this salad, as cucumber and tomatoes will lose their crisp texture and become mushy when thawed.

FAQs

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad up to an hour in advance. Let it chill in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors, but add salt just before serving to prevent the vegetables from releasing too much water.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with fresh vegetables, low in calories, and rich in vitamins. Cucumbers and tomatoes are hydrating and provide essential nutrients like vitamin C and potassium.

• What if I don't have red wine vinegar?

No worries! You can substitute with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. These alternatives will still provide the tangy flavor that complements the fresh vegetables.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad brings refreshing summer flavors to your table with crisp vegetables and zesty dressing. Quick and easy preparation makes this salad perfect for casual gatherings or quick lunch companions.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 1 long English cucumber, sliced
• 2 – 3 large tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 red onion, sliced

Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley, basil, and/or dill)

Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Slice cucumbers into thin, translucent rounds and dice tomatoes into uniform bite-sized pieces.
2. Thinly slice red onion to create delicate, semi-transparent slivers that will add a sharp, crisp texture to the salad.
3. Finely chop fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance the salad’s aromatic profile and provide a vibrant green color.
4. Gently place cucumber, tomato, and onion pieces into a spacious mixing vessel.
5. Scatter chopped herbs evenly across the vegetable mixture.
6. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and tangy red wine vinegar over the ingredients, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper across the surface, adjusting seasoning to personal preference.
8. Using a large spoon or salad tongs, carefully fold and toss ingredients to distribute dressing and herbs thoroughly.
9. Allow salad to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, enabling flavors to harmonize and intensify.
10. Serve chilled or at ambient temperature as a refreshing side dish, ideally within an hour of preparation for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Customize herbs like basil, dill, or parsley to enhance flavor profiles and add personal touch to the salad.
• Drain excess liquid from cucumbers and tomatoes by lightly salting and letting sit for 10 minutes to prevent watery texture.
• Use seedless or English cucumbers for a crunchier, less watery result that maintains salad’s crisp texture.
• Consider adding crumbled feta or fresh mozzarella for protein boost and creamy contrast to fresh vegetables.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 90 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg