Cucumber Tomato Salad

This Cucumber Tomato Salad is a delightful mix of fresh ingredients that perfectly balances crisp textures and vibrant flavors. Ideal for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a side dish for any meal, this salad showcases the natural sweetness of tomatoes and the refreshing crunch of cucumbers. With its quick preparation time and simple ingredients, it’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adapted to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh cucumbers and tomatoes ensures a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Option: Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, this salad fits various occasions.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with nutrients and low in calories, it’s a guilt-free addition to your diet.
• Customizable Flavors: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to make this salad uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Cucumber Tomato Salad effortlessly, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures ease during preparation.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing all the ingredients together without spilling.
• Small bowl: Perfect for preparing the dressing separately before combining it with the salad.
• Whisk: Helps blend the dressing smoothly for an even flavor throughout the salad.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 English cucumber (no need to peel)
• 10 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes (halved)
• ½ small red onion (thinly sliced, about ½ cup)

For the Dressing

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red apple vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• ½ teaspoon Kosher salt or fine sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish

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

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by trimming off the two ends of the cucumber. Halve it lengthwise and slice it into ¼-inch thick half rounds.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the cucumber slices, halved tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red apple vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 4: Toss the Salad

Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture in the medium bowl. Toss gently to ensure everything is coated evenly.

Step 5: Add Fresh Herbs

If desired, gently stir in fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for about an hour to allow flavors to meld before serving.

How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you want a light lunch, a side for dinner, or a refreshing snack, this salad fits the bill perfectly.

As a Refreshing Lunch

• Pair with whole grain bread for a light meal.
• Add grilled chicken for extra protein and flavor.
• Serve on top of mixed greens for added texture.

As a Side Dish

• Complement grilled meats like chicken or steak for a balanced meal.
• Serve alongside fish tacos for a fresh contrast.
• Enjoy with pita chips as part of a Mediterranean platter.

As an Appetizer

• Spoon onto crackers for an easy starter.
• Use mini cucumber cups to hold the salad for bite-sized treats.
• Present in small jars for a fun and unique serving style.

How to Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad

To make your Cucumber Tomato Salad even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cucumbers and ripe tomatoes enhance flavor and crunch.
• Adjust the dressing: Taste and tweak the dressing according to your preference; add more vinegar for tanginess or honey for sweetness.
• Chill before serving: Allow the salad to sit in the fridge before serving. This lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Experiment with herbs: Try different herbs like cilantro or mint to give your salad a unique twist.
• Add texture: Consider adding nuts like walnuts or almonds for an extra crunch.
• Keep it colorful: Include other veggies such as bell peppers or avocados to make it visually appealing.

Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad pairs well with various side dishes that enhance its refreshing flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken pieces grilled on skewers provide a delicious protein pairing.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa dish adds heartiness and complements the salad’s freshness.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables roasted until crisp offer great contrast in texture and taste.
4. Garlic Bread: Warm, toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover dressing from your plate.
5. Pasta Primavera: A light pasta dish filled with seasonal vegetables makes a hearty addition to your meal.
6. Hummus and Veggies: A healthy dip served with assorted raw vegetables creates an enjoyable appetizer platter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a cucumber tomato salad seems easy, but there are common pitfalls. Avoid these mistakes for the best results.

• Overdressing the salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
• Using unripe tomatoes: Unripe tomatoes lack flavor and juiciness. Choose ripe grape or cherry tomatoes for the best taste.
• Skipping the chilling time: Not allowing the salad to chill can lead to bland flavors. Refrigerate for at least an hour to let the ingredients meld together.
• Not seasoning properly: Failing to season adequately can result in a dull salad. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
• Forgetting fresh herbs: Leaving out fresh herbs can reduce freshness. Add parsley, dill, or basil for extra flavor and color.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Avoid mixing dressing until ready to serve for maximum freshness.

Freezing Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
• If you must freeze, separate the ingredients and only freeze cucumbers or tomatoes individually.

Reheating Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes. This can change the salad’s freshness, so it’s better served cold.
• Microwave: Heat on low power in short bursts of 15-20 seconds. Monitor closely to avoid cooking it.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat in a pan, stirring occasionally. Again, this method is not ideal as it alters texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cucumber Tomato Salad?

Cucumber tomato salad is a refreshing dish made with fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and onions tossed in a light dressing. It’s perfect for summer meals.

How long does Cucumber Tomato Salad last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, cucumber tomato salad lasts up to 3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Can I customize my Cucumber Tomato Salad?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, or even include proteins like chickpeas or feta cheese for extra nutrition.

What should I serve with Cucumber Tomato Salad?

Cucumber tomato salad pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as part of a picnic spread. It’s a versatile side that complements many dishes.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare cucumber tomato salad ahead of time. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat!

Final Thoughts

This cucumber tomato salad is not only easy to make but also incredibly refreshing and versatile. You can enjoy it as a side dish at barbecues or customize it with your favorite ingredients. Give it a try today and discover how delightful this simple recipe can be!

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Cucumber Tomato Salad

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Cucumber Tomato Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that captures the essence of summer with its crisp textures and bright flavors. This easy-to-make salad combines fresh cucumbers, juicy cherry or grape tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions, all tossed in a light dressing made from olive oil, red apple vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a side dish to complement any meal, this salad takes just 15 minutes to prepare. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite herbs or additional ingredients like feta cheese or chickpeas. Enjoy this healthy and delicious salad as a light lunch, appetizer, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired spread.

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 English cucumber
• 10 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes
• ½ small red onion
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red apple vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. Trim the ends of the cucumber, halve it lengthwise, and slice into ¼-inch thick half rounds.
2. In a medium bowl, combine cucumber slices, halved tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red apple vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture in the medium bowl. Toss gently to coat evenly.
5. If desired, stir in fresh herbs like parsley or dill before serving. Chill for one hour for enhanced flavors.

• Author: Juniper
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Fresh ingredients are key for optimal flavor; use ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers. For added texture and nutrition, consider incorporating nuts or other vegetables like bell peppers. Adjust the dressing to your taste; add more vinegar for tanginess or honey for sweetness.