Cucumber Tomato Salad

This Cucumber Tomato Salad is a delightful dish that perfectly balances fresh flavors and crunchy textures. Ideal for barbecues, picnics, or weeknight dinners, this salad showcases the best of summer produce. With its bright colors and tangy dressing, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether as a side dish or a light main course, this salad will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes offers a refreshing taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile: Serve it as a side dish, or add protein for a complete meal; it fits any occasion.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with nutrients, this salad is low in calories yet high in flavor.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or vegetables based on your preference.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Cucumber Tomato Salad, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly. Having the right equipment makes preparation easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for the cucumber and tomatoes, enhancing the presentation of your salad.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely and efficiently.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing all your ingredients without spilling; it’s spacious enough to toss everything together.
• Small bowl: Perfect for whisking together your dressing ingredients before adding them to the salad.

Ingredients

This cucumber tomato salad is my favorite simple salad recipe! It has crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes and red onion, all tossed in a tangy dressing. Quick and easy to make, it’s the best refreshing summer salad recipe!

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

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Cucumber Tomato Salad that everyone will love.

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Trim off the two ends of the cucumber. Then halve it lengthwise and slice it into ¼-inch thick half rounds.

Step 2: Combine Vegetables

Place the sliced cucumber, halved tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion in a medium bowl.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

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

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture in the medium bowl. Toss gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 5: Add Fresh Herbs

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

How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Salad

This cucumber tomato salad is not only refreshing but also versatile, making it perfect for various occasions. Here are some creative ways to serve this delightful dish.

As a Light Lunch

• Pair with whole grain bread or pita for a satisfying meal.
• Add grilled chicken or turkey for extra protein and flavor.

With Grilled Dishes

• Serve alongside grilled chicken or beef for a fresh contrast.
• Ideal for summer barbecues, complementing smoky flavors perfectly.

As a Party Appetizer

• Serve in small cups for easy snacking at gatherings.
• Garnish with fresh herbs to elevate presentation and flavor.

Over Mixed Greens

• Use as a topping on mixed greens or spinach for added crunch.
• Drizzle with balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of taste.

How to Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad

To make the best cucumber tomato salad, consider these simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Choose ripe tomatoes: Select firm, juicy tomatoes for the best taste.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh parsley, dill, or basil add vibrant flavors and nutrition.
• Chill before serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and tweak the salt and pepper to your preference before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber tomato salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinate chicken in your favorite spices and grill until juicy.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: Fluff quinoa with vegetables and herbs for a nutritious addition.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal veggies with olive oil and roast until tender.
4. Hummus Platter: Serve with pita chips and assorted vegetables for dipping.
5. Pasta Salad: Combine cooked pasta with olive oil, herbs, and vegetables for a hearty side.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill bell peppers with rice, beans, and spices; bake until soft.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Cucumber Tomato Salad, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Overdressing the salad: Using too much dressing can make your salad soggy. Start with half the dressing and add more as needed.
• Cutting vegetables unevenly: This can lead to inconsistent textures. Use a sharp knife to cut cucumbers and tomatoes into uniform sizes for even bites.
• Using old ingredients: Freshness is key for this salad. Always check that your cucumbers and tomatoes are ripe and firm for the best flavor.
• Skipping the chill time: Allowing the salad to chill lets flavors meld together. If you can, refrigerate it for at least an hour before serving.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Personal tastes vary. Always taste your salad dressing before adding it to ensure it meets your preference for acidity and sweetness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Will keep fresh for up to 2 days.

Freezing Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Not recommended due to the texture of cucumbers upon thawing.

Reheating Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Oven: Not suitable for reheating since this salad is best served chilled.
• Microwave: Not recommended; enjoy cold for optimal flavor.
• Stovetop: Again, not suitable; this salad is served fresh and cold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing a Cucumber Tomato Salad.

What variations can I add to my Cucumber Tomato Salad?

You can include ingredients like bell peppers, olives, or feta cheese for different flavors and textures.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but for best results, dress it just before serving. You can prepare the ingredients in advance.

Is Cucumber Tomato Salad healthy?

Absolutely! It’s low in calories and packed with vitamins from fresh vegetables.

What’s the best type of cucumber for this salad?

English cucumbers are ideal as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, giving a crisp texture.

How long does Cucumber Tomato Salad last in the fridge?

It remains fresh for about 2 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Tomato Salad is not only refreshing but also versatile. You can customize it with your favorite herbs or additional veggies. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a side dish any time of year, it’s sure to impress!