Name: Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced; 3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped; 1 small red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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If you’re looking for a dish that feels like pure summertime in a bowl, look no further than Cucumber and Tomato Salad. With crisp cucumbers, juicy ripe tomatoes, and zingy red onion, all brought together by a splash of olive oil and vinegar, this is a vibrant side that comes together in minutes but tastes like a celebration of Mediterranean simplicity. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, craving a healthy snack, or need a quick side for a family meal, this salad brings gorgeous color and big flavor to the table.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cucumber and Tomato Salad embodies the magic that happens when a few simple, fresh ingredients come together. Each component plays a delicious role, from the crunchy cucumbers to the splash of parsley at the end. Here’s what you’ll need, along with why you won’t want to skip a single thing:

Cucumbers: For crunch and refreshing coolness, peeled and sliced for the best texture.
Tomatoes: Opt for big, ripe tomatoes for a juicy burst of sweetness and that beautiful pop of color.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced, it adds gentle sharpness and a lovely contrast to the salad’s mellow flavors.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Gives luscious body and brings all the veggie flavors together.
Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a tangy spark that brightens the whole dish.
Salt: Essential for drawing out the juices and enhancing every bite.
Black Pepper: Just enough heat to balance the flavors.
Fresh Parsley: A finishing touch that adds color and a garden-fresh note.

How to Make Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies

Start by peeling and slicing your cucumbers into thin rounds. Chop your tomatoes into bite-sized chunks and thinly slice that small red onion. This combo forms the flavor backbone of your Cucumber and Tomato Salad, so aim for even pieces for the best texture and eating experience.

Step 2: Toss It All Together

Grab a large salad bowl and add your cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. Pour over the extra-virgin olive oil and drizzle in the red wine vinegar. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Gently toss everything so those vegetables are beautifully coated, but try not to mash up the tomatoes. The beauty of this salad is in the freshness and crispness.

Step 3: Finish with Fresh Parsley

Right before serving, shower the Cucumber and Tomato Salad with those chopped fresh parsley leaves. Parsley not only brightens up the dish color-wise but also lifts all the flavors, making the salad taste like sunshine.

Step 4: Optional Flavor Boosts

Feel free to sprinkle in some crumbled feta cheese or sliced olives if you want a little salty, briny kick. If you have time, refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes before serving; the flavors will meld and the veggies will stay extra crisp.

How to Serve Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Garnishes

A handful of extra parsley, a light crumbling of feta, or a few twists of freshly ground black pepper makes the Cucumber and Tomato Salad pop on the plate. For a more aromatic lift, a few mint or basil leaves are also wonderful. Always add garnishes just before serving for freshness.

Side Dishes

Cucumber and Tomato Salad loves to be the supporting star at any meal. Serve alongside grilled fish, roasted chicken, veggie skewers, or a big chickpea pilaf. It’s delightful tucked into pitas with falafel, or next to a cheesy baked pasta where its bright acidity balances richer dishes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a striking appetizer, pile the salad onto crostini or spoon into lettuce cups. Layered in a mason jar, it packs up beautifully for picnics or desk lunches. The colors of this Cucumber and Tomato Salad also look stunning when served family-style on a big platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any extra Cucumber and Tomato Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep its peak flavor and crunch for about one day, though it’s best enjoyed as soon as possible for maximum freshness. Before serving again, give it a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for Cucumber and Tomato Salad. The fresh veggies will lose their crispness and become watery, so it’s better to make just what you need and enjoy every bite fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

There’s no reheating required for this salad, and honestly, it’s best served chilled or at room temperature. If you’ve stored it in the refrigerator, let it sit out for ten minutes before serving to take the chill off and let the flavors shine.

FAQs

Can I use other types of vinegar?

Absolutely! While red wine vinegar adds Mediterranean flair to Cucumber and Tomato Salad, you can experiment with white wine vinegar or even apple cider vinegar for a different tang. Just adjust to taste.

Do I have to peel the cucumbers?

It’s up to you. Peeling cucumbers gives a softer, milder texture, but if you prefer extra crunch and a bit of color, leave the skins on. Be sure to wash them well if keeping the peel.

How can I make this salad more filling?

Toss in some cooked chickpeas, crumbled feta, or diced avocado for extra heft. You can even mix in cooked quinoa or farro to turn Cucumber and Tomato Salad into a hearty, standalone lunch.

What tomatoes are best for this salad?

Use whatever looks freshest and ripest at your market. Large beefsteak or vine tomatoes bring lots of juice, while cherry or grape tomatoes offer a burst of sweetness and stay firmer if you’re making the salad ahead.

Can I make Cucumber and Tomato Salad ahead for a party?

You can prep the veggies and dressing separately up to a day ahead, then combine them right before serving. This way, the salad stays crisp and vibrant for your guests.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried making Cucumber and Tomato Salad at home, you’re about to discover just how easy and rewarding a simple side dish can be. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. Gather your freshest veggies and give it a go – your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!

Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This refreshing Cucumber and Tomato Salad is a perfect side dish for any meal. With a simple Mediterranean-inspired dressing, it’s light, flavorful, and full of summer goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Cucumbers:

2 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced

Tomatoes:

3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped

Red Onion:

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing:

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish:

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Combine Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.
Add Dressing: Drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar.
Season: Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
Toss: Gently toss everything until well combined.
Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.