Cucumber Tomato Salad

This Cucumber Tomato Salad is a delightful dish that brings together the fresh flavors of summer. It’s perfect for barbecues, picnics, or as a light side for any meal. The combination of crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes, paired with a tangy dressing, makes this salad not just easy to prepare but also incredibly refreshing. With its vibrant colors and textures, this salad is sure to impress at any gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad takes only 15 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for last-minute meals.
• Fresh Ingredients: The use of fresh produce ensures a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side dish or a light main course, it pairs well with various cuisines.
• Healthy Choice: Low in calories and packed with nutrients, this salad is guilt-free indulgence.
• Customizable Flavor: Adjust the herbs and dressing to suit your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before we start making this delicious cucumber tomato salad, gather your tools for an efficient cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing the salad ingredients without spilling.
• Small bowl: Perfect for whisking the dressing ingredients together evenly.
• Knife: Essential for slicing the vegetables neatly.

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

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

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

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

Step 3: Whisk 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: Toss the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss gently to ensure everything is coated evenly.

Step 5: Add Fresh Herbs and Serve

If you desire extra flavor, gently stir in fresh herbs like parsley or dill. You can serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for an hour or two to enhance the flavors before serving.

How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber tomato salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you enjoy it as a light meal or a side, there are plenty of creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Light Lunch

• Serve the cucumber tomato salad on its own for a refreshing and healthy lunch option.

With Grilled Proteins

• Pair this salad with grilled chicken or fish to create a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Over Greens

• Place the cucumber tomato salad on a bed of mixed greens to add volume and nutrition, turning it into a hearty salad.

In Tacos

• Use the salad as a fresh topping for tacos, adding crunch and flavor to your favorite fillings.

As an Appetizer

• Present the cucumber tomato salad in small cups or on skewers for an easy-to-eat appetizer at parties.

How to Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad

Creating the perfect cucumber tomato salad is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always select ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for the best flavor.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for an hour enhances the flavors and makes it more refreshing.
• Adjust Dressing to Taste: Feel free to modify the dressing ingredients according to your preference; add more vinegar for tanginess or honey for sweetness.
• Experiment with Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like basil or dill can elevate the flavor profile of your cucumber tomato salad.
• Add Crunchy Elements: Toss in nuts or seeds for added texture and nutrients.
• Season Generously: Don’t hesitate to adjust salt and pepper levels based on personal taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber tomato salad pairs wonderfully with many side dishes. Here are some great options that complement its fresh flavors.

1. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a smoky flavor when grilled, making it a delightful summer side.
2. Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra dressing from the salad.
3. Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf with herbs provides a nutty contrast that works well alongside this fresh salad.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add depth and warmth, balancing out the coolness of cucumber tomato salad.
5. Caprese Skewers: These skewers made with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil echo similar flavors while being fun and bite-sized.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer a hearty accompaniment that contrasts nicely with the lightness of the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a cucumber tomato salad can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your salad turns out perfectly.

• Using Unripe Tomatoes: Unripe tomatoes can taste bland and lack the juiciness needed for a great salad. Always choose ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best results.
• Cutting Vegetables Too Early: If you cut your vegetables too far in advance, they may lose their crispness. Prepare the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.
• Skipping Salt in the Dressing: Salt enhances flavors. Omitting it may result in a flat taste. Always include salt in your dressing to bring out the best in your ingredients.
• Overdressing the Salad: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a small amount and add more if needed to achieve your desired flavor without overpowering the ingredients.
• Ignoring Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs add depth of flavor. Don’t skip them! Incorporate herbs like parsley, dill, or basil for an aromatic touch.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cucumber tomato salad in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep extra dressing separate until ready to serve.

Freezing Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to the high water content of cucumbers and tomatoes.
• If you must freeze, consider freezing just the dressing separately for later use.

Reheating Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Oven: Not recommended; this salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
• Microwave: Not suitable; reheating can make vegetables mushy.
• Stovetop: Avoid reheating; enjoy it fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cucumber tomato salad?

A cucumber tomato salad is a refreshing dish made with fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onions, and a tangy dressing. It’s perfect as a side dish or light meal.

How long does cucumber tomato salad last?

When stored properly in an airtight container, cucumber tomato salad lasts about 2 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to keep any extra dressing separate until you’re ready to serve.

Can I customize my cucumber tomato salad?

Absolutely! This cucumber tomato salad is versatile. You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or avocados, or try different herbs such as cilantro or chives for added flavor.

Can I use other types of tomatoes?

Yes! While grape or cherry tomatoes work well, you can also use diced regular tomatoes or heirloom varieties for different flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

This cucumber tomato salad is not only quick and easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Its bright flavors make it perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy this refreshing dish all season long!

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Cucumber Tomato Salad

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that celebrates the best of summer produce. This easy-to-make salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions, all tossed in a tangy dressing made from olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, and seasonings. Perfect as a side for barbecues or as a light main course, this salad is not only visually appealing with its bright colors but also packed with nutrients. It takes just 15 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal choice for those last-minute meal plans or casual gatherings. Customize it with your favorite herbs or additional veggies to make it your own!

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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
• Kosher salt and black pepper

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Instructions

1. Trim cucumber ends, halve lengthwise, and slice into ¼-inch rounds.
2. In a medium bowl, combine cucumber slices, halved tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
5. Add optional fresh herbs like parsley or dill before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Salad
• Method: No cooking involved
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg