Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe for Every Occasion

Introduction to Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s a summer staple for good reason. This crisp, colorful salad is bursting with the fresh flavors of juicy tomatoes, cool cucumbers, and fragrant herbs. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any meal, from backyard barbecues to light lunches. With its simple yet delicious ingredients, Cucumber Tomato Salad showcases the best of seasonal produce and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Not only is this salad incredibly tasty, but it’s also incredibly nutritious. Cucumbers and tomatoes are both powerhouses of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support overall health. Enjoy this salad as a light and healthy side or even as the star of the show – it’s versatile enough to pair with a variety of main dishes. Cucumber Tomato Salad is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!

Ingredients for Cucumber Tomato Salad

The beauty of Cucumber Tomato Salad lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients, you can create a salad that’s both nourishing and bursting with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For The Salad:

• 1 English cucumber – sliced into rounds then quartered
• 2 cups grape tomatoes – sliced in half
• ½ cup red onion – sliced into thin strips
• 2 Tbsp chopped parsley

For The Dressing:

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 Tbsp granulated sugar – or honey
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad is a breeze! Follow these simple steps to assemble the salad and whisk together the flavorful dressing:

Prepare Vegetables:

In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, grape tomatoes, red onion, and chopped parsley. The combination of crisp, juicy, and aromatic ingredients creates the perfect base for this salad.

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar (or honey), dried basil, salt, and black pepper until well combined. The dressing adds a delightful blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors to the salad.

Toss Salad:

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the vegetables evenly. Be sure to distribute the dressing thoroughly so every bite is bursting with flavor.

Chill & Serve:

Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 15–30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve this Cucumber Tomato Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish for any meal. It’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a light lunch on its own.

Nutritional Benefits of Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad is not only delicious, but it’s also incredibly healthy. Cucumbers are a hydrating vegetable packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. Tomatoes, on the other hand, are a fantastic source of lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to various health benefits.

Together, these two nutritious vegetables provide a wealth of nutrients that support overall well-being. The addition of fresh parsley further boosts the salad’s nutritional profile, offering a range of vitamins and minerals. This vibrant, low-calorie salad is an excellent choice for those looking to incorporate more plant-based, nutrient-dense foods into their diet.

Variations of Cucumber Tomato Salad

While the classic Cucumber Tomato Salad is a true delight, there are endless ways to customize and elevate this dish. Here are some tasty variations to try:

• Mediterranean Twist: Add crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired take on the salad.
• Creamy Avocado: Dice up a ripe avocado and gently fold it into the salad for a luxurious, creamy element.
• Herbal Flair: Swap out the parsley for fresh dill, basil, or cilantro to change up the flavor profile.
• Fruity Additions: Incorporate diced watermelon, mango, or pineapple for a sweet and refreshing contrast.

The options are endless when it comes to customizing Cucumber Tomato Salad. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, cheeses, and fruits to find your perfect flavor combination.

Serving Suggestions

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of main courses. Serve it as a refreshing side at your next backyard barbecue, picnic, or potluck. Its light and tangy flavors also make it an excellent accompaniment to grilled chicken, fish, or veggie burgers.

For a more substantial meal, top the salad with grilled shrimp, crumbled feta, or chickpeas to turn it into a main-dish salad. It’s also delicious scooped up with pita bread or tortilla chips. No matter how you enjoy it, Cucumber Tomato Salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

FAQs about Cucumber Tomato Salad

How long can you keep tomato cucumber salad?

Cucumber Tomato Salad will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. The key is to dress the salad just before serving, as the dressing can cause the vegetables to become soggy if left to sit for too long. For best results, prepare the salad and dressing separately, and toss them together right before enjoying.

What are the benefits of cucumber and tomato salad?

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a nutritional powerhouse! Cucumbers are hydrating, packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin K, and manganese. Tomatoes, on the other hand, are an excellent source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to various health benefits. Together, these two vegetables provide a wealth of essential nutrients that support overall health and well-being.

What goes well with cucumber tomato salad healthy?

Cucumber Tomato Salad pairs beautifully with a variety of healthy main dishes. It makes a refreshing side for grilled chicken, fish, or veggie burgers. For a more substantial meal, top the salad with protein-rich additions like grilled shrimp, chickpeas, or crumbled feta cheese. Cucumber Tomato Salad also works well as a light lunch on its own, or served with whole-grain pita bread or crackers.

What is the origin of cucumber tomato salad?

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a classic Mediterranean dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of cool, crisp cucumbers and juicy, flavorful tomatoes is a staple in many Mediterranean cuisines, particularly Greek and Italian. While the exact origins are uncertain, this refreshing salad likely evolved from the traditional Greek salad, known as “Horiatiki,” which features similar ingredients.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Cucumber Feta Salad
• Cucumber Avocado Salad
• Cowboy Caviar
• Classic Pasta Salad

Conclusion

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crisp, juicy vegetables, fragrant herbs, and tangy-sweet dressing, this salad is a true delight for the senses. Whether you enjoy it as a side or the star of the show, Cucumber Tomato Salad is sure to become a new summertime favorite in your household.

So why not give this easy-to-make salad a try? Experiment with different variations, serve it alongside your favorite main dishes, and bask in the refreshing flavors of this classic Mediterranean-inspired creation. Cucumber Tomato Salad is a simple yet sophisticated way to celebrate the best of seasonal produce.

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

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