Cucumber Tomato Salad is a delightful dish that brings fresh flavors to your table. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light side dish, this salad offers a vibrant mix of tomatoes and cucumbers dressed in a zesty vinaigrette. Its refreshing taste makes it an ideal complement to grilled meats or as a standalone snack.
Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Tomato Salad
This salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare.
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using vine-ripened tomatoes and crisp cucumbers ensures maximum flavor and crunch.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side at barbecues, picnics, or even as a light lunch.
- Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients and low in calories, it’s a guilt-free addition to any meal.
- No Cooking Required: Enjoy the ease of a no-cook recipe that’s perfect for hot days.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Cucumber Tomato Salad, you’ll need some essential tools that will help streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Glass measuring cup
- Mixing bowl
- Plastic wrap
Importance of Each Tool
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing vegetables safely.
- Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for both tomatoes and cucumbers, enhancing presentation.
- Glass measuring cup: Ideal for whisking together dressing ingredients without spills.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create the perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad:
For the Salad
- 8 Small Vine Cocktail Tomatoes (not grape or cherry, but actual vine tomatoes)
- 1 English Cucumber
- 1 Pinch Brown Sugar
- 1/4 Red Onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 Tablespoons Parsley (fresh, chopped)
- 2 Tablespoons Cilantro (fresh, chopped)
- 2 Pinches Salt
- 2 Pinches Pepper
For the Dressing
- 1/2 Cup Olive Oil
- 1/4 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 Squeeze Lemon Juice
- 1 Pinch Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 3 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil (or 2 teaspoons fresh, chopped)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes
Cut each tomato into 6-8 wedges and then halve them.
Step 2: Slice the Cucumber
Trim the ends off of the cucumber and then slice it in half lengthwise. Cut into 1/4 pieces.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, toss the tomatoes with brown sugar, sliced red onion, parsley, cilantro, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a glass measuring cup, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, brown sugar, dried basil, pepper, and kosher salt until emulsified.
Step 5: Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing over the tomato mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 6: Marinate and Serve
Cover the salad with plastic wrap and let it sit on the counter for 1-6 hours or refrigerate if longer. This salad is best served fresh but pairs beautifully with grilled or toasted crostini bread!
How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Salad
Cucumber Tomato Salad is a versatile dish that can complement various meals or stand alone as a refreshing snack. Here are some creative serving ideas to enjoy this delightful salad.
With Grilled Proteins
- Chicken – Serve alongside grilled chicken for a light and flavorful meal.
- Shrimp – Pair with grilled shrimp for a fresh, seafood-inspired experience.
- Steak – This salad balances the richness of steak, enhancing your dining experience.
As a Topping
- Tacos – Use it as a zesty topping for tacos, adding crunch and freshness.
- Sandwiches – Top sandwiches with this salad for extra flavor and texture.
On Crostini
- Toasted Crostini – Spoon the salad onto toasted crostini for an easy appetizer.
- Bruschetta Style – Serve on slices of baguette for an Italian twist.
How to Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad
To make your Cucumber Tomato Salad truly shine, consider these helpful tips. These simple adjustments can elevate your dish to new heights.
- Fresh Ingredients – Always use fresh tomatoes and cucumbers for the best flavor. Their natural sweetness enhances the overall taste.
- Chill Before Serving – Allow the salad to chill in the fridge before serving. This melds the flavors and makes it even more refreshing.
- Adjust Seasoning – Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar according to your preference. A pinch more can make all the difference!
- Add Variety – Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for added crunch and color. This adds depth to your salad.
- Herb Choices – Experiment with different herbs like mint or dill for unique flavor profiles that suit your taste.
Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Tomato Salad
Cucumber Tomato Salad pairs well with many side dishes that complement its fresh flavors. Here are some great options to consider.
- Grilled Vegetables – A medley of seasonal vegetables grilled until tender adds a smoky flavor that contrasts beautifully.
- Quinoa Pilaf – Light and nutritious, quinoa pilaf provides a hearty base that complements the freshness of the salad.
- Pita Bread and Hummus – Serve with pita chips or bread alongside hummus for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Roasted Potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes offer a satisfying crunch that balances the softness of the salad.
- Rice Salad – A chilled rice salad with herbs can create a refreshing and filling addition to your meal.
- Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad offers a sweet contrast, making it an excellent choice alongside this savory dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing a Cucumber Tomato Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Using the wrong tomatoes: Not all tomatoes work well in salads. Stick with vine cocktail tomatoes for the best flavor and texture.
- Skipping seasoning: A pinch of salt and pepper enhances the salad’s taste. Don’t forget to season your vegetables before mixing!
- Cutting vegetables unevenly: Uniform cuts ensure even marinating and a pleasing presentation. Take your time when slicing.
- Not letting it marinate: Allowing the salad to rest helps flavors meld together. Aim for at least an hour on the counter or refrigerate longer.
- Neglecting freshness: Fresh herbs make a big difference. Use freshly chopped parsley and cilantro for maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Best consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
- Keep away from strong odors in the fridge to maintain flavor.
Freezing Instructions
- This salad is not recommended for freezing as vegetables lose their texture.
- If needed, consider freezing only components like dressing separately.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Not applicable; this salad is best served cold.
- Microwave: Avoid reheating; serve fresh.
- Stovetop: Not recommended; enjoy the salad chilled.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Cucumber Tomato Salad refreshing?
The combination of crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes creates a light and refreshing dish perfect for warm weather.
Can I customize my Cucumber Tomato Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other ingredients such as feta cheese, olives, or different herbs to suit your tastes.
How long does Cucumber Tomato Salad last?
It stays fresh in the refrigerator for about 1-2 days if stored properly in an airtight container.
Is Cucumber Tomato Salad a healthy side dish?
Yes! This salad is low in calories while providing essential vitamins and nutrients from fresh vegetables.
Final Thoughts
Cucumber Tomato Salad is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various ingredients or serve it alongside grilled dishes. It’s a delightful addition to any meal, perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners. Enjoy experimenting with flavors!
Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cucumber Tomato Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that highlights the best of summer’s bounty. With its crisp cucumbers and juicy vine-ripened tomatoes, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. Dressed in a zesty vinaigrette that combines olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh herbs, it serves as an ideal side for barbecues or a light lunch on hot days. Easy to prepare in just 20 minutes, this no-cook recipe is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying at home. With its healthy ingredients and delightful taste, Cucumber Tomato Salad is a must-try for anyone looking to add freshness to their meals.
Ingredients
- 8 small vine cocktail tomatoes
- 1 English cucumber
- 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 squeeze lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 pinch pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pinch brown sugar
- 2 pinches salt
- 2 pinches pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped) for garnish
Instructions
- Cut each tomato into wedges and halve them.
- Slice the cucumber lengthwise and cut into 1/4" pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, toss tomatoes with brown sugar, red onion, parsley, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
- In a glass measuring cup, whisk dressing ingredients until emulsified.
- Pour dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss to coat.
- Let marinate for 1-6 hours before serving for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sides
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 136
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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