Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe: A Zesty Summer Delight

Summer’s heat demands a fresh cucumber tomato salad that cools and refreshes like an unexpected breeze.

Mediterranean kitchens understand the magic of simple, vibrant ingredients dancing together.

Crisp vegetables whisper promises of light, satisfying meals perfect for lazy afternoons.

Bright colors and clean flavors make this dish a instant mood lifter.

Crunchy cucumbers paired with juicy tomatoes create a symphony of textures that sing with each bite.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction in this quick and delightful recipe.

Grab a fork and let’s turn ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Tips For Keeping Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe Fresh

• Slice Veggies Uniformly: Cut cucumbers and tomatoes into similar-sized pieces for even distribution and a professional-looking salad that ensures every bite has balanced flavors.
• Customize Dressing Intensity: Adjust vinegar and olive oil ratios to suit your taste preferences, creating a tangier or milder dressing without overwhelming the fresh vegetable flavors.
• Choose Fresh Herbs Wisely: Swap parsley with basil or dill for a different aromatic profile that complements the salad's crisp and light character.
• Drain Excess Liquid: Let sliced vegetables sit on paper towels for a few minutes to remove excess moisture, preventing a watery salad and maintaining a crunchy texture.
• Make It Protein-Packed: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs to transform this side dish into a complete and satisfying meal with extra nutritional value.

How To Store Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe The Right Way

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Keep the salad sealed tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain crisp vegetable texture.
• Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess liquid and prevent sogginess.
• Avoid freezing this salad, as the cucumbers and tomatoes will become watery and lose their fresh crunch when thawed.
• Give the salad a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and revive the flavors.
• Consume within 48 hours for the best taste and optimal vegetable quality.

Perfect Matches For Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

• Pair with Grilled Protein: Match this refreshing salad with lemon-herb grilled chicken or perfectly seared Mediterranean-style fish like sea bass for a light, balanced meal that highlights the salad's bright flavors.
• Select Crisp White Wine: Choose a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the salad's tangy vinaigrette and fresh vegetable notes, creating a harmonious and refreshing dining experience.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Add warm, rustic sourdough or crusty whole grain bread to soak up the delicious dressing and provide a satisfying texture contrast to the crisp vegetables.
• Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Expand the salad into a complete spread by adding hummus, olives, grilled halloumi cheese, and warm pita to create a vibrant, interactive dining experience that celebrates fresh Mediterranean ingredients.

Fresh Variations Of Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace basic herbs with a blend of fresh dill, mint, and thyme for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version that elevates the salad's flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced jalapeños, replace feta with pepper jack cheese, and include chopped cilantro to create a zesty southwestern-style cucumber tomato salad with bold heat.
• Greek-Style Protein Boost: Incorporate grilled chicken or chickpeas to transform the light salad into a substantial meal while maintaining the classic Greek seasoning approach.
• Crunchy Nutty Upgrade: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or chopped almonds over the salad for extra texture and a nutty undertone that complements the fresh vegetables perfectly.

FAQs About Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

• Can I use different types of cucumbers for this salad?

Yes! While English or Persian cucumbers work best for their crisp texture and fewer seeds, you can use regular garden cucumbers. Just make sure to remove the seeds if they’re large and watery.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! This cucumber tomato salad is packed with nutrients. Cucumbers are low in calories, tomatoes are rich in lycopene, and the olive oil provides heart-healthy fats. It’s a nutritious and light side dish perfect for summer.

• How can I make this salad more filling?

Add some protein like grilled chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs. You can also sprinkle some quinoa or couscous to turn it into a more substantial meal. The fresh vegetables will keep it light and refreshing.

• What if I don't have red wine vinegar?

No worries! You can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Each will give a slightly different tang, but they’ll work similarly in the dressing and maintain the salad’s bright flavor profile.

Why Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe Is A Crisp Summer Classic

• Whip Up Quickly: This cucumber tomato salad comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal preparations. You'll spend more time enjoying the salad than cooking it.
• Crowd-Pleasing Freshness: Packed with crisp vegetables and a zesty dressing, this salad appeals to all ages. Kids and adults alike will love the bright, refreshing flavors and colorful presentation.
• Health in Every Bite: Loaded with fresh vegetables, this salad offers a nutritious side dish that's low in calories and high in vitamins. It's an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste.
• Versatile Summer Companion: Perfect for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, or as a quick side dish, this salad adapts to any summer gathering. Its simple ingredients and easy preparation make it a go-to recipe for warm-weather entertaining.

What You’ll Need For Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

• Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing base for the salad, best when firm and bright green.
• Tomatoes: Juicy and sweet component that adds vibrant color and fresh flavor.
• Red Onion: Sharp and zesty element that provides a nice bite and crunch.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: Smooth and tangy base that creates a classic Mediterranean-style dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds depth and slight heat to balance the dressing.
• Garlic Powder, Oregano: Aromatic seasonings that enhance overall Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for bringing out the ingredients' natural tastes.

• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Basil: Bright, herbaceous herbs that add freshness and color.
• Feta Cheese: Optional creamy and salty cheese that complements the salad's Mediterranean character.

How To Make Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe In Minutes

Step 1: Slice Fresh Produce

Grab your crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and zesty red onion. Carefully slice each vegetable into thin, delicate rounds or half-moons. Transfer the colorful pieces into a spacious mixing bowl, creating a vibrant base for your salad.

Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Dried oregano
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk everything together until the dressing becomes smooth and well-blended, creating a tangy symphony of flavors.

Step 3: Marry the Ingredients

• Chopped parsley
• Torn basil leaves

Optional: Crumble some creamy feta cheese over the top for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 4: Let Flavors Dance

Allow the salad to rest for 10-15 minutes. This magical resting period lets the ingredients mingle and intensify their taste. Serve immediately at room temperature or chilled for a refreshing side dish that’ll make taste buds sing.

Pro Tip: For the best texture, use farm-fresh vegetables and enjoy within a few hours of preparation.

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

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• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Refreshing Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad combines crisp vegetables with zesty herbs and tangy feta cheese. Cool summer flavors dance on your palate, promising a light and satisfying culinary escape.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 2 large cucumbers, sliced (English or Persian cucumbers work best)
• 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced

Herbs and Cheese:

• ¼ cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 small garlic clove, minced)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Carefully dice cucumbers into uniform half-moon shapes, creating thin, elegant slices that will capture the dressing’s essence. Simultaneously, chop tomatoes into comparable sizes for balanced texture and visual appeal.
2. Mince red onion into delicate, translucent slivers, ensuring each piece remains small enough to distribute evenly throughout the salad without overpowering other ingredients.
3. Craft a vibrant dressing by whisking olive oil with red wine vinegar, allowing the liquids to emulsify and create a smooth, unified base. Incorporate Dijon mustard for depth and complexity.
4. Sprinkle garlic powder, oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the liquid mixture, stirring continuously to ensure thorough integration of spices and aromatics.
5. Gently cascade the prepared dressing over the vegetable medley, using a light folding technique to coat each ingredient without bruising the delicate produce.
6. Scatter fresh parsley or basil across the salad, adding a burst of herbal brightness and visual contrast. If desired, crumble feta cheese to introduce a tangy, creamy element.
7. Allow the salad to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling the flavors to harmonize and intensify. This resting period permits the vegetables to absorb the dressing’s nuanced profile.
8. Serve the salad chilled or at ambient temperature, presenting a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for warm days or as a complementary side.

Notes

• Slice vegetables thinly for a more delicate texture and even dressing distribution, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned.
• Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for maximum flavor and sweetness, which elevates the entire salad’s taste profile.
• Customize the salad by swapping feta with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese crumbles for a plant-based version.
• Marinate the red onions in the vinegar briefly before mixing to soften their sharp bite and infuse a milder, more balanced flavor into the salad.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 5mg