This light and tasty cucumber tomato salad is perfect for a sunny day! It combines crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a hint of zesty dressing for a refreshing bite.
I love how quick it is to prepare—just chop, mix, and enjoy! It’s a crowd-pleaser at barbecues, and trust me, your friends will be asking for seconds! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: I recommend using greenhouse or English cucumbers for this salad. They are firmer and have fewer seeds. If you can’t find them, regular cucumbers work too! Don’t forget to peel them for a softer texture or leave the skin on for added crunch.
Tomatoes: Ripe heirloom tomatoes are my favorite for their amazing flavor, but you can use any type of tomato. Cherry tomatoes can be cut in half and are perfect for snacking in this salad!
Red Onion: The sweetness of red onions adds a nice touch! If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes to tone down the bite.
Fresh Herbs: Dill and parsley add brightness. If you’re in a hurry, dried dill works great as a substitute. Alternatively, try basil or cilantro for a different twist.
How Do You Make Homemade Salad Dressing?
Making your own salad dressing is simple and gives you control over the flavor. For this cucumber tomato salad, whisking together olive oil and red wine vinegar is key. Here’s an easy method:
- In a small bowl, measure out your olive oil and red wine vinegar (or lemon juice) in a 3:1 ratio—three tablespoons of oil for one tablespoon of vinegar. This keeps the dressing balanced.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Start with a little; you can always add more later!
- Whisk together until emulsified. This just means mixing until the oil and vinegar combine into a smooth dressing.
- Drizzle over your salad just before serving to keep veggies crisp.
Easy Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 medium cucumbers, peeled and chopped
- 4 large ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare! There’s no cooking involved, just some quick chopping and mixing, making it an ideal side dish for those warm days.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by peeling the cucumbers if you prefer a softer bite. Then chop them into bite-sized pieces. Next, take those juicy tomatoes and chop them into chunks. Lastly, thinly slice the red onion to add a bit of crunch and flavor to your salad.
2. Combine the Fresh Ingredients:
In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. Make sure everything is evenly mixed to get that perfect balance of flavors!
3. Add the Herbs:
Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill and parsley over the top. These aromatic herbs will bring a lovely freshness to your salad that pairs beautifully with the vegetables.
4. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar (or lemon juice) until well combined. Then, season your dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. It’s a simple yet tasty dressing that complements the salad perfectly!
5. Toss the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over your salad and toss everything together gently, ensuring all the ingredients are coated in that delicious dressing.
6. Let It Chill:
For the best flavor, let your salad sit for about 10 minutes. This allows all those amazing flavors to meld together! Serve it chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy a refreshing and tasty dish!
Enjoy this quick and easy cucumber tomato salad, perfect for warm weather meals and gatherings! 🌿🥗
FAQ About Easy Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Cucumbers?
Absolutely! English cucumbers have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, making them great for salads. If you use regular cucumbers, just peel them for a softer bite or leave the skin on for added crunch.
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover cucumber tomato salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, the cucumbers may lose some of their crunch, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to add bell peppers, avocados, or even olives for additional flavor and texture. Just chop them into similar-sized pieces to keep the salad uniform.
Is It Possible to Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables in advance, but it’s best to combine them right before serving to ensure the cucumbers remain crisp and fresh. If you need to, toss everything together about 30 minutes prior to serving for a quick flavor meld!
