DELICIOUS CUCUMBER TOMATO SALAD

 

DELICIOUS CUCUMBER TOMATO SALAD

This simple and quick Cucumber Tomato Salad is packed with the deliciousness of ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, fresh herbs, and a delightful four-ingredient vinaigrette dressing. It's a go-to side dish for me, especially when paired with grilled chicken or salmon. This light and refreshing summer salad also make for a fantastic vegetarian lunch or a quick dinner, perfect for those scorching days when you want to avoid cooking over a hot stove.

MAKING CUCUMBER TOMATO SALAD MADE EASY

Creating the Vinaigrette: Grab a mason jar with a snug lid or a small bowl and a whisk. Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Shake it up vigorously to blend all the flavors.

Assembling the Salad: Take a large bowl and toss in cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. Sprinkle some fresh herbs over the mix. Pour the vinaigrette evenly over the salad, give it a good toss, and season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper according to your taste.

This uncomplicated recipe creates a delightful salad that's perfect for any occasion!

TIPS FOR A TASTY SALAD

Creating a delicious salad can be easy with these helpful tips:

1. Choose the Right Cucumbers: If you use English cucumbers, you won't need to peel them as their skins are tender. But if you have regular cucumbers, peel off the thick skins before slicing.
2. Fresh Herb Delight: Enhance the flavors with fresh herbs such as dill, basil, cilantro, thyme, or dried oregano.
3. Vinaigrette Prep: Mix the vinaigrette a few hours ahead, but don't forget to shake it well before drizzling it over the salad.
4. Variety of Vinegars: Experiment with different vinegars like apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or champagne vinegar to find your preferred taste.
5. Tomato Options: Use a variety of fresh tomatoes—grape, cherry, Campari, heirloom, or any sun-ripened tomatoes will work beautifully.
6. Extra Additions: Get creative by adding fresh mozzarella, avocado, feta cheese, toasted bread cubes, homemade croutons, capers, or bleu cheese for extra flavor.
7. Storage Tips: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Give it a good toss before serving to revive the flavors.

DELICIOUS TWISTS FOR TOMATO CUCUMBER SALAD

Explore tasty variations to elevate your salad experience:

1. Cheese Delights: Add feta crumbles, mozzarella balls or cubes, goat cheese, or burrata for a creamy touch.
2. Vibrant Additions: Introduce more flavors with avocados, bell peppers, or green onions.
3. Herb Infusion: Enhance the aroma with fresh basil, dill, parsley, cilantro, thyme, or dried oregano.

PREPARING IN ADVANCE

Wondering about making this salad ahead? Absolutely! Here's how:

1. Up to 24 Hours Ahead: Prepare this easy salad recipe and cover it well with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
2. Before Serving: Give it a good toss again. While this salad is fantastic when freshly made and only takes about 10 minutes, preparing it in advance allows the flavors to meld for an even tastier experience.

SIMPLE CUCUMBER TOMATO SALAD

Course: Salad/Side

Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cucumber and Tomato Salad, Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe, How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 166 kcal

Ingredients:

Vinaigrette:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• ½ tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

Cucumber Tomato Salad:

• 1 ½ English cucumbers, sliced
• 4 large tomatoes, cut in wedges
• ½ medium red onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil
• Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, and Dijon mustard. Shake vigorously.
2. In a large bowl, add cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. Sprinkle fresh herbs and drizzle with the vinaigrette.
3. Toss to combine. Season with kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.

Notes:

• Use English cucumbers for tender skins; no need for peeling. Peel regular cucumbers to remove thick skins.
• Opt for fresh herbs like dill, basil, cilantro, or thyme.
• Prepare the vinaigrette several hours in advance; shake vigorously before drizzling.
• Various tomatoes like grape, cherry, Campari, or sun-ripened tomatoes work well.
• Enhance with mozzarella balls, avocado, feta cheese, toasted bread cubes, capers, or bleu cheese.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss before serving.