Crisp, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, cucumber tomato salad is the ultimate summer dish that transports you straight to a sun-drenched picnic. Imagine biting into crunchy cucumbers mingled with juicy tomatoes, drizzled with zesty dressing—it’s like a party in your mouth where everyone’s invited!
This delightful salad isn’t just delicious; it also brings back memories of summers spent outdoors, where family and friends gather around a big bowl of this colorful treat. Perfect for barbecues, potlucks, or just because you want to impress your taste buds, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Cucumber tomato salad is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal prep time
- The combination of fresh flavors creates a satisfying and light dish that’s perfect for warm weather
- Visually appealing with its vibrant colors, it makes any meal look gourmet
- You can customize it effortlessly with your favorite ingredients or dressings for endless variations
The last time I made this salad, my friends couldn’t believe how something so simple could be so delicious! They practically licked the bowl clean.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Cucumbers: Choose firm cucumbers with thin skins for the best crunch and freshness.
-
Cherry Tomatoes: Opt for ripe cherry tomatoes; their sweetness adds balance to the salad.
-
Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion brings a sharp contrast that elevates the flavors.
-
Fresh Parsley: Brightens up the dish with color and adds an herbal note.
-
Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a richer taste in the dressing.
-
Balsamic Vinegar: Adds depth and tanginess; feel free to adjust based on your preference.
-
Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all those fresh flavors!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Veggies: Start by rinsing your cucumbers and tomatoes under cold water. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds while halving the cherry tomatoes for maximum flavor release.
Add Some Crunch: Next, grab that red onion! Thinly slice it to add some bite. If you’re not a fan of raw onion’s intensity, soak these slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them.
Toss Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion slices, and chopped parsley. Watch as those colors dance together like they’re at a summer festival!
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy; you want those flavors to pop!
Dress It Up!: Pour the dressing over your veggie mixture and toss gently until everything’s coated beautifully. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes so those flavors can mingle like old friends at a reunion.
Serve & Enjoy!: Finally, scoop generous portions into bowls or on plates. Voilà! You’ve created a stunning cucumber tomato salad that’s ready to impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you.
Now go ahead—make this cucumber tomato salad and watch as everyone fights over who gets the last bite!
You Must Know
- This cucumber tomato salad is not just refreshing; it’s a vibrant way to enjoy summer produce
- The crunch of cucumbers paired with juicy tomatoes makes every bite a delightful experience
- Plus, it’s a breeze to whip up, perfect for last-minute gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by chopping the cucumbers and tomatoes into uniform pieces for even flavor. Combine them in a bowl while whisking together your dressing to save time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to toss in some feta cheese or olives for added texture and flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also elevate this salad beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Avoid reheating; this dish is best served cold.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for maximum flavor
- If your cucumbers are bitter, peel them before slicing
- A splash of lemon juice can brighten up your dressing beautifully
The first time I made this cucumber tomato salad, my friends devoured it within minutes! Their smiles were priceless, and they even asked for seconds—who knew veggies could bring such joy?
FAQ
Can I use other vegetables in this cucumber tomato salad?
Absolutely! Bell peppers or red onions add color and zing to your salad.
How do I prevent my cucumbers from being soggy?
Salting sliced cucumbers and letting them drain can help maintain their crispness.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for optimal freshness.
Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cucumber tomato salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite. With crunchy cucumbers and juicy cherry tomatoes, this easy-to-make salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests. Drizzled with a zesty dressing, it’s not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a must-try recipe that brings joy to any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cucumbers, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse cucumbers and tomatoes. Slice cucumbers into rounds and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Thinly slice the red onion; soak in cold water for 10 minutes if desired.
- In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently. Let sit for 10 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Serve chilled in bowls or on plates.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
