Hey there, friends! I’ve got a little confession to make: I’m absolutely obsessed with a good Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe. There’s something magical about those crisp cukes and juicy tomatoes coming together in a bowl of pure summer vibes. I discovered this gem of a dish years ago at a family picnic, and let me tell ya, it’s been a staple in my kitchen ever since.
It all started when my aunt whipped up a batch of this Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe on a scorching July day. I was skeptical at first (I mean, a salad without lettuce?), but one bite and I was hooked. My family loves it too, and now I’m thrilled to share my take on this refreshing classic with you.
If you’re looking for a quick, easy side dish that screams freshness, this Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is gonna be your new go-to. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step to make it just as irresistible as the one I fell in love with all those years ago.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I’ve found that this Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, whether I’m tossing it together for a weeknight dinner or a big backyard barbecue. It’s light, it’s zesty, and it comes together in mere minutes with ingredients you probably already have. Honestly, in my kitchen, it’s the ultimate “I don’t know what to make” savior.
Plus, there’s just something about the simplicity of a Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe that feels like a hug on a hot day. I’m telling you, once you taste that perfect balance of tangy dressing and fresh veggies, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s my little slice of summer, no matter the season!
Ingredients List
Let’s talk about what goes into a killer Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe. I’m super picky about using the freshest produce I can get my hands on for this one, ‘cause it really makes all the difference. I usually buy my cucumbers and tomatoes from the local farmers’ market when I can, but honestly, any good grocery store haul will do.
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe at home. I’ve tweaked the amounts over the years to get that perfect balance, so trust me on these measurements. Feel free to adjust based on what you’ve got, though! If you love this recipe, you’ll also enjoy iceburg wedge salad recipe.
- 2 medium cucumbers, sliced into thin half-moons for that perfect bite
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges or chunks (I prefer Roma for less juice)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced for a subtle kick
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped (mint works too if you’re feeling fancy)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin for that rich, fruity flavor
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, for a tangy punch
- 1 teaspoon honey, to balance the acidity (optional, but I love it)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground for a little zing
I swear, keeping it simple with these basics for a Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is the way to go. But don’t be afraid to play around if you’ve got a favorite herb or dressing twist up your sleeve. What’s your go-to ingredient for salads like this?
Variations
One of the things I adore about a Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is how dang versatile it is. I’ve played around with so many tweaks over the years, depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. Here are some variations I’ve tried and loved, and I’m betting you’ll find a favorite in here too.
- Mediterranean Twist: Toss in some crumbled feta cheese and a handful of Kalamata olives for that salty, briny vibe. I tried this once for a potluck, and it was gone in minutes!
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapeño if you’re craving heat. My husband loves this version.
- Herby Delight: Mix in fresh basil or dill instead of parsley for a different flavor profile. Basil is my personal fave.
- Protein Boost: Throw in some chickpeas or grilled chicken to make this Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe a full meal.
- Creamy Dream: Drizzle in a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the dressing for a smoother, richer texture. My kids always ask for this one!
- Avocado Addition: Cube up half an avocado for a creamy, buttery contrast. I think it’s heavenly with tomatoes.
- Garlicky Goodness: Mince a clove of garlic into the dressing for an extra punch. It’s a game-changer, trust me.
There’s no wrong way to customize a Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe, so get creative! I’ve had flops (like the time I overdid it with vinegar—yikes), but experimenting is half the fun. What twist are you itching to try?
Servings and Timing
When I whip up a Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe, I’m usually cooking for my family of four, but it’s easy to scale up or down. In my experience, this recipe makes a nice side for a small group or a hearty portion for a couple of folks. Here’s the breakdown on timing and servings based on how it usually goes in my kitchen.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking needed, woohoo!)
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 portions as a side
Isn’t it awesome how quick this Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe comes together? It’s my go-to when I’m short on time but still wanna impress at the dinner table.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making this Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe step by step. I’ve done this a gazillion times, so I’ve got some handy tricks to share. Follow along, and you’ll have a bowl of freshness in no time!
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies
First things first, grab those cucumbers and tomatoes and give ‘em a good rinse. I like slicing my cucumbers into thin half-moons using a mandoline for speed (watch those fingers, though!). Cut the tomatoes into wedges or bite-sized chunks—whatever floats your boat. Toss ‘em into a big mixing bowl with some thinly sliced red onion for that sharp bite.
Step 2: Whip Up the Dressing
Next, let’s get that dressing going. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until it’s all blended. I usually give it a taste here and tweak the salt or honey if needed—don’t skip this step with your Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe!
Step 3: Combine and Toss
Pour that zesty dressing over your veggies and give everything a gentle toss. I like to use my hands (clean, of course) to really mix it up without bruising the tomatoes. Sprinkle in the chopped parsley for a pop of green, and you’re basically done with this Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe.
Step 4: Let It Chill (Optional)
For more inspiration, I recommend checking out tomato and mozzarella salad.
If I’ve got the time, I pop the salad in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld. It’s not a must, but in my experience, a quick chill makes this Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe even more refreshing. Serve it up straight from the bowl, and watch it disappear!
I’ve learned over time that little tweaks like chilling or adjusting the dressing can elevate a simple dish like this Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe. What’s your secret salad trick? I’m all ears!
Nutritional Information
I’m no dietitian, but I always like to know what I’m eating, especially with something as wholesome as a Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe. Here’s the rough nutritional breakdown per serving, based on what I’ve researched for my family. Keep in mind, this can vary depending on exact portions or dressing tweaks.
- Calories: 90 per serving
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
Isn’t it nice to enjoy a dish like this Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe without any guilt? I love that it’s light but still packs so much flavor!
Healthier Alternatives
While I think a Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is already pretty darn healthy, there are days when I’m watching my intake or just wanna switch things up. I’ve swapped stuff around plenty of times, and here are a few alternatives that work like a charm. Give ‘em a shot if you’re looking to tweak the nutrition.
- Lower Fat Option: Cut back on the olive oil to just 1 tablespoon and add a splash of lemon juice for flavor. I do this when I’m feeling extra virtuous.
- Salt Substitute: Use a pinch of sea salt or even a dash of soy sauce for umami without overloading on sodium.
- Sweetener Skip: Ditch the honey entirely if you’re cutting sugar—it’s still tasty, I promise.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some shredded carrots or bell peppers for added nutrients. I’ve done this for a colorful Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe twist!
These swaps keep the spirit of a Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe alive while fitting different needs. What’s your favorite way to lighten up a dish?
Serving Suggestions
I love serving up a Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe in ways that make it shine at the table. It’s so versatile, I’ve paired it with all sorts of meals over the years. Here are a few of my go-to ideas to inspire you. If you enjoyed this recipe, you might like delicious italian pasta salad recipe for al fresco dining.
- Summer BBQ Side: Dish it alongside grilled chicken or burgers for a fresh contrast.
- Light Lunch: Pair it with a slice of crusty bread and some hummus—perfection!
- Dinner Party Starter: Serve it as a bright appetizer before a hearty main. At my last gathering, it was a hit.
- Picnic Pal: Pack it up for an outdoor meal; it holds up great in a cooler for a Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe on the go.
How do you like to serve yours? I’m always looking for new ideas to jazz up this classic!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
For more inspiration, I recommend checking out non creamy sliced cucumber salad recipe.
I’ve made my fair share of blunders while perfecting my Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe, so let me save you some hassle. Trust me on this one, these pitfalls can turn a great dish into a soggy mess. Here’s what to watch out for.
- Over-Dressing: Too much dressing drowns the veggies. I learned the hard way after soaking a batch—yuck!
- Skipping the Chill: Not letting it sit (even for a few minutes) can mean less flavor. I’ve rushed this before and regretted it.
- Using Old Produce: Limp cucumbers or mushy tomatoes ruin a Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe. Always check for freshness.
- Cutting Too Thick: Big chunks don’t soak up the dressing well. I’ve sliced thinner ever since my first uneven attempt.
Avoid these, and your Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe will be a hit every time. What’s a kitchen mistake you’ve made with salads? For more inspiration, I recommend checking out cucumber tomato salad recipe.
Storing Tips
I’ve found that a Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe doesn’t keep as long as I’d like due to the high water content in the veggies, but there are ways to extend its life a bit. Here’s how I store it to keep that freshness intact. Give these a try!
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days max. It gets soggy after that, in my experience.
- No Freezing: Don’t freeze this one; the texture turns to mush. I tried once, and it was a total flop for a Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe.
Keep it chilled, and enjoy it ASAP for the best taste with your Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
I get tons of questions about making a Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones. I’ve got answers based on my own trials in the kitchen. Here we go! You might also want to try crisp cucumber and beetroot salad with herb dressing.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep, you can prep a Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe a few hours in advance. Just hold off on adding the dressing until right before serving to avoid sogginess. I’ve done this for parties, and it works great.
Can I use cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely! Halve them for easy eating. I often use ‘em when I’m out of regular tomatoes.
What if I don’t have red wine vinegar?
No worries, swap it with apple cider vinegar or even lemon juice. I’ve used both in a pinch.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
Pretty much! It’s low-carb naturally, though skip the honey if you’re super strict.
Can I add cheese?
Another great option is fresh strawberry salad dressing recipe easy healthy.
Go for it! Feta or mozzarella are my faves for a Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe.
How do I prevent a watery salad?
Pat the cucumbers dry after slicing, and don’t let it sit too long after dressing. That’s my trick.
Can I use dried herbs?
Sure, but use less since they’re stronger. I stick to fresh when I can.
What’s the best cucumber type?
I love English cucumbers for their thin skin and fewer seeds, but any kind works. Pick what’s fresh! I was inspired by creamy pesto sauce recipe when creating this recipe.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it, folks—my tried-and-true Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe that’s been a lifesaver in my kitchen for years. I hope you’re as excited to make this as I am to share it with you. Give this Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe a whirl, and let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear about your twists and tweaks!