This cucumber tomato salad is a classic combo of all your favorite fresh summer veggies. It’s a blend of the simplest ingredients with a basic but delicious homemade dressing. We love it served as a side dish or a topping for grilled chicken or fish. If you need more ways to use up cucumbers every summer, add this to your list. Super easy and super good!
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Small whisk or fork
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 large cucumbers peeled and sliced, about 10-12 ounces each
- 4 medium tomatoes or 1 pound cherry tomatoes diced or halved
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, and sliced red onion. I like the cucumbers and tomatoes to be roughly the same size, and the onion to be sliced very thin. But you might prefer something different!
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey (if using), chopped herbs, salt, and pepper until well blended. This will take a minute or two to blend the oil and vinegar well.
- Combine: Pour the dressing over the vegetables. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Chill (Optional): For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
Variations: Feel free to add feta cheese, olives, or avocado.
Pairing: Goes well with grilled dishes, sandwiches, and as a light meal on its own.
Nutrition
It’s not rocket science, but it is delicious. Make this with an easy dinner on the grill for those hot summer afternoons where cooking feels like the least appealing task on earth.
Garden Veggies + Pantry Basics
Everything you need is pretty basic. And if you have a kitchen garden, you might have it all right outside your door.
- Red Wine Vinegar. Red wine vinegar, located in the condiment aisle, adds a tangy depth to the dressing. Apple cider vinegar can be a suitable substitute.
- Fresh Basil. Found in the produce section, fresh basil infuses the salad with a unique, aromatic flavor. In a pinch, you can use dried basil, but fresh basil is preferable for its vibrant taste.
- Olive Oil. Olive oil is a staple in the oils aisle. It is crucial for a smooth, rich dressing. For a different nuance, avocado oil can be an alternative.
- Honey. Honey is available in the sweeteners aisle. It imparts a subtle sweetness to balance the acidity. Agave syrup is a great vegan option.
- Large Mixing Bowl. Must for combining the salad ingredients. Make sure there’s enough space for tossing without spilling.
- Small Whisk or Fork. Needed for emulsifying the dressing ingredients, creating a uniform and well-blended dressing.
- Cutting Board and Knife. It is crucial for and slicing the cucumbers. It is also crucial for dicing the tomatoes and chopping the herbs.
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Make the Best Summer Salads
This is a very easy recipe, but doing some things the right way does make a difference!
- Choosing the Right Vegetables. For the best texture and flavor, select firm, seedless cucumbers. Also, choose ripe, juicy tomatoes. This ensures your salad has the perfect balance of crunch and juiciness.
- Uniform Cutting: Aim to cut the cucumbers and tomatoes into uniform sizes. This not only enhances the presentation but also ensures each bite has an even mix of flavors.
- Draining Excess Liquid. After cutting, salt the tomatoes and let them sit for a few minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture, preventing your salad from becoming watery.
- Balancing the Dressing. If you’re using honey in the dressing, adjust the amount based on the sweetness of your tomatoes. The goal is to achieve a harmonious balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Letting the Salad Rest. Allow the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors meld together . You can either let it sit at room temperature or chill it.
- Serving Suggestions. Consider serving the salad on a bed of greens like arugula or spinach for an added layer of flavor and texture.
Easy, right?!
More Recipes for Your Garden Harvest
It’s summertime, and the side dishes are easy 😉.
These cucumbers and onions in vinegar are dressed in a tangy and sweet marinade. They add a delightful crunch to your summer picnics.
A vibrant mix of fresh cucumber, ripe tomato, and creamy mozzarella, all in this family-favorite pasta salad.
My Amish scalloped corn is a heartwarming side dish. It has a creamy texture and golden crust. It brings a touch of tradition to every meal.
By the way, you can make this with grocery store veggies if you want to make it out of season. It’s still delicious. I hope you enjoy it!
Love,
Add some olives and you have made a Greek Salad!