Cucumber Tomato Salad is a simple yet delicious Mediterranean dish made with just cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, all mixed with a classic salad dressing. It’s perfect for pairing with grilled chicken kabobs, various meats, seafood, or even just veggies.
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What I love about this salad is how straightforward it is, yet it’s so flavorful. The tangy vinaigrette really brings out the best in the fresh vegetables, making each bite truly refreshing.
This is also one of the easiest salads to put together—it takes less than 15 minutes! You can tweak the dressing to fit your taste and throw in some extras like crunchy nuts, Kalamata olives, or a bit of crumbled feta to make it your own.
Whether you’re adding a healthy dish to your daily menu or need something that everyone will love at your next potluck or cookout, this Cucumber Tomato Salad is a fantastic choice. It's sure to impress with its freshness and taste!
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Ingredients and Substitutions Overview
To make this Tomato Cucumber Salad, you’ll need some fresh veggies and simple pantry items for the dressing. Let’s check out the list below.
- Cucumber: English cucumbers are my top pick because they're crisp and have less bitter skin, making them perfect for salads. If you don't have English cucumbers, regular or Persian cucumbers work well too. Just peel them to minimize bitterness.
- Tomatoes: These add a vibrant and tangy flavor to the salad. Choose from ripe varieties like Roma, beefsteak, cherry, or grape tomatoes. Each type brings its own unique flavor, enhancing the salad's overall taste.
- Onion: Sharp and pungent red onions are typical, but if you prefer something milder, yellow onions are a great substitute.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro bring a burst of freshness and aroma. For a deeper flavor, consider adding fresh thyme or rosemary.
- Red Wine Vinegar: This adds a tangy and slightly fruity note. If you don't have it on hand, balsamic vinegar or white vinegar are fine substitutes. For additional dressing options, feel free to explore the variety of vinaigrette recipes available on my blog.
- Olive Oil: Essential for the dressing, classic olive oil enriches the flavor, but if you prefer a lighter dressing, opt for light olive oil.
- Seasonings: Simple seasonings like salt, black pepper, and dried oregano enhance the dressing. For a more robust flavor, consider adding garlic or chili flakes to introduce some heat.
How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad at Home?
Join me in making a refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad! I'll guide you through each step: from mixing the perfect dressing to chopping the veggies and assembling the salad. With detailed photos and a step-by-step video, you'll have all the support you need to make this delicious dish. Let's dive in!
Discover More Refreshing Salad Recipes:
- Cucumber Salad
- Green Salad
- Caprese Salad
- Quinoa Salad
- Taco Salad
- Caesar Salad
- Macaroni Salad
- Broccoli Salad
- Cobb Salad
- Greek Salad
- Chickpea Salad
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
- ½ tsp Dried Oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper Powder, to taste
For the Salad
- 1 large Cucumber, washed
- 3 Tomatoes, washed
- ½ large Onion
- 1 small bunch Parsley Leaves, chopped
Instructions
Preparing the Salad Dressing
- In a bowl, gather all the 'dressing' ingredients from the list above. Using a whisk, blend everything thoroughly to ensure the flavors are well combined. After mixing, set the dressing aside to allow the flavors to meld together before you use it in the salad.
Preparing Veggies
- Begin by washing the cucumbers and tomatoes, then dry them with a towel. Slice the cucumber in half and chop it into bite-sized pieces. I used an English cucumber and left the skin on because it’s less bitter, but if you’re using a different variety, you might want to peel it first. Transfer the chopped cucumber to a large bowl.
- Next, remove the cores from the tomatoes. This part can be tough and isn’t nice to eat, so taking it out makes the tomatoes easier to enjoy. Slice the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl with the cucumbers.
- Finally, cut the top off the onion to remove the tough part and slice it in half. You’ll only need half for this salad, so set the other half aside for later. Thinly slice the half you are using and separate the layers—this helps them mix better with the cucumbers and tomatoes. Add the onions to your bowl.
Assembling the Salad
- Add finely chopped parsley to the bowl containing the chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. Drizzle the previously prepared dressing over the vegetables.
- Gently mix everything together with a spatula or spoon to evenly coat the vegetables with the dressing. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend together nicely.
Serving
- Enjoy this refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad alongside your favorite proteins, such as chicken or seafood, to create a complete meal. For more pairing ideas, don’t forget to explore the serving suggestions provided below.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
- Prep Your Ingredients: Begin with fresh, high-quality vegetables and dressings to enhance the flavor of your salad. Thoroughly wash and dry your veggies before chopping to remove any dirt and prevent diluting the dressing. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure each bite is evenly flavored and integrates well with the other ingredients.
- Chill Your Ingredients: For an extra refreshing salad, chill your vegetables in the refrigerator for about an hour before chopping. This can make the salad more crisp and enjoyable on a hot day.
- Customize and Balance Your Dressing: Start with the classic vinaigrette and adjust to taste. Add chili flakes for heat, garlic for depth, or fresh herbs for zest. Experiment with vinegars like balsamic or white to fine-tune the flavor. Always taste and adjust the dressing for the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness before adding it to the salad. For more ideas, check out the vinaigrette recipes on my blog.
- Drain Excess Water: If you notice water accumulation after chilling the salad, drain it off to keep the salad crisp and the flavors sharp. This step helps prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Add Extra Flavors: While the classic Cucumber Tomato Salad is great on its own, adding ingredients like crunchy nuts, briny Kalamata olives, or crumbly feta cheese can make the salad even more enjoyable.
Nutrition Info
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
Serving Suggestions
This refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad is a versatile side that pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. Here are some of my favorite combinations:
- Meats: This salad is fantastic with grilled or roasted meats, such as chicken thighs, breasts, or drumsticks. It also adds a fresh touch to heavier dishes like steaks or a pork roast.
- Chicken Skewers: Pair this salad with chicken skewers, such as souvlaki or grilled chicken kabobs, for a healthy, Mediterranean-style meal.
- Seafood: Complement your salad with seafood like grilled salmon, baked tilapia, or shrimp skewers for a delightful seafood meal.
- Vegetable Sides: Match this salad with other roasted veggies like cauliflower, carrots, zucchini, or asparagus. It’s also perfect with grilled veggie skewers, especially during summer.
- Pasta Dishes: For a fuller meal, mix this salad with your favorite cooked pasta, such as penne, macaroni, or rotini, to create a pasta salad. It also goes well with creamy pasta dishes like Alfredo pasta, salmon pasta, or chicken fettuccine Alfredo.
- Sandwiches and Wraps: This salad is a great addition to chicken sandwiches, burgers, or wraps filled with grilled meats and tucked into your favorite flatbreads.
- Grain Bowls: Incorporate this salad into grain bowls. Layer it over quinoa, farro, or bulgur for a nutritious and filling meal. Add a protein like grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas to make it even heartier.
- Rice Dishes: Serve this salad as a refreshing side with rich rice dishes like risotto, paella, or biryani to add a fresh contrast.
Storage Suggestions
This Cucumber Tomato Salad tastes best when served fresh to capture its crisp and vibrant flavors. If you do have leftovers, they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Due to the natural moisture in the vegetables and dressing, you may notice some excess water; simply drain it off before serving to maintain the salad’s freshness.
If you need to prepare this salad ahead of time, you can chop the vegetables and prepare the dressing separately a day in advance. Keep them in the refrigerator in different containers. When you’re ready to eat, just mix them together, and your salad will be ready to enjoy.
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