Enjoy the fresh taste of our Cucumber Tomato Salad, a simple recipe ideal for summer. Made with crisp veggies and a zesty dressing, this salad is perfect for any meal, whether it's lunch or dinner. It goes well with grilled meats like kabobs and seafood such as salmon.
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.
Notes
Here are my basic tips for making a refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad:
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.