Welcome to this vibrant and refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe! Whether you’re looking for a light side dish for a summer barbecue or a simple, nutritious lunch, this salad is the perfect solution. Packed with fresh vegetables and bursting with flavor, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Keep reading to discover how you can easily prepare this healthy, delicious meal at home.
Introduction
Cucumber Tomato Salad is a classic dish that highlights the beauty of fresh, simple ingredients. Originating from Mediterranean cuisine, this salad has become a staple around the world due to its versatility and ease of preparation.
Fun fact: Did you know that cucumbers are composed of about 95% water, making them not only refreshing but also an excellent way to stay hydrated? This salad brings together crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a zesty dressing, making it the ideal recipe for a hot summer day or any time you crave something light yet flavorful.
Now, let’s dive into this recipe and bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table!
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting recipe for 4 servings, you’ll need:
- 2 medium cucumbers, sliced
- 4 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Feta cheese, crumbled (for extra flavor)
Substitutions: If you prefer a milder onion flavor, feel free to swap the red onion for a sweet onion or shallots. For a dairy-free option, simply omit the feta cheese.
How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Cucumber Tomato Salad:
- Prepare the vegetables: Begin by washing all the vegetables thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers, dice the tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large salad bowl, toss together the cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Optional toppings: If you’re adding feta cheese, sprinkle it on top just before serving.
Cooking tip: For a more flavorful salad, let it sit in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes after adding the dressing. This will allow the vegetables to absorb the flavors of the dressing, making the salad even more delicious.
Helpful Tips
Here are some helpful tips to make sure your Cucumber Tomato Salad turns out perfect every time:
- Use fresh ingredients: Since this salad relies heavily on the natural flavor of the vegetables, be sure to use the freshest cucumbers and tomatoes you can find.
- Customize to your taste: Feel free to add extra herbs like basil or mint for a fresh twist. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar or lemon juice in the dressing for a slightly different flavor.
Cooking Tips
Offer additional advice on how to enhance the dish, such as flavor enhancements or texture improvements.
To elevate the flavor of your Cucumber Tomato Salad, try the following tips:
- Add crunch: If you like a bit more texture in your salad, consider adding chopped bell peppers or radishes.
- Enhance the dressing: For a creamier version of this salad, you can mix a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise into the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
Cucumber Tomato Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats such as chicken, fish, or steak. It’s also a great side dish for Mediterranean-inspired meals, like falafel or hummus platters.
For a light, refreshing meal, serve this salad alongside a crusty loaf of bread or pita. Don’t forget a glass of chilled white wine or iced tea to complete the experience!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional value of this Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe (per serving):
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Potassium: 350mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Vitamin A: 15%
- Vitamin C: 25%
- Calcium: 3%
- Iron: 4%
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 120
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 6.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 200mg
Potassium: 350mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g
Vitamin A: 15%
Vitamin C: 25%
Calcium: 3%
Iron: 4%
This salad is not only light and refreshing, but it’s also packed with essential nutrients. Cucumbers provide hydration and are rich in antioxidants, while tomatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C. The olive oil adds healthy fats that can benefit heart health.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftover Cucumber Tomato Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day.
Reheat: This salad is best enjoyed fresh and chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it. However, if the vegetables become too soggy, you can drain excess liquid before serving again.
To make the most of your leftovers, try these ideas:
- Sandwich filling: Use the leftover salad as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
- Pasta topping: Add the salad on top of cooked pasta for a quick and easy lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use cherry tomatoes instead of regular tomatoes?
A: Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes work wonderfully in this recipe, adding a burst of sweetness with each bite.
Q: What’s the best way to slice cucumbers for this salad?
A: You can slice them into rounds or half-moons, depending on your preference. For added texture, try peeling them in stripes to leave some of the skin on.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the vegetables and dressing separately and store them in the fridge. Combine them just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Related Recipes
Here are a few related recipes you might enjoy, based on Optimal Recipes’ sitemap:
Conclusion
This Cucumber Tomato Salad is the perfect go-to recipe for those looking to enjoy fresh, simple, and healthy flavors. I encourage you to try it for your next meal, and don’t forget to share your thoughts or personal twists on the recipe. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this salad is sure to impress!
If you’ve made your own variation of this dish, we’d love to hear about it! Please leave a comment below or share your experience on social media.
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Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe | Fresh & Healthy Delight
Description
Welcome to this vibrant and refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe! Whether you’re looking for a light side dish for a summer barbecue or a simple, nutritious lunch, this salad is the perfect solution. Packed with fresh vegetables and bursting with flavor, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Keep reading to discover how you can easily prepare this healthy, delicious meal at home.
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers, sliced
- 4 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: Feta cheese, crumbled (for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Begin by washing all the vegetables thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers, dice the tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large salad bowl, toss together the cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and fresh parsley.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste preference.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Optional toppings: If you’re adding feta cheese, sprinkle it on top just before serving.
Cooking tip: For a more flavorful salad, let it sit in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes after adding the dressing. This will allow the vegetables to absorb the flavors of the dressing, making the salad even more delicious.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use fresh ingredients: Since this salad relies heavily on the natural flavor of the vegetables, be sure to use the freshest cucumbers and tomatoes you can find.
- Customize to your taste: Feel free to add extra herbs like basil or mint for a fresh twist. You can also experiment with different types of vinegar or lemon juice in the dressing for a slightly different flavor.
