Cucumber Tomato Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a picnic in the park, or simply want a light and healthy side for dinner, this salad brings together the crispness of cucumbers and the juiciness of vine tomatoes. Its unique combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout choice among salads, ensuring it will be a hit at your next gathering.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Freshness: Bursting with garden-fresh flavors, this salad offers a delightful crunch.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this dish in under 20 minutes.
Versatile: Perfect as a side dish or light meal, it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own.
Healthy Choice: Packed with vitamins and low in calories, it’s a guilt-free addition to your meal.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better when it sits for a while, making it great for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Cucumber Tomato Salad doesn’t require many tools, but having the right ones can make the process easier. Here are some essential tools you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Sharp Knife
Cutting Board
Glass Measuring Cup
Mixing Bowl

Importance of Each Tool

Sharp Knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts on the tomatoes and cucumber, enhancing presentation and texture.
Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients safely.
Glass Measuring Cup: Ideal for whisking dressing ingredients; it’s easy to pour from and monitor measurements.
Mixing Bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to combine all ingredients evenly without spilling.

Ingredients

For the Cucumber Tomato Salad, gather the following ingredients:

Fresh Produce

8 Small Vine Cocktail Tomatoes (not grape or cherry)
1 English Cucumber
1/4 Red Onion (thinly sliced)
2 Tablespoons Parsley (fresh, chopped)
2 Tablespoons Cilantro (fresh, chopped)

Seasonings & Oils

1 Pinch Brown Sugar
2 Pinches Salt
2 Pinches Pepper
1/2 Cup Olive Oil
1/4 Cup Red Wine Vinegar
1 Squeeze Lemon Juice
3 Cloves Garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1 teaspoon Dried Basil (or 2 teaspoons fresh, chopped)

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

Cut each tomato into 6-8 wedges and then halve them. This creates bite-sized pieces that are easy to eat.

Step 2: Slice the Cucumber

Trim the ends off of the cucumber.
Slice in half lengthwise to create two pieces.
Cut into 1/4 slices for uniformity.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, toss the tomatoes with brown sugar, red onion, parsley, cilantro, salt, and pepper until well mixed.

Step 4: Whisk the Dressing

In a glass measuring cup, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, kosher salt, one pinch of pepper, and brown sugar until combined.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the tomato mixture in the bowl.
Gently toss until everything is coated evenly.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Cover with plastic wrap and let sit on the counter for 1-6 hours or refrigerate if longer.
Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside grilled crostini bread for an added crunch!

Enjoy this delightful Cucumber Tomato Salad as part of your next meal!

How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a refreshing side dish that pairs well with various meals. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

As a Light Lunch

Enjoy it on its own for a quick and healthy lunch option, perfect for warm days.
Pair it with whole-grain pita or wraps for added fiber and texture.

With Grilled Meats

Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish to complement the flavors of the meat.
The fresh ingredients in the salad balance nicely with smoky grilled flavors.

On Crostini

Spoon the salad onto toasted crostini for an easy appetizer.
This adds a satisfying crunch and makes for an impressive presentation at gatherings.

As Part of a Buffet

Include it in a buffet spread at parties or potlucks.
Its vibrant colors and fresh taste make it an attractive dish that everyone will enjoy.

With Feta Cheese

Crumble feta cheese over the salad for added creaminess and flavor.
This twist gives your Cucumber Tomato Salad a Mediterranean flair.

How to Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad

To achieve the best flavor and texture, consider these tips when making your Cucumber Tomato Salad.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for the best taste.
Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to rest in the fridge. This enhances the flavors as they meld together.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad before serving. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice based on your preference.
Experiment with Herbs: Try different herbs like dill or mint to customize the flavor profile of your salad.
Serve Immediately: For optimal freshness, serve the salad soon after preparing it, especially if using delicate herbs.

Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad makes a fantastic addition to many dishes. Here are some side dish ideas that pair beautifully with it.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken grilled to perfection complements the fresh flavors of the salad.
Quinoa Pilaf: A hearty quinoa mix adds protein and serves as a filling base next to your salad.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide warmth and depth next to the lightness of your Cucumber Tomato Salad.
Pasta Primavera: A colorful vegetable pasta can create a vibrant meal that’s both filling and nutritious.
Hummus Platter: Pair with assorted vegetables and pita chips for a fun finger food option that balances flavors well.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be filled with grains or meats for a hearty side that complements your refreshing salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Cucumber Tomato Salad can be simple, but some common mistakes can affect the flavor and freshness. Here are a few to watch out for:

Using the wrong tomatoes: Many people opt for grape or cherry tomatoes, but vine cocktail tomatoes add the best flavor. Stick to small vine tomatoes for an authentic taste.
Not seasoning properly: Skipping salt and pepper can lead to blandness. Always season your salad ingredients well to enhance their natural flavors.
Cutting vegetables unevenly: If the cucumber and tomato pieces are not uniform, they won’t marinate evenly. Aim for consistent sizes for better texture and presentation.
Dressing too early: Adding dressing too soon can make the salad soggy. Dress your Cucumber Tomato Salad just before serving or allow it to marinate for a short time.
Neglecting fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro elevate the dish. Don’t skip them; they add brightness and depth of flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Freezing Cucumber Tomato Salad

It is not recommended to freeze this salad as it contains ingredients that may become mushy when thawed.

Reheating Cucumber Tomato Salad

Oven: Not necessary; this salad is best served cold or at room temperature.
Microwave: Avoid reheating; it is meant to be a fresh dish.
Stovetop: Not applicable; serve cold or let sit at room temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Cucumber Tomato Salad?

You can easily customize this salad by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or avocados. Cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, also makes a great addition.

How long does Cucumber Tomato Salad last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it lasts about 3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh.

What is the best way to serve Cucumber Tomato Salad?

Serve chilled as a side dish with grilled meats or on crostini for an appetizer. It pairs wonderfully with summer meals.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time but wait until just before serving to add the dressing. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy.

Final Thoughts

The Cucumber Tomato Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with various veggies or herbs. Try this recipe today and enjoy its delightful flavors!

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Cucumber Tomato Salad

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Author: Cara
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a delightful, easy-to-make dish bursting with fresh flavors, perfect for any occasion. This vibrant salad combines the crispness of English cucumbers with the juiciness of vine-ripened tomatoes, creating a refreshing side that pairs beautifully with grilled meats or serves as a light meal on its own. Tossed together with fresh herbs and a zesty dressing, this salad is not only colorful but also rich in vitamins and low in calories. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply enjoying a quiet dinner, this salad will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings for something healthy and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale

8 small vine cocktail tomatoes
1 English cucumber
1/4 red onion
2 tablespoons fresh parsley
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
1 pinch brown sugar
2 pinches salt
2 pinches pepper
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 squeeze lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried basil (or 2 teaspoons fresh, chopped)

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Instructions

Cut the tomatoes into wedges and halve them.
Slice the cucumber lengthwise, then cut into uniform pieces.
In a mixing bowl, combine tomatoes with brown sugar, onion, parsley, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, kosher salt, pepper, and sugar in a glass measuring cup.
Pour the dressing over the tomato mixture; toss gently to coat.
Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Mediterranean