Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a picnic in the park, or simply looking for a healthy side dish, this salad stands out with its bright flavors and crisp textures. The combination of juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers creates a delightful balance that pairs well with various main courses. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal no-cook recipe when you need something light and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This salad comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy days.
• Fresh Ingredients: Using garden-fresh vegetables ensures maximum flavor and nutrition.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side or a light main dish, it complements many meals.
• Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or veggies to suit your taste.
• Healthy Choice: Low in calories yet packed with nutrients, this salad fits well into any healthy eating plan.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing Cucumber Tomato Salad easy and enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need before starting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Glass measuring cup
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife is crucial for cleanly cutting the tomatoes and cucumber without bruising them.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows plenty of space for tossing ingredients together without spilling.
• Glass measuring cup: It’s great for whisking the dressing, allowing you to mix ingredients easily while measuring accurately.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 8 Small Vine Cocktail Tomatoes (not grape or cherry, but actual vine tomatoes)
• 1 English Cucumber
• 1 Pinch Brown Sugar
• 1/4 Red Onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 Tablespoons Parsley (fresh, chopped)
• 2 Tablespoons Cilantro (fresh, chopped)
• 2 Pinches Salt
• 2 Pinches Pepper

For the Dressing

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

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Tomatoes

1. Cut each tomato into 6–8 wedges and then halve them.
2. Place them in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Slice the Cucumber

1. Trim the ends off of the cucumber.
2. Slice in half lengthwise to create two pieces.
3. Slice these pieces into 1/4 thick slices and add them to the bowl with the tomatoes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Toss the tomatoes and cucumber with brown sugar, sliced red onion, parsley, cilantro, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

1. In a glass measuring cup, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, brown sugar, dried basil, kosher salt, and pepper until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble Salad

1. Pour the dressing over the tomato salad mixture.
2. Toss gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

1. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit on the counter for 1–6 hours or refrigerate if longer.
2. Serve fresh alongside grilled or toasted crostini bread for an extra treat!

How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with many meals. Here are some creative ways to serve this refreshing salad.

As a Standalone Dish

• Serve it chilled for a light lunch. This salad can be a fantastic option on hot days.

Paired with Grilled Meats

• Enjoy it alongside grilled chicken or fish. The freshness of the salad complements the smoky flavors perfectly.

On Crostini

• Spoon the salad onto toasted crostini. This makes for an excellent appetizer at gatherings.

With Feta Cheese

• Crumble some feta cheese over the top. It adds creaminess and enhances the Mediterranean flavor profile.

As a Taco Filling

• Use it as a topping for tacos. The crunch and freshness brighten up any taco dish.

Save it!

How to Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad

To achieve the ideal Cucumber Tomato Salad, consider these helpful tips for enhancing flavor and texture.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh cucumbers and tomatoes make all the difference in taste and texture.
• Let it marinate – Allowing the salad to sit for at least an hour helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Adjust seasoning – Taste before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor.
• Add nuts or seeds – For extra crunch, consider adding toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds.
• Experiment with herbs – Try adding dill or mint for a unique twist on traditional flavors.
• Serve cold – Chilling the salad before serving heightens its refreshing qualities, especially on warm days.

Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad pairs excellently with several side dishes that enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options.

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers – Juicy chicken skewers seasoned with herbs complement the freshness of the salad.
2. Quinoa Pilaf – A nutty quinoa pilaf provides a hearty base that balances out the lightness of the salad.
3. Pita Bread with Hummus – Soft pita bread served with creamy hummus makes for a satisfying combination.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and flavor; their warmth contrasts nicely with the cool salad.
5. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice and beans can provide a satisfying vegetarian option.
6. Cold Pasta Salad – A light pasta salad tossed in olive oil keeps things refreshing while providing more substance to your meal.
7. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can be paired alongside, offering various textures and flavors to enjoy with your salad.
8. Baked Falafel – Crispy falafel bites add protein and deliciousness, making this pairing both tasty and filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cucumber Tomato Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for while preparing this refreshing dish.

• Using the wrong tomatoes: Choosing grape or cherry tomatoes instead of vine tomatoes can affect the flavor and texture. Stick with small vine cocktail tomatoes for the best results.
• Ignoring seasoning: Not adding enough salt and pepper can lead to a bland salad. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
• Cutting vegetables too large: If your cucumber and tomatoes are cut too large, they may be hard to mix and eat. Aim for bite-sized pieces for a better experience.
• Not letting it marinate: Skipping the marination step can result in a less flavorful salad. Allow the ingredients to sit together for at least an hour before serving.
• Overdressing: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Use just enough to coat the ingredients without drowning them.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Cucumber Tomato Salad in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep it away from strong-smelling foods as cucumbers can absorb odors.

Freezing Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as cucumbers become mushy once thawed.
• If you must freeze, consider separating the dressing from the salad until ready to serve.

Reheating Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Oven: Not recommended, as this dish is best served cold or at room temperature.
• Microwave: Avoid using the microwave; it will change the salad’s texture.
• Stovetop: Again, not recommended since Cucumber Tomato Salad should be enjoyed fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my Cucumber Tomato Salad?

Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or avocados for extra flavor and nutrition.

How do I make this salad vegan?

The recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure that any additional ingredients you add are also plant-based.

How can I make my Cucumber Tomato Salad spicier?

You can add chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!

What herbs work well in Cucumber Tomato Salad?

Fresh herbs like dill or mint can enhance the flavor profile of your salad beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a light and refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your preferences, making it an excellent addition to summer meals or barbecue gatherings. Give it a try and explore different variations!