Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe for Summer Bliss

Crisp, cool, and oh-so-refreshing, a cucumber tomato salad is like a summer breeze on a hot day. Imagine the crunch of fresh cucumbers mingling with juicy tomatoes, drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs. You can almost hear the flavors dancing together, singing in harmony. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a cozy family dinner, this salad is the perfect companion to your meals.

I vividly recall the first time I served this delightful concoction at a picnic. My friends devoured it faster than you could say “cucumber tomato salad,” leaving me both flattered and hungry! With its vibrant colors and tantalizing taste, this dish never fails to steal the show. Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Sharing this salad recipe always brings smiles and compliments from my family, proving that simple ingredients can create magic.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Cucumbers: Choose firm cucumbers for that satisfying crunch; Persian or English varieties work best.

• Ripe Tomatoes: Opt for juicy heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes for maximum flavor; they elevate the dish significantly.

• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a zesty kick; soak them in water briefly to mellow their sharpness.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green parsley brings freshness; chop it finely for even distribution throughout the salad.

• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil to enhance flavors; it’s worth splurging on good oil here.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the salad; skip bottled juice for best results.

• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; these essentials bring all the flavors together beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

First things first: Prep your veggies

Start by washing your cucumbers and tomatoes under running water. Pat them dry with a kitchen towel – nobody wants soggy veggies here!

Slice the cucumbers

Take those fresh cucumbers and slice them into bite-sized pieces. If you’re feeling fancy, use a mandoline for even cuts – just watch your fingers!

Chop the tomatoes

Next up, grab those ripe tomatoes and cut them into chunks. The juiciness should flow like summer rain; don’t worry if you get messy – that’s half the fun!

Add onions and parsley

Toss in thinly sliced red onion and chopped parsley. This combination not only looks gorgeous but also adds layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for your secret!

Dress it up

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice over your colorful mix. Sprinkle salt and pepper generously; this is where the magic happens.

Toss gently

Using two spoons or your hands (if you’re brave), gently toss everything together until well combined. The goal is to coat every piece without bruising those delicate tomatoes.

Serve immediately

Enjoy your cucumber tomato salad right away! For an extra touch, serve it chilled – it’s like giving your taste buds an ice-cold hug on a hot day.

Now that you know how to whip up this refreshing dish, get ready to impress your family and friends with minimal effort!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To maximize flavor, chop the cucumbers and tomatoes just before serving to maintain their freshness. Toss with dressing immediately to enhance taste.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in feta cheese or olives for extra flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or mint also add a vibrant twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Avoid reheating, as fresh salads are best served cold.

Sometimes, I serve this salad at family gatherings, and everyone asks for my “secret.” Little do they know it’s just fresh ingredients!

FAQ

Can I make cucumber tomato salad ahead of time?

While it’s best fresh, you can prepare ingredients a few hours beforehand.

What type of cucumbers work best?

English cucumbers are ideal due to their thin skin and fewer seeds.

How can I make this salad more filling?

Add quinoa or chickpeas for extra protein and texture without sacrificing flavor.

Print

Cucumber Tomato Salad

---

• Author: Mark Taylor
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crisp and refreshing, this cucumber tomato salad is the ultimate summer side dish that brightens any meal. With the crunch of fresh cucumbers and the juiciness of ripe tomatoes, all drizzled with olive oil and zesty lemon juice, it’s a flavor-packed medley that’s easy to prepare. Perfect for picnics or weeknight dinners, this vibrant salad will have your family and friends asking for more!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups fresh cucumbers, diced
• 2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Wash and dry cucumbers and tomatoes.
2. Dice cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.
3. Chop tomatoes into chunks.
4. Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley in a bowl.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
6. Toss gently until well combined.
7. Serve immediately or chill for extra refreshment.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Raw
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: For added flavor, try mixing in feta cheese or olives. Fresh herbs like basil can elevate the taste even further.