Description

Bright, crisp, and simple, this Cucumber Tomato Salad is the ideal fresh side for warm-weather meals or a light, healthy lunch. Drawing on Mediterranean flavors, the salad highlights quality vegetables, a tangy olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing, and optional crumbled feta for a savory finish. It’s quick to prepare, nutritious, and easy to customize to suit your taste.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• 2 medium cucumbers, sliced
• 4 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Substitutions: Swap red onion for a milder sweet onion or shallots if preferred. Omit feta for a dairy-free version or substitute with a vegan cheese.

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

1. Wash and prep: Rinse all vegetables. Slice cucumbers into rounds or half-moons, dice the tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
2. Combine: In a large bowl, gently toss the cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and chopped parsley.
3. Make the dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Toss: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss until evenly coated.
5. Finish: Sprinkle crumbled feta over the top just before serving, if using.

Tip: Refrigerate the salad for 15–20 minutes after dressing to let the flavors meld. Drain any excess liquid from overly juicy tomatoes before tossing to avoid a watery salad.

Helpful Tips for the Best Salad

• Choose ripe tomatoes: Flavorful, firm tomatoes make a big difference—vine-ripened or heirloom varieties work well.
• Keep it crisp: If your cucumbers are seedy, scoop out the seeds for a firmer texture. Leaving some skin on adds color and nutrients.
• Customize herbs: Add chopped basil, mint, or dill for a fresh twist. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dressing.
• Adjust acidity: Swap red wine vinegar for white wine vinegar or lemon juice for a different vinaigrette profile.

Flavor and Texture Enhancements

• Add crunch: Include diced bell peppers, thinly sliced radishes, or toasted pine nuts.
• Make it creamy: Stir a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard into the dressing for a smoother, richer texture.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small spoonful of minced garlic to the dressing for an extra kick.

Serving Suggestions

This Cucumber Tomato Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or steak, and complements Mediterranean dishes such as falafel, grilled halloumi, or a hummus platter. For a light meal, serve it with crusty bread, pita, or alongside a bowl of chilled soup. It also works well atop cooked pasta for a quick, nourishing lunch.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Fat: 9 g (mostly from olive oil)
• Fiber: 2 g
• Vitamin A: ~15% DV
• Vitamin C: ~25% DV
• Calcium: ~3% DV
• Iron: ~4% DV

Notes: Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, while tomatoes provide vitamins A and C and beneficial antioxidants. Olive oil supplies heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Storage and Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The flavors will deepen, though the vegetables may become slightly softer.

Reusing leftovers: Drain any excess liquid before serving. Use the salad as a sandwich or wrap filling, toss it with warm pasta for a quick meal, or spoon it over cooked grains for a healthy bowl.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use cherry tomatoes?
A: Yes—cherry or grape tomatoes work wonderfully and add a burst of sweetness.

Q: How should I slice the cucumbers?
A: Slice into rounds or half-moons depending on preference. Peeling stripes of skin creates a nice appearance and lightens the texture.

Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Prepare vegetables and dressing separately and combine shortly before serving for the freshest texture. If dressed early, expect a softer salad.

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• Creamy Chicken and Orzo with Broccoli and Cheddar
• Savory Korean BBQ Chicken Skewers with Sweet and Spicy Glaze
• Fresh Summer Salad with Juicy Peaches and Crisp Corn

Conclusion

This Cucumber Tomato Salad is an easy, bright recipe that celebrates fresh ingredients. It’s versatile, healthy, and quick to make—perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or outdoor gatherings. Try the basic version first, then experiment with herbs, add-ins, or a creamy dressing to make it your own. If you prepare a variation, save it in your recipe notes so you can recreate your favorite version.