Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

Few things capture the essence of summer quite like a fresh, vibrant bowl of Cucumber Tomato Salad. With its delightful crunch, bright acidity, and garden-fresh flavors, this salad makes the simplest vegetables truly shine. Every bite is cool and refreshing, bringing together crisp cucumbers, juicy grape tomatoes, and a tangy herb vinaigrette that wakes up your palate. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, a quick lunch, or a family picnic, this classic Cucumber Tomato Salad is a recipe you’ll come back to all season long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of essential ingredients build such incredible flavor and color in this Cucumber Tomato Salad. Each ingredient has a key role, from adding a splash of color to delivering that perfect crunch or bite. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a tip for getting the most out of every item:

• English cucumber: Sweeter and seedless, these add perfect crunch without bitterness.
• Grape tomatoes: Slicing these in half exposes their juices, mingling beautifully into the dressing.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced, it adds a zesty bite and gorgeous color contrast.
• Chopped parsley: Fresh parsley not only adds a burst of color but a fresh herbal lift with every spoonful.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Use the best you have, as its fruity flavor rounds out the salad beautifully.
• Red wine vinegar: This gives the salad its signature tang and brings out the natural flavors of the vegetables.
• Granulated sugar (or honey): Just a touch mellows the acidity and balances the vinaigrette.
• Dried basil: This pantry staple enhances the overall savoriness and adds an earthy, classic Italian note.
• Salt: Essential for making every flavor pop and drawing out vegetable juices.
• Ground black pepper: A subtle kick that finishes the salad off with gentle warmth.

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prep the Vegetables

Start by washing your vegetables thoroughly to ensure they’re crisp and clean. Slice the English cucumber into rounds, then quarter each round for easy, bite-sized pieces. Next, halve your grape tomatoes so their sweet juices can mingle in every forkful. Finally, slice your red onion into super-thin strips. The thinner, the better, so the onion doesn’t overpower but instead adds just the right accent.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, granulated sugar (or honey), dried basil, salt, and ground black pepper. Whisk it all together until the sugar and salt are dissolved and the mixture looks a bit creamy. This simple dressing is the secret to the bright, irresistible flavor that defines Cucumber Tomato Salad, balancing tartness with a hint of sweetness and that herbal, savory touch.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Add the quartered cucumber, halved grape tomatoes, thinly sliced onion, and chopped parsley to a large salad bowl. Drizzle the whisked dressing over everything, then gently toss to coat all the vegetables evenly. Make sure every piece is kissed by that vibrant vinaigrette, as this step ensures every bite is as flavorful as the next.

Step 4: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Cover your bowl with a tight-fitting lid or a layer of plastic wrap, and pop it in the fridge. Let the salad chill for at least two hours—the magic window when the veggies soak up all those savory, herby, tangy notes. This not only cools the salad down for serving but allows the flavors to fully develop and meld together, making this Cucumber Tomato Salad extra delicious.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Right before serving, give your salad one last gentle toss. This step ensures any dressing that has settled at the bottom comes back up to coat the veggies evenly. Your Cucumber Tomato Salad is now perfectly dressed, wonderfully cool, and ready to delight!

How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Salad

Garnishes

Bring your Cucumber Tomato Salad to life with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley, a grind of fresh black pepper, or even a few slivers of fresh basil. If you love a little cheese, crumble some creamy feta overtop just before serving for an extra punch of flavor and color.

Side Dishes

This salad is versatile and pairs beautifully with just about any main dish. Try serving it alongside grilled chicken, simple baked fish, or as a refreshing counterpoint to a rich pasta. The light, crisp flavors of the Cucumber Tomato Salad cut through heavier meals and balance out rich or spicy foods with refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Cucumber Tomato Salad into a showstopper by layering it in a clear trifle bowl or serving it in individual glass cups at parties. You can also heap it onto toasted baguette slices as a fresh bruschetta topping, or even tuck it inside pita pockets for a light, veggie-packed lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Cucumber Tomato Salad, transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay crisp and flavorful for up to two days, though the cucumbers may release more liquid over time. Simply drain off any excess before serving again and give it a quick toss to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

Unfortunately, Cucumber Tomato Salad does not freeze well, as the fresh vegetables become soggy and lose their wonderful crunch after thawing. This recipe truly shines when served fresh or within a day or two of making.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Cucumber Tomato Salad—all those cool, crisp textures are what make it so irresistible. If your salad has been chilling in the fridge, just let it sit out for a few minutes before serving to take off the chill and revive the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of English cucumbers?

Absolutely! If using regular cucumbers, you may want to peel them and scoop out the seeds to avoid bitterness and excess moisture. The salad will still be full of fresh crunch and flavor.

Is there a way to make this Cucumber Tomato Salad vegan-friendly?

Yes! The standard recipe is already vegan if you use sugar instead of honey in the dressing. Just double-check your sugar is vegan, and you’re all set with a completely plant-based dish.

What other herbs can I add for extra flavor?

Feel free to get creative. Fresh dill, chopped mint, or even chives can add a different twist and keep things interesting. Mixing herbs keeps the salad lively and lets you customize each batch to your taste.

Can I make Cucumber Tomato Salad a day ahead?

You can absolutely make this salad earlier in the day, or even the night before serving. Just be aware that the longer it sits, the more liquid will be released from the cucumbers and tomatoes. A quick toss before serving freshens it right up.

How can I reduce the sharpness of the raw onion?

To mellow raw red onion, soak the slices in cold water for ten minutes before adding them to the salad. This softens their bite while preserving their lovely color and crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Tomato Salad is the kind of simple, joyful dish that makes ordinary meals feel like a celebration. I hope you’ll try it soon and experience just how irresistible its fresh flavors and colors can be!

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