Looking for a light, vibrant, and utterly delicious salad? This Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad is your answer! Bursting with fresh flavors and simple ingredients, it’s the perfect side dish or light meal for any occasion. Inspired by the freshest summer produce, this salad is incredibly easy to make and will surely become a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad

This Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad is more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors! Here are some reasons why you’ll absolutely love it:

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
Fresh & Flavorful: A delightful combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, and herbs.
Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with vitamins and fiber.
Versatile: Perfect as a side, appetizer, or light lunch.
Budget-Friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients.
Customizable: Easily adapt to your taste preferences.
Refreshing: A perfect cool dish for warm weather.

Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying and will leave you feeling refreshed and energized. Simple to make, even for beginner cooks!

Ingredients Needed for Cucumber Tomato Salad

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delightful Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad. Quality ingredients make all the difference!

2 medium cucumbers, peeled and diced (approximately 500g) – Choose firm cucumbers for the best texture.
2 medium tomatoes, diced (approximately 400g) – Look for ripe but firm tomatoes. Roma or vine-ripened varieties work great.
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (approximately 75g) – Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (approximately 15g) – Flat-leaf parsley offers the best flavor.
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (approximately 15g) – Fresh mint adds a wonderful aroma and refreshing taste.
2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml) – Extra virgin olive oil is highly recommended.
2 tablespoons lemon juice (30ml) – Freshly squeezed is always best for a zesty flavor.
1 clove garlic, minced (approximately 3g) – Adds a subtle but important depth of flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste – Season generously!

For the best flavor, use fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. You can often find the freshest herbs at your local farmer’s market.

Essential Equipment List

Having the right tools can make preparing this Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad even easier. Here’s a quick rundown:

Large bowl: For mixing the salad ingredients.
Small bowl: To prepare the dressing.
Knife: For dicing and slicing the vegetables.
Cutting board: Protects your countertop while chopping.
Whisk: For emulsifying the dressing ingredients.
Measuring spoons & cups: Ensure accurate ingredient measurements.

A good quality knife will make dicing the vegetables a breeze. A microplane can also be handy for mincing garlic quickly!

Recipe Details

- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4-6

Close-up of fresh cucumber and tomato salad.

Difficulty: Easy

This Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad is incredibly easy to scale up for larger gatherings. Just increase the ingredient quantities proportionally.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad. Each step is designed to ensure a flavorful and beautiful result.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by peeling and dicing the cucumbers and tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion. Remember, soaking the sliced red onion in cold water for a few minutes can reduce its sharpness. This will give a milder taste.

Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Add the chopped fresh parsley and fresh mint to the bowl. The combination of fresh herbs is what gives this salad its signature aroma and taste!

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Make sure to whisk vigorously to emulsify the oil and lemon juice. A well-emulsified dressing will coat the salad ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the cucumber and tomato mixture. Gently toss everything together until well combined, ensuring that all the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the tomatoes mushy.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your liking. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional but highly recommended. Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Serve chilled and enjoy!

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing! It gives a nice kick.

CHECK OUT:
Easy Cucumber Caprese Salad – Another simple, refreshing salad perfect for summer!

Tips for Success

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad is a total success!

Use fresh ingredients: The quality of the ingredients makes a big difference in flavor.
Don’t over-mix: Over-mixing can make the tomatoes mushy.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Chill before serving: Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld together.
Soak the red onion: To reduce the sharpness of the red onion, soak it in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad.

A little planning ahead can make the process even smoother. Pre-chop your vegetables to save time during assembly!

Variations & Substitutions

Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try with this Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad:

Add cheese: Feta cheese or mozzarella balls add a creamy, salty element.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Different herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, basil, or oregano.
Vinegar: Substitute balsamic vinegar for lemon juice for a different flavor profile.
Avocado: Add diced avocado for a creamy texture and healthy fats.

For a vegan version, ensure you are using a high-quality olive oil and avoid adding cheese. Get creative and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad

This Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

Grilled meats: Perfect alongside grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
Vegetarian entrees: Complements veggie burgers, grilled halloumi, or lentil loaf.
Sandwiches & wraps: Adds freshness to your favorite sandwiches or wraps.
Appetizer: Serve as a refreshing appetizer before a meal.

For a complete meal, consider adding a protein source like grilled tofu or chickpeas directly to the salad. It’s also delicious with a side of crusty bread!

Health Benefits

This Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad isn’t just delicious; it’s also packed with health benefits. Here are some highlights:

Cucumbers: Provide hydration and essential vitamins.
Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants like lycopene.
Olive oil: A source of healthy monounsaturated fats.
Fresh herbs: Offer vitamins and minerals.

Plus, this salad is naturally low in calories and high in fiber, making it a great choice for weight management and digestive health. It’s like a refreshing vitamin boost in a bowl!

Storage & Reheating

To keep your Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Drain excess liquid: Before storing, drain any excess liquid to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

This salad is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Just give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the salad a few hours ahead of time. However, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.

Can I use different types of tomatoes?

Absolutely! Cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or heirloom tomatoes all work well in this salad. Choose your favorite or use a mix for added flavor and visual appeal.

What if I don’t have fresh mint or parsley?

While fresh herbs are ideal, you can use dried herbs in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herb for every tablespoon of fresh herb called for in the recipe.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Yes! Bell peppers, celery, or carrots would all be delicious additions to this salad. Feel free to customize it to your liking.

How can I make this salad spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing, or include a finely chopped jalapeño in the salad for a spicy kick.

Is this salad vegan?

Yes, this salad is naturally vegan as long as you use a high-quality olive oil and avoid adding any cheese.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 150
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrate: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 3g

Please note that the exact nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

Craving more fresh and flavorful salads? Check out these other amazing recipes!

Apple Arugula Salad – A delightful combination of sweet and peppery flavors.
Cucumber Feta Salad – A simple and refreshing salad with salty feta cheese.
Chickpea Tomato Basil Salad – A hearty and flavorful salad perfect for lunch.

These salads are all quick, easy, and packed with healthy ingredients. Enjoy!

Conclusion

This Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad is a fast, flavorful, and incredibly versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s simple, healthy, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whip it up tonight and tag us with your masterpiece!

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Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe