There’s nothing quite like a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad on a hot summer day. This simple yet delightful dish is a crowd-pleaser, with its crisp, juicy veggies and tangy dressing. Whether you’re serving it as a light side or enjoying it as a main course, this salad is sure to hit the spot and leave you feeling satisfied.
Cucumber and tomato salad is a classic for a reason – the combination of cool, crunchy cucumbers and juicy, flavorful tomatoes is a match made in heaven. This recipe takes that beloved pairing and elevates it with a few key ingredients, creating a salad that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What’s not to love about this cucumber and tomato salad? It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it the perfect last-minute addition to any summer gathering. The vibrant colors and refreshing crunch offer a delightful contrast, while the zesty dressing ties everything together in perfect harmony.
Beyond its appeal to the senses, this salad is also incredibly versatile. Serve it as a side dish, a light main course, or even as part of a larger Mediterranean-inspired spread. The best part? It can be made ahead of time, making it a stress-free option for busy weeknights or entertaining.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Refreshing Cucumber and Tomato Salad ❓
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this cucumber and tomato salad is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy dressing creates a refreshing, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that has made this type of salad a perennial favorite.
📝 How to Make Refreshing Cucumber and Tomato Salad Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl with the cucumbers.
• Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the cucumber and tomato mixture, and gently toss to combine.
• Step 4: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the salad and toss again to evenly distribute the herbs.
• Step 5: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Chilling time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
Compared to traditional Mediterranean salads that can take up to 45 minutes to prepare, this refreshing cucumber and tomato salad saves you over 50% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 165mg
These refreshing cucumber and tomato salads provide approximately 10% of your daily vitamin C requirements and 6% of your daily vitamin K needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Swap the cherry tomatoes for halved grape tomatoes or diced bell peppers to reduce the carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use a plant-based yogurt or substitute the dressing with a lemon-herb vinaigrette.
• Added protein: Top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled feta cheese for a more substantial meal.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced cucumber, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra crunch and nutrients.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the refreshing cucumber and tomato salad.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Complement the salad with a crusty whole-grain baguette or pita bread for a heartier option.
• Create a complete summer spread by serving the cucumber and tomato salad alongside a leafy green salad and a refreshing watermelon feta salad.
• For a casual gathering, arrange the salad on a large platter with additional toppings like crumbled feta, olives, and fresh herbs for a visually appealing presentation.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Skipping the chilling time: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld and the vegetables to crisp up, resulting in a more refreshing and flavorful dish.
• Using the wrong type of vinegar: Red wine vinegar provides the perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, so avoid substituting with a harsher vinegar like white or distilled.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These refreshing cucumber and tomato salads retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing: This salad does not freeze well, as the high water content of the vegetables can cause the texture to become watery and mushy upon thawing.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cucumber and tomato salad can be made up to 3 days in advance. Simply prepare the salad, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and toss it again before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors.
Can I substitute other vegetables?
Yes, you can easily customize this salad by swapping in other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or diced zucchini. Just be sure to maintain the overall vegetable-to-dressing ratio for the best flavor and texture.
Is this salad suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
With a few simple modifications, this cucumber and tomato salad can be adapted for low-carb and keto diets. Swap the cherry tomatoes for diced bell peppers or use a low-carb dressing, such as a lemon-herb vinaigrette or a creamy, yogurt-based dressing.
What should I do if the salad seems watery?
If your cucumber and tomato salad appears watery, try draining the excess liquid before serving. You can also try adding a bit more Dijon mustard or vinegar to the dressing, as this can help emulsify the flavors and prevent separation.
Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! This salad is incredibly versatile and can be customized with additional ingredients like crumbled feta cheese, olives, fresh herbs, or even grilled chicken or shrimp for a more substantial meal. Just be mindful of the overall flavor balance and texture when adding new elements.
Conclusion
These refreshing cucumber and tomato salads represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a light, healthy side dish or enjoying them as a main course, they’re sure to impress with their vibrant colors, crunchy texture, and zesty dressing.
The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this cucumber and tomato salad demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality produce and a little bit of care in the assembly.
Print
Refreshing Cucumber and Tomato Salad
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
• 3 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
• Step 1: Peel and slice the cucumbers into rounds or half-moons. Place them in a large bowl.
• Step 2: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl with the cucumbers.
• Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the cucumber and tomato mixture, and gently toss to combine.
• Step 4: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top of the salad and toss again to evenly distribute the herbs.
• Step 5: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Refreshing Cucumber and Tomato Salad
