Cucumber and Tomato Salad
When the sun is high and the temperatures soar, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a crisp, cool cucumber and tomato salad. This vibrant dish is a summertime staple, offering a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate and leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, packing a picnic, or simply craving a light and healthy meal, this cucumber and tomato salad is sure to delight. Its simple yet elegant presentation belies the depth of flavor and textural contrast that make it a perennial favorite.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
This cucumber and tomato salad is a true gem in the culinary world. Not only is it bursting with fresh, juicy flavors, but it’s also incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. The cool, crunchy cucumbers and juicy, ripe tomatoes are a match made in heaven, complemented by a tangy vinaigrette and a sprinkle of fragrant herbs.
What sets this salad apart is the perfect balance of textures – the crisp, refreshing cucumbers, the juicy, tender tomatoes, and the creamy, cooling dressing all come together to create a harmonious and satisfying dish. Plus, it’s a breeze to make, requiring minimal prep time and just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a solo lunch, this cucumber and tomato salad is sure to hit the spot.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Cucumber and Tomato Salad ❓
• 3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
The beauty of this cucumber and tomato salad is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette creates the Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile that has made salad recipes perennially popular.
📝 How to Make Cucumber and Tomato Salad Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Step 3: Pour the dressing over the cucumber and tomato mixture and toss gently to coat.
• Step 4: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the salad and toss again to distribute evenly.
• Step 5: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Chilling time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes
Compared to traditional Mediterranean salads that can take up to an hour to prepare, this cucumber and tomato salad saves you 15 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 160mg
These cucumber and tomato salads provide approximately 10% of your daily vitamin C requirements and 12% 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 sliced cucumber or zucchini for a lower-carb take on the salad.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use a plant-based milk or unsweetened almond milk in the dressing instead of dairy products.
• Added protein: Top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or chopped kale for an even more nutrient-dense salad.
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 cucumber and tomato salad.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with grilled fish, chicken, or steak for a complete meal.
• Complement with a light, leafy green salad and crusty bread for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
• For a picnic or potluck, serve the salad in individual portions on a platter, garnished with extra basil leaves and lemon wedges.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not chilling the salad: Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld and the texture to become crisp and refreshing.
• Skimping on the dressing: Be sure to coat the vegetables evenly with the vinaigrette to ensure every bite is flavorful.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These cucumber and tomato salads retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing: This salad does not freeze well, as the high water content of the cucumbers and tomatoes can cause the texture to become watery and mushy upon thawing.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this cucumber and tomato salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad up to 3 days in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve. The flavors will continue to meld and develop over time, making it even more delicious.
Can I substitute other vegetables for the cucumbers and tomatoes?
Absolutely! While cucumbers and tomatoes are the classic combination, you can also use diced bell peppers, sliced radishes, or even zucchini or yellow squash. Just be sure to adjust the other ingredients, such as the dressing, to complement the new vegetable additions.
Is this salad suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
Yes, with a few simple modifications, this cucumber and tomato salad can be easily adapted for a low-carb or keto diet. Instead of cherry tomatoes, use sliced cucumber or zucchini, and opt for a low-carb dressing like a creamy, lemon-based vinaigrette or a Greek yogurt-based dressing.
What can I do if my salad is too watery?
If your cucumber and tomato salad ends up being too watery, try adding a small amount of absorbent ingredients, such as crumbled feta cheese or toasted nuts or seeds. You can also try patting the sliced cucumbers and tomatoes dry with paper towels before assembling the salad to remove excess moisture.
Can I add additional herbs or spices to this recipe?
Absolutely! The beauty of this cucumber and tomato salad is its versatility. You can experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, parsley, or mint, or add a pinch of spices like cumin, chili powder, or paprika to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Conclusion
These cucumber and tomato salads represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a refreshing side dish at a backyard barbecue or packing them for a picnic, they’re sure to impress with their crisp, juicy, and vibrant flavors. 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 ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So, the next time you’re craving a light, healthy, and utterly delicious summer dish, look no further than this timeless classic.
Print
Cucumber and Tomato Salad
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
• 2 large cucumbers, peeled and sliced
• 3 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
• Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
• Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
• Step 3: Pour the dressing over the cucumber and tomato mixture and toss gently to coat.
• Step 4: Sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the salad and toss again to distribute evenly.
• Step 5: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Cucumber and Tomato Salad
