Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a delightful dish that perfectly balances freshness and flavor. This crisp salad combines juicy cucumbers and ripe tomatoes, making it an excellent side for a variety of meals. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this salad adds a refreshing touch to any occasion. With its vibrant colors and simple preparation, it’s bound to impress your guests and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This salad can be ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Fresh Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables, this Cucumber Tomato Salad is not only healthy but also bursting with flavor.
• Versatile Pairing: It pairs well with many dishes, especially grilled meats and hearty sides like mashed potatoes.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or herbs to make it your own!
• Light and Refreshing: Perfect for warm weather, this salad keeps things light without sacrificing taste.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essentials you’ll need when preparing this Cucumber Tomato Salad.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes cutting vegetables easy and safe, ensuring uniform pieces for better presentation.
• Large mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.

Ingredients

Fresh Vegetables

• 1 english cucumber (cubed)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes (cubed)
• 1 red bell pepper (cubed)
• 1 bunch green onion (chopped)
• 1 bunch radishes (cubed)

Herbs and Seasoning

• 1/4 cup parsley (finely chopped)
• salt & pepper (to taste)

Dressing Ingredients

• 1 small lemon (juiced)
• 3-5 tablespoons olive oil

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Begin by washing all your fresh vegetables under cool water. Cube the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and radishes into bite-sized pieces. Chop the green onions finely.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the prepared vegetables along with the finely chopped parsley.

Step 3: Add Dressing

Drizzle the lemon juice and olive oil over the vegetable mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Mix Thoroughly

Gently toss everything together until well combined. Ensure each piece of vegetable is coated with dressing for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Cucumber Tomato Salad!

How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a versatile dish that complements various meals. Its refreshing taste and vibrant colors make it an ideal side for many cuisines.

With Grilled Chicken

• Pair this salad with grilled chicken for a light and healthy meal. The flavors of the chicken enhance the freshness of the salad.

Alongside Steak

• This salad is a perfect accompaniment to steak. The crispness of the cucumbers and tomatoes balances the richness of the meat beautifully.

On a Picnic Plate

• Serve this salad at your next picnic. Pack it in a container, and enjoy it with sandwiches or wraps for a delightful outdoor meal.

As Part of a BBQ Spread

• Include this salad in your BBQ spread. It adds color and crunch between savory burgers and hot dogs.

How to Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad

To make your Cucumber Tomato Salad truly stand out, consider these simple tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh cucumbers and ripe tomatoes enhance flavor and texture.
• Chill before serving: Let the salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving for maximum freshness.
• Balance flavors: Adjust lemon juice, salt, and olive oil according to your taste preference for a well-rounded flavor.
• Garnish creatively: Add sliced olives or feta cheese on top for added taste and visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad pairs well with various side dishes, making your meal more satisfying. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic complement the salad’s freshness perfectly.

2. Grilled Vegetables
   A mix of seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection adds smoky depth to your meal.

3. Quinoa Pilaf
   Nutty quinoa pilaf offers a wholesome grain option that pairs nicely with this refreshing salad.

4. Roasted Chicken
   Juicy roasted chicken provides a hearty protein source that balances the lightness of the salad.

5. Herbed Rice
   Fluffy rice seasoned with herbs enhances your plate without overpowering it.

6. Stuffed Bell Peppers
   Colorful bell peppers stuffed with grains and veggies can add variety while maintaining healthy vibes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Cucumber Tomato Salad turns out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Boldly skipping the seasoning: Not adding salt and pepper can make your salad bland. Always season your salad to enhance its flavors.
• Boldly neglecting the vegetables’ freshness: Using wilted or overripe vegetables can ruin the dish. Choose fresh, crisp cucumbers and vibrant tomatoes for the best taste.
• Boldly cutting uneven pieces: Inconsistent sizes can lead to an unappealing look and texture. Chop all ingredients into similar sizes for a uniform presentation.
• Boldly rushing the mixing process: Gently mixing too vigorously can bruise the vegetables. Combine ingredients carefully to maintain their shape and crunch.
• Boldly omitting lemon juice: Skipping the lemon juice can result in a flat flavor profile. The acidity from the lemon brightens the salad, making it more refreshing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Freezing Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to the water content of cucumbers and tomatoes, which may affect texture upon thawing.

Reheating Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for a few minutes, but note that this is not ideal for salads.
• Microwave: Heat on low power for short bursts; however, fresh salads are best enjoyed cold.
• Stovetop: Not applicable as this dish does not require cooking or reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cucumber Tomato Salad.

What is Cucumber Tomato Salad?

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a refreshing dish made with fresh vegetables like cucumbers and tomatoes, often dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.

Can I customize my Cucumber Tomato Salad?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like bell peppers, olives, or feta cheese to tailor it to your taste preferences.

How long does Cucumber Tomato Salad last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, it can last up to 3 days without losing its freshness.

What are some variations of Cucumber Tomato Salad?

You can experiment with different herbs such as dill or cilantro, or try adding fruits like avocados for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Tomato Salad is a crisp and vibrant addition to any meal. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy its fresh flavors!

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Cucumber Tomato Salad

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• Author: Saphira
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x

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Description

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that elevates any meal with its crisp textures and delightful flavors. This easy-to-make salad features juicy cucumbers, ripe cherry tomatoes, and colorful bell peppers, all tossed in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a quick side for dinner, it’s not only bursting with freshness but also highly customizable to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a healthy dish, this salad brings brightness to your table while being incredibly simple to prepare.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 English cucumber (cubed)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 red bell pepper (cubed)
• 1 bunch green onions (chopped)
• 1 bunch radishes (cubed)
• 1/4 cup parsley (chopped)
• Juice of 1 small lemon
• 3–5 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt & pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Wash all vegetables under cool water. Cube the cucumber, halved the cherry tomatoes, cube the red bell pepper, and chop the radishes into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all prepared vegetables with chopped parsley.
3. Drizzle lemon juice and olive oil over the vegetable mix. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
4. Gently toss until well combined, ensuring every vegetable is coated in dressing.
5. Serve immediately as a side dish or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to enhance flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 80
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 55mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg