How to Make a Refreshing Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Tomato and cucumber salad is a light, refreshing dish perfect for any meal or as a standalone snack. Bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients, this salad is easy to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste. Here’s a simple guide to creating a delicious tomato and cucumber salad.

Ingredients

To make a basic tomato and cucumber salad, you will need:

• Tomatoes: 2-3 medium-sized ripe tomatoes (heirloom, Roma, or cherry tomatoes work well)
• Cucumbers: 1 large cucumber (English cucumbers are great as they have fewer seeds)
• Red Onion: 1 small red onion (optional, for added flavor)
• Fresh Herbs: A handful of fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil for dressing
• Vinegar: Balsamic, red wine, or apple cider vinegar
• Salt and Pepper: To taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by washing the tomatoes and cucumbers thoroughly. If using regular cucumbers, you may want to peel them for a smoother texture, but leaving the skin on adds extra nutrients and crunch.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

1. Cut the Tomatoes: If using large tomatoes, slice them into wedges or chunks. Cherry tomatoes can be halved or left whole if they are small enough.
2. Slice the Cucumbers: Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, then slice it into half-moon shapes or small rounds, depending on your preference.
3. Add Onions: If using red onion, thinly slice it and add it to the bowl for a sharp flavor kick.

Step 3: Mix Everything

Combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion in a large bowl. Use a gentle tossing motion to mix the vegetables so they stay intact and don’t become mushy.

Step 4: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and vinegar in a ratio of about 3:1, adding salt and pepper to taste. You can adjust the acidity by using more or less vinegar based on your preference.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until all the ingredients are well-coated. Be careful not to overmix, as you want the pieces to remain intact.

Step 6: Add Fresh Herbs

Chop your choice of fresh herbs and sprinkle them over the salad. Herbs like basil or parsley add freshness and enhanced flavor.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Your tomato and cucumber salad is ready to be served! This dish can be enjoyed immediately, but letting it sit for 15-20 minutes can help the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve it as a side dish, over grilled protein, or as a refreshing light meal.

Tips for Customization

• Add Cheese: Crumbled feta or mozzarella can add creaminess to the salad.
• Include Avocado: Diced avocado adds healthy fats and a creamy texture.
• Experiment with Dressings: Use lemon juice or a yogurt-based dressing for a tangy twist.
• Crunch Factor: Consider adding bell peppers, radishes, or even olives for extra crunch and flavor.

Conclusion

Tomato and cucumber salad is a delightful dish with fresh ingredients. It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and refreshing, making it a perfect addition to any meal. Enjoy this salad on hot summer days or whenever you crave a light and tasty side! Experiment with flavors and ingredients to make it your own, and most importantly, enjoy every bite! For more variations and recipes, check out these websites: Food Network’s Cucumber and Tomato Salad, Simple Joy’s Cucumber Tomato Salad, and Mediterranean Dish’s 3-Ingredient Salad. You can also explore more easy recipes at Homemade Interest and Lean Green Bean. Check out our blog for other recipes. Happy cooking!

Last updated on April 6th, 2025 at 09:57 pm