This tomato and cucumber salad is a light and refreshing dish, perfect for summer meals or as a side for grilled meats. It combines juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers with a simple dressing for a burst of flavor.
The recipe is easy to prepare and can be customized with additional ingredients like red onion, feta cheese, or herbs to enhance the taste.
Ingredients That Shine
The key to a delightful tomato and cucumber salad lies in the freshness of its ingredients.
Ripe tomatoes bring a juicy sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the crispness of cucumbers.
Choosing medium-sized, vibrant red tomatoes ensures that each bite bursts with flavor.
For the cucumbers, opt for firm, green varieties that provide a refreshing crunch.
Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate the dish, offering an aromatic touch that complements the vegetables perfectly.
Simple Yet Flavorful Dressing
A light dressing is essential for this salad, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through.
Combining olive oil with red wine vinegar or lemon juice creates a tangy balance that enhances the overall taste.
Seasoning with salt and pepper is crucial, as it brings out the freshness of the tomatoes and cucumbers.
Whisking the dressing together in a small bowl ensures an even distribution of flavors before drizzling it over the salad.
Preparation Made Easy
Preparing this salad is a quick and straightforward process.
Start by dicing the tomatoes and slicing the cucumbers into thin rounds.
If you choose to include red onion, thinly slice it to add a subtle sharpness.
Chopping the herbs adds a burst of color and flavor, making the salad visually appealing and delicious.
Combining Ingredients
Once all the ingredients are prepared, it’s time to bring them together.
In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and any additional ingredients like red onion and herbs.
Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to ensure everything is coated without bruising the vegetables.
This step is where the magic happens, as the flavors meld together beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serving this salad can be as casual or as elegant as you desire.
Transfer the salad to a rustic bowl for a charming presentation, perfect for a summer gathering or a family meal.
For added enjoyment, serve it alongside grilled meats or as a refreshing side dish at picnics.
Chilling the salad for 15-30 minutes before serving can enhance the flavors, making it even more refreshing.
Nutritional Benefits
This tomato and cucumber salad is not only delicious but also nutritious.
With approximately 120 calories per serving, it makes for a light yet satisfying dish.
The combination of vegetables provides essential vitamins and minerals, while the olive oil adds healthy fats.
It’s a great option for those looking to enjoy a wholesome meal without compromising on flavor.
Quick Tomato and Cucumber Salad Recipe
This salad features ripe tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers, tossed together with a dressing of olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
- 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the tomatoes and slice the cucumbers. If using, thinly slice the red onion and chop the herbs.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and herbs. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 8g