This refreshing tomato cucumber salad is a light and healthy dish perfect for warm weather. Made with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a zesty dressing, it offers a burst of flavor and is ideal as a side dish or a light lunch.
The recipe is simple and quick to prepare, allowing you to enjoy fresh ingredients with minimal effort.
Ingredients That Shine
This salad features a delightful combination of fresh ingredients that not only taste great but also look stunning on the plate.
Bright red tomatoes serve as the star of the dish, providing a juicy, sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispness of green cucumbers.
Adding thinly sliced red onions introduces a mild sharpness, enhancing the overall taste profile.
To finish, a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of earthiness, making this salad visually appealing and refreshing.
Simple Preparation Steps
Preparing this salad is a breeze, making it an excellent choice for busy days.
Start by dicing the ripe tomatoes and slicing the cucumbers into thin rounds.
The red onion should be sliced thinly to ensure it blends well with the other ingredients.
Chopping the parsley adds a fresh touch that elevates the dish.
A Flavorful Dressing
The dressing is a key element that ties the salad together.
Combining olive oil and red wine vinegar creates a light vinaigrette that enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables.
Seasoning with salt, black pepper, and optional dried oregano adds depth and a hint of Mediterranean flair.
Whisking these ingredients together ensures a smooth and well-balanced dressing.
Combining the Ingredients
Once the vegetables are prepped and the dressing is ready, it’s time to bring everything together.
In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, red onions, and parsley.
Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Letting the salad sit for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This tomato cucumber salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways.
It makes a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or fish, adding a refreshing contrast to richer flavors.
Alternatively, enjoy it as a light lunch on its own or paired with crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
Serving it chilled or at room temperature enhances the experience, especially on warm days.
Nutritional Benefits
This salad not only pleases the palate but also offers several nutritional benefits.
With low calories and healthy fats from the olive oil, it’s a guilt-free option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
The fresh vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, making this dish both nourishing and delicious.
Enjoying this salad can be a delightful way to incorporate more fresh produce into your meals.
Easy Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe
This salad features juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. The recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 2 medium cucumbers, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the tomatoes, slice the cucumbers, and thinly slice the red onion. Chop the parsley.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano if using.
- Combine: In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, red onion, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 8g