Cucumber Tomato Salad: A Refreshing Summer Recipe

The simple pleasure of a perfectly crafted Cucumber Tomato Salad is hard to beat. This vibrant dish, bursting with fresh flavors and textures, is the epitome of summer eating. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish for a barbecue, or a simple yet elegant appetizer, this Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe is your go-to solution. Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed on its own, alongside grilled meats, fish, or as a flavorful complement to your favorite sandwich. The combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette creates a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. This isn’t just a salad; it’s an experience, a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients transformed into a culinary masterpiece with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the details and unlock the secrets to creating the perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad.

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

This Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients; it’s a testament to simplicity and deliciousness. There are so many reasons why you’ll fall in love with this refreshing salad. First and foremost, it’s unbelievably easy to make. With just a handful of readily available ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you’ll have a stunning and flavorful salad ready to enjoy. The minimal cooking involved makes it perfect for those hot summer days when you want something light and refreshing without heating up the kitchen.

Beyond its ease of preparation, the Cucumber Tomato Salad offers an exceptional flavor profile. The delicate sweetness of the ripe tomatoes beautifully complements the cool crispness of the cucumbers. The red onion (optional, but highly recommended!) adds a subtle bite, enhancing the overall taste experience. And the simple yet effective vinaigrette, with its balance of acidity from the red wine vinegar and richness from the olive oil, brings all the ingredients together in perfect harmony. The fresh dill provides a final touch of aromatic freshness, elevating this salad from simple to sublime.

This salad is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different types of tomatoes, add other fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or even include some crumbled feta cheese for an extra layer of flavor. The recipe is easily adaptable to your personal preferences and dietary needs. It’s a fantastic blank canvas for your culinary creativity, allowing you to personalize it to perfection. Moreover, its beautiful presentation makes it an ideal choice for any occasion, from casual weeknight meals to more formal gatherings. The vibrant colors of the cucumbers and tomatoes are visually appealing, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. Finally, its health benefits are undeniable. This salad is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients, making it a guilt-free and satisfying choice.

Why You Should Try This Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

In a world of complicated recipes and time-consuming culinary endeavors, this Cucumber Tomato Salad stands out as a beacon of simplicity and deliciousness. It’s the perfect recipe for those who appreciate the art of fresh, wholesome ingredients transformed into a culinary masterpiece without the fuss. Its speed and ease make it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a healthy and satisfying meal ready in a flash.

Beyond its practicality, the Cucumber Tomato Salad boasts a unique flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying. The interplay of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes creates a culinary symphony that will delight your taste buds. The freshness of the ingredients ensures a vibrant, wholesome meal that is both healthy and delicious. This salad is not only a treat for your senses but also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins and antioxidants that contribute to overall well-being.

Furthermore, this Cucumber Tomato Salad is a superb choice for those seeking versatility in their cooking. The recipe is easily adaptable to various tastes and dietary preferences. It can be easily personalized to incorporate different herbs, cheeses, or even add some grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal. This adaptability ensures that this Cucumber Tomato Salad remains a culinary staple regardless of the season or occasion. Finally, this recipe serves as an excellent introduction to healthier eating habits, demonstrating that healthy and delicious can coexist in perfect harmony. Try it today and experience the magic of a truly exceptional salad!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Your Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Cucumbers: 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced. Choose cucumbers that are firm and crisp for the best texture. English cucumbers are a great option due to their thinner skin and lack of seeds. Learn more about choosing the perfect vegetables for your recipes here!
• Tomatoes: 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered if large. The flavor of your salad depends heavily on the quality of your tomatoes. Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best results. Heirloom tomatoes, with their unique colors and flavors, can add a beautiful touch.
• Red Onion (Optional): 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced. Red onion adds a delightful sharpness and balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and cucumbers. If you’re sensitive to onion flavor, you can use less, or substitute with a milder variety like white onion.
• Red Wine Vinegar: 1/4 cup. Red wine vinegar provides the perfect balance of acidity to cut through the sweetness of the tomatoes. You can experiment with other vinegars like white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, but red wine vinegar offers a more complex flavor.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. Olive oil adds richness and smoothness to the vinaigrette.
• Fresh Dill: 1 tablespoon, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried). Fresh dill provides a bright, herbaceous flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly. If you don’t have fresh dill, dried dill can be substituted, but use less.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon. Salt enhances the flavor of all the ingredients. Adjust to your taste.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and complexity.

Utensils:

• Large Bowl: For combining the salad ingredients.
• Small Bowl: For whisking the vinaigrette.
• Whisk: To emulsify the vinaigrette.
• Cutting Board: For slicing the cucumbers and onions (if using).
• Sharp Knife: For slicing the cucumbers and onions (if using) and halving/ quartering tomatoes.
• Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate measurements.
• Serving Bowl: To present your Cucumber Tomato Salad beautifully. Consider a glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors.

Detailed Recipe Steps for the Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad

1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Thinly slice the cucumbers using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. **Tip:** For an even thinner slice, try using a vegetable peeler to create ribbons of cucumber. Halve or quarter the cherry or grape tomatoes depending on their size. Thinly slice the red onion (if using). **Tip:** To mitigate the sharpness of the red onion, soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the salad.
2. Combine the Vegetables: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion (if using). **Tip:** Don’t overmix; you want to preserve the shape and texture of the vegetables.
3. Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. **Tip:** For a smoother vinaigrette, whisk vigorously until the oil and vinegar are fully emulsified. You can even add a small amount of Dijon mustard for extra flavor and emulsification.
4. Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the cucumber and tomato mixture. **Tip:** Start by adding a little less than the full amount of vinaigrette, and then taste and adjust as needed. Some people prefer a more intensely flavored salad while others prefer a lighter dressing.
5. Toss Gently: Gently toss the salad to ensure that all the vegetables are evenly coated with the vinaigrette. **Tip:** Use a large spoon or tongs to toss the salad gently, avoiding crushing the tomatoes or cucumbers.
6. Chill (Optional but Recommended): Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. **Essential Point:** Chilling allows the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more harmonious and delicious salad. If you’re short on time, 15 minutes will still make a difference.
7. Serve Chilled: Once chilled, serve your Cucumber Tomato Salad immediately. Garnish with extra fresh dill sprigs if desired. Serve as a side dish, light lunch, or appetizer.

Tips and Variations for your Cucumber Tomato Salad

This Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe is highly adaptable. Here are some tips and variations to make it your own:

• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs besides dill. Parsley, chives, mint, or even basil can add a unique twist.
• Cheese Additions: Crumbled feta cheese, goat cheese, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese can add a salty, tangy element. Check out our Basque Cheesecake recipe for another amazing cheese-based dish!
• Add-ins: Consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even some Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean flair.
• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a more substantial meal. Learn more about incorporating chickpeas in our delicious chickpea salad recipe!
• Vegan Variation: This recipe is naturally vegan. Simply ensure your olive oil is suitable for vegan diets.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
• Avoiding Common Mistakes: Don’t overdress the salad. Start with less vinaigrette and add more as needed. Also, avoid overmixing; gently toss the ingredients to preserve their texture.

Nutritional Values and Health Benefits of Cucumber Tomato Salad

This refreshing salad is not only delicious but also incredibly healthy. Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, making them hydrating and great for digestion. They also contain vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium. Tomatoes are packed with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to reduced cancer risk. They are also a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin K. Red onion provides quercetin, another potent antioxidant, and also offers vitamin C and fiber. Fresh dill offers vitamins A and C, and contributes to overall digestive health. Olive oil contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Approximate Nutritional Information (per serving, based on a recipe yielding 4 servings): The exact nutritional values will vary depending on the size of your cucumbers and tomatoes and the type of olive oil used. These are estimates only.

• Calories: Approximately 150-200
• Protein: 2-3 grams
• Fat: 10-15 grams (mostly healthy fats from olive oil)
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams

It’s important to remember that these are estimates, and the actual nutritional content can vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator and input the exact weights of your ingredients.

FAQs about Cucumber Tomato Salad

This Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe is a delightful blend of simplicity and sophistication. Its refreshing flavors, vibrant colors, and ease of preparation make it a perfect addition to your summer culinary repertoire. We hope you enjoyed this detailed guide and found it helpful. Don’t forget to share your experience making this Cucumber Tomato Salad in the comments section below! Also, share this recipe with your friends and family, and let’s inspire others to enjoy this simple yet extraordinary dish. And for more delicious recipes, be sure to check out our other articles on the blog and follow us on Pinterest for even more inspiration! Check out our Pinterest board for more great recipe ideas!

Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad with Dill and Red Onion

A simple and flavorful salad perfect for a light lunch or side dish. The combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and fresh dill creates a refreshing and healthy meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 large Cucumbers thinly sliced
• 2 pints Cherry Tomatoes halved or quartered if large
• 0.5 medium Red Onion thinly sliced (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)

Dressing Ingredients

• 0.25 cup Red Wine Vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Small Bowl
• Whisk

Method

 

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, halved tomatoes, and red onion (if using).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, chopped dill, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the cucumber and tomato mixture.
4. Gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. This step enhances the taste.
6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or vinegar to your preference.
7. Serve chilled. Garnish with extra fresh dill sprigs if desired.

Notes

For a creamier dressing, add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or shredded carrots. This salad is also delicious with feta cheese crumbled on top.