Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a delightful dish that brings together fresh, vibrant flavors to create a crisp and refreshing side. Perfect for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or even a light lunch, this salad is not only easy to make but also complements a variety of main dishes like mashed potatoes and steak. With its colorful ingredients and zesty dressing, this salad is sure to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this delicious Cucumber Tomato Salad.
• Fresh Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables, this salad bursts with flavor and nutrients.
• Versatile Side Dish: Great for pairing with a wide range of meals or serving as a light snack.
• Customizable: Feel free to add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences or what’s in season.
• Low-Calorie Delight: At only 98 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free addition to any meal.

Tools and Preparation

Creating the perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad requires just a few essential tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Chopping board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows for easy combining of all ingredients without spilling.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures clean cuts for all vegetables, making preparation quick and efficient.

Ingredients

This crisp and refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad tastes amazing with mashed potatoes and steak.

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)

Dressing Ingredients

• 1/4 cup parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 small lemon (juiced)
• 3-5 tablespoons olive oil
• salt & pepper (to taste)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Begin by washing all your vegetables thoroughly. Cube the english cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and radishes. Chop the green onions and finely chop the parsley.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

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

Step 3: Add Dressing

Drizzle olive oil over the salad. Squeeze in the juice of one small lemon. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Mix Well

Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately or let it chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes before serving for an extra refreshing taste. Enjoy your Cucumber Tomato Salad alongside mashed potatoes or as part of any main course!

How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a versatile dish that complements many meals. Enjoy it as a refreshing side or a light main course.

As a Side Dish

• With Grilled Meats: The crispness of the salad pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
• Alongside Pasta: Serve it next to your favorite pasta dishes for a refreshing contrast.
• At Summer Picnics: This salad adds a healthy option to any picnic spread.

As a Light Lunch

• On Its Own: A bowl of Cucumber Tomato Salad makes for a quick and nutritious lunch.
• With Crusty Bread: Enjoy it with some fresh bread for added texture and satisfaction.

For Special Occasions

• At Barbecues: This salad can be the star at outdoor gatherings, balancing heavier dishes.
• During Holidays: Brighten up your holiday table with this colorful and tasty salad.

How to Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad

Achieving the ideal Cucumber Tomato Salad is easy with these helpful tips.

• Fresh Ingredients: Always use the freshest produce available for maximum flavor and crunch.
• Proper Seasoning: Don’t skip on salt and pepper; they enhance the natural taste of the vegetables.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the fridge allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Add Crunch: For extra texture, consider adding nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds or almonds.
• Dress Just Before Serving: To prevent sogginess, dress the salad right before serving it.

Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Tomato Salad

Cucumber Tomato Salad can enhance many main courses. Here are some excellent side dishes to pair with it.

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting addition that balances the fresh flavors of the salad.
2. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Charred corn brings sweetness that complements the veggies in the salad.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds depth and earthiness to your meal.
4. Quinoa Pilaf: This protein-packed dish serves as a hearty base alongside the lightness of Cucumber Tomato Salad.
5. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up salad while adding rich flavors.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers offer a fun and filling complement to this refreshing dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Cucumber Tomato Salad, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with less olive oil and lemon juice, then add more if needed.
• Using unripe tomatoes: Unripe tomatoes can taste bland. Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor in your salad.
• Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting salt and pepper can dull the taste. Always season your salad to enhance its natural flavors.
• Cutting vegetables unevenly: Unevenly chopped vegetables can affect texture and presentation. Aim for uniform sizes to ensure even mixing and a pleasing look.
• Storing improperly: Leaving the salad uncovered in the fridge can lead to wilting. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh longer.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cucumber Tomato Salad in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it for more than a few hours.

Freezing Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to the high water content of cucumbers and tomatoes.
• If you must freeze, consider freezing individual components (like radishes or peppers) instead.

Reheating Cucumber Tomato Salad

• Oven: Not advisable since salads are best served cold or at room temperature.
• Microwave: Avoid microwaving as it will wilt the vegetables and change their texture.
• Stovetop: This method is also not recommended; salads should be enjoyed fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cucumber Tomato Salad:

Can I customize my Cucumber Tomato Salad?

Yes! You can add ingredients like feta cheese, olives, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.

How long does Cucumber Tomato Salad last?

The salad lasts up to 2 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.

What can I serve with Cucumber Tomato Salad?

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, such as steak or chicken, and even seafood dishes.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Prepare ingredients in advance and mix them just before serving for a fresh meal throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Cucumber Tomato Salad is not only refreshing but also versatile. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients! Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its crisp textures and vibrant flavors.

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Cucumber Tomato Salad

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish, perfect for sunny days and gatherings. This easy-to-make salad combines the crispness of fresh cucumbers with juicy cherry tomatoes, colorful bell peppers, and zesty radishes, all tossed in a simple lemon-olive oil dressing. Not only does it come together in just 15 minutes, but it also serves as an excellent side for grilled meats or can be enjoyed on its own as a light lunch. Its versatility allows you to customize it with seasonal ingredients, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Experience the delightful crunch and burst of flavors in every bite—your guests will be asking for seconds!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Wash and prepare all vegetables: cube the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and radishes; chop the green onions and parsley.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all chopped vegetables along with the parsley.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the salad and squeeze in the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Gently toss to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
5. Serve immediately or chill for about 10 minutes before serving.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 98
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 25mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg