Tomato cucumber salad is like summer in a bowl, bursting with vibrant colors and flavors that dance on your taste buds. Each bite offers a crisp crunch, a refreshing zing, and an aroma that will have you dreaming of sunny picnics and lazy afternoons. dill pickle pasta salad Whether it’s a hot day or just a regular Tuesday, this dish is the perfect companion for any occasion.
Picture this: You’re lounging in your backyard, the sun is shining, and the smell of fresh vegetables fills the air. Suddenly, someone walks in with a colorful bowl of tomato cucumber salad. Instantly, your heart races with excitement! This nostalgic dish takes you back to family gatherings where laughter echoed as you savored every bite. roasted vegetable medley Trust me; once you dive into this salad, you’ll be hooked on its delightful flavors and textures.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This tomato cucumber salad is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for quick meals or entertaining guests.
- The fresh flavors and crunch create a refreshing experience that will please everyone at the table.
- With its vibrant colors, it’s not just tasty but visually stunning too!
- Versatile enough to serve as a side dish or light main course for any occasion.
Ingredients for tomato cucumber salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Tomatoes: Use ripe tomatoes for maximum flavor; heirloom varieties add character and sweetness.
- Cucumbers: Opt for English cucumbers for their crispness; they add crunch without the bitter taste.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion provides a mild sharpness that complements the veggies beautifully.
- Fresh Herbs: Basil or parsley adds an aromatic touch; pick whatever herbs are fresh and fragrant.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle of good quality olive oil enhances flavors and gives the salad a luscious finish.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds tanginess; feel free to substitute with lemon juice for a zesty twist.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make tomato cucumber salad
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Produce
Start by washing all your vegetables thoroughly under cold water. Slice the tomatoes into wedges and chop the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Don’t forget to chop the red onion into thin slices—those layers will add great flavor!
Step 2: Mix It Up
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Toss them gently together so they mingle without turning into mush—nobody likes mushy veggies!
Step 3: Add Freshness
Chop your chosen fresh herbs (basil or parsley work wonders here) and sprinkle them over your vegetable mix. These fragrant greens will elevate your salad from ordinary to extraordinary.
Step 4: Dress It Right
Drizzle olive oil over your mixture followed by balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice). Season with salt and pepper to taste before gently tossing everything together. Let those flavors marry for about five minutes—it’s worth the wait!
Step 5: Serve It Up
Transfer your beautiful tomato cucumber salad onto serving plates or keep it in the mixing bowl if you’re feeling casual about it! Either way, it’s going to look delightful on any table setting.
This refreshing dish is perfect for summer barbeques, potlucks, or simply as a light dinner alongside grilled chicken or fish. Enjoy your culinary creation while basking in compliments from family and friends!
You Must Know
- This delightful tomato cucumber salad is not only refreshing but also a breeze to whip up.
- Perfect for those hot summer days, it bursts with flavor and color, making it a showstopper at any barbecue or picnic.
- You can tweak the ingredients based on your mood or what’s in the fridge.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by chopping your tomatoes and cucumbers while letting the dressing meld together. Toss everything in a bowl, and voilà! The key is to let those flavors mingle for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out red onions for scallions or add feta cheese for a salty kick. Fresh herbs like dill or mint can enhance the flavor profile, making it even more vibrant.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Avoid reheating as this salad is best enjoyed cold, fresh, and crunchy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for maximum flavor—your salad will thank you.
- Chop veggies uniformly for even texture and presentation.
- Lastly, make the salad just before serving to keep those cucumbers crisp and refreshing.
The first time I made this tomato cucumber salad was during a heatwave, and my friends couldn’t get enough of it! Their feedback? “This is like sunshine in a bowl!” It instantly became a summer staple in our gatherings.
FAQs :
What ingredients are needed for tomato cucumber salad?
To make a delicious tomato cucumber salad, you will need ripe tomatoes, fresh cucumbers, red onions, bell peppers, and a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Additionally, prepare some olive oil, lemon juice or vinegar, salt, and pepper for dressing. This simple combination of ingredients allows the flavors to shine through and creates a refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your preferences or the number of servings you need.
How can I customize my tomato cucumber salad?
You can easily customize your tomato cucumber salad by adding various ingredients. Consider including avocado for creaminess or feta cheese for a salty kick. You could also incorporate olives, chickpeas, or even grilled chicken for added protein. mango avocado salsa Experimenting with different herbs like dill or mint can enhance the flavor profile too. The key is to balance textures and flavors while keeping it fresh and vibrant.
Is tomato cucumber salad healthy?
Yes, tomato cucumber salad is quite healthy! Both tomatoes and cucumbers are low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals. Tomatoes provide antioxidants like lycopene, which may support heart health, while cucumbers offer hydration due to their high water content. Adding olive oil provides healthy fats that can benefit overall well-being. This salad is not only nutritious but also a great way to include fresh vegetables in your diet. For more inspiration, check out this Amish country casserole recipe.
Can I prepare tomato cucumber salad ahead of time?
While you can prepare some elements of the tomato cucumber salad ahead of time, it’s best to assemble it just before serving. Chopped vegetables can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. cold pasta salad However, if you mix the salad with dressing too early, it may become soggy. To maintain freshness, consider dressing the salad right before serving to keep all ingredients crisp and flavorful.
Conclusion for tomato cucumber salad :
In summary, the tomato cucumber salad is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your tastes. With fresh ingredients like tomatoes and cucumbers at its core, this dish offers numerous health benefits while being refreshingly delicious. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or a light meal on its own, it brings together vibrant flavors that everyone will love. Embrace this recipe during warm months or anytime you crave something light yet satisfying! For more inspiration, check out this baked apples with feta recipe.
Tomato Cucumber Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Tomato cucumber salad is a refreshing summer staple that combines juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant herbs, all drizzled with zesty balsamic vinegar.
Ingredients
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes (heirloom or vine-ripened), chopped
- 1 large English cucumber, diced
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash all vegetables thoroughly. Chop tomatoes into wedges and dice the cucumber. Slice the red onion thinly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Toss gently to mix.
- Add chopped herbs and stir to combine.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper; toss gently to coat.
- Let sit for about five minutes before serving for flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 98
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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