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Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad

fresh cucumber tomato salad - featured image

A quick, easy, and wholesome salad featuring crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and red onion tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for summer gatherings or a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced (English or Persian cucumbers recommended)
  • 3 medium vine-ripened tomatoes, chopped (Roma or heirloom tomatoes work well)
  • ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (soak in cold water for 10 minutes for milder flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (optional)
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry cucumbers and tomatoes to avoid a watery salad.
  2. Slice cucumbers thinly, about ¼ inch thick.
  3. Chop tomatoes into medium chunks, roughly 1 inch pieces.
  4. Slice red onion paper-thin; soak in cold water for 10 minutes if desired, then drain well.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar (if using), minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Combine cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion in a large mixing bowl.
  7. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently but thoroughly to coat without bruising.
  8. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill on top and toss gently again.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
  10. Optional: Chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before serving to let flavors marry.

Notes

Avoid making the salad too far in advance as cucumbers release water over time. For best texture, keep dressing separate if prepping ahead and toss just before serving. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts to preserve crispness. Soaking red onion slices in cold water mellows their sharpness.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber tomato salad, fresh salad, summer salad, easy salad recipe, healthy side dish, gluten-free salad, vegan salad