Cucumber and Tomato Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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Looking for a refreshing, vibrant dish that screams summer? This Cucumber and Tomato Salad is perfect! With its crisp textures and zesty vinaigrette, it’s a quick way to brighten up any meal.

Ingredients for Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Cucumbers provide that essential crunch and a cool, refreshing base for the salad. Choose firm, large cucumbers for the best texture.

Tomatoes, when ripe, add a sweet burst of flavor and a juicy contrast to the cucumbers. Opt for the reddest, plumpest ones you can find.

Red onion slices introduce a bit of sharpness and color. They’re milder than yellow onions, so they won't overpower the other ingredients.

Olive oil serves as the luxurious, smooth foundation for our vinaigrette, binding all the flavors together beautifully.

Red wine vinegar adds a tangy kick, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the olive oil.

Salt and black pepper are simple but essential, enhancing the natural flavors without stealing the show.

Fresh dill is the aromatic finish, adding a hint of anise-like freshness that elevates the whole dish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crunch, chill your cucumbers before slicing.
  • If you have time, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes after tossing with the vinaigrette. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • If raw red onion is too strong for your taste, soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes before adding them to the salad.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is a versatile side that pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. It’s also a fantastic complement to a barbecue spread or a light pasta dish. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a slice of crusty bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Absolutely! Balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar can add a different but delicious twist.
What if I don’t have fresh dill?
No worries! Substitute with a teaspoon of dried dill or try fresh parsley or basil for a different flavor profile.
How long does this salad keep?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large bowl; this will be your canvas. Toss in your sliced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Make sure everything is mixed well — you want each bite to have a bit of everything.

Next, in a smaller bowl, whisk together your olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper. This vinaigrette is what ties the salad together, so take your time to whisk until it’s well combined and slightly emulsified.

Pour the vinaigrette over the cucumber mixture. Use a gentle hand to toss everything together; you don’t want to crush the tomatoes or bruise the cucumbers.

Finish off by sprinkling fresh dill over the top. Give the salad a final light toss, and you’re ready to serve up this refreshing dish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days.
  • Packed with fresh, seasonal flavors.
  • Healthy, light, and satisfying.
  • Customizable to suit your taste buds.

Ingredients

2 large cucumbers, sliced
3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper to make the vinaigrette.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the cucumber mixture and gently toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle fresh dill over the salad and give it a final toss before serving.

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