Zesty Cucumber and Tomato Citrus Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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This Zesty Cucumber and Tomato Citrus Salad is a refreshing burst of flavors perfect for any warm day. With its bright citrus notes and fresh herbs, it's a simple yet vibrant dish that can light up your meal in no time.

Ingredients for Zesty Cucumber and Tomato Citrus Salad

Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch and hydrates, making it the backbone of this salad. Cherry tomatoes provide a sweet and juicy contrast. The red onion offers a mild, tangy bite that cuts through the sweetness. Basil and mint work together to infuse the salad with aromatic freshness. The lemon juice and lime juice pair beautifully to create a zesty dressing, while the zests add an extra punch of citrus. Olive oil brings everything together with its richness, and a sprinkle of sea salt and black pepper enhances all the flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Chill your cucumber and tomatoes before preparing for an even cooler salad experience.
  • For an extra zing, add a pinch of chili flakes to the dressing.
  • Use a mandoline for thin, even slices of red onion.
  • Adjust the amount of mint and basil to your preference — they're meant to enhance, not overpower.

Serving Suggestions

This salad makes a fantastic side for grilled chicken or fish, adding a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors. It also pairs well with a light pasta dish or can be served as a main course with some grilled shrimp tossed in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare it a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until serving.
What if I don't have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but start with less as they are more concentrated.
How long does it keep?
This salad is best eaten the same day, but can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Zesty Cucumber and Tomato Citrus Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by gathering a large bowl for mixing. Toss in your diced cucumber, followed by the halved cherry tomatoes. Add the thinly sliced red onion, ensuring even distribution. Next, sprinkle in the torn basil leaves and chopped mint for that herbal kick.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lime juice, and their respective zests. This is where the salad's zesty character comes to life. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing. Add a generous pinch of sea salt and a dash of black pepper to taste.

Once your dressing is well-combined, pour it over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together using salad tongs or two large spoons, making sure each ingredient is coated with the dressing. Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or let it chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld even more.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with fresh, crisp flavors
  • Quick and easy to prepare
  • Perfectly complements grilled dishes
  • Healthy and light, yet satisfying
  • Customizable with your favorite herbs

Ingredients

2 cups of diced cucumber
2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup of red onion, finely sliced
1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, torn
1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon of lemon zest
1 teaspoon of lime zest
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and finely sliced red onion.
2. Add the torn basil leaves and chopped mint leaves.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lime juice, lemon zest, lime zest, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine.
5. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to enhance flavors.

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