Picture this: a lazy afternoon, the sun casting a warm glow, and the air filled with the scent of fresh herbs. That’s when this Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad steps into the spotlight, a burst of color and flavor that’s like a mini-vacation on your plate. My neighbor swears by adding a sprinkle of feta, though last time I tried it, I may have gone a little overboard—whoops!
Steps
- Whisk together red wine vinegar, olive oil, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This will form the vinaigrette dressing for the salad.
- Peel and slice the red onion into thin slivers and mix them into the vinaigrette. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for up to a day to allow the flavors to meld.
- When ready to assemble, thinly slice an English cucumber and dice the ripe tomatoes. If using regular cucumbers, consider peeling and deseeding them first.
- Combine the sliced cucumbers and tomatoes with the onion-vinaigrette mixture in the bowl. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- For best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes before serving. This step enhances the flavors and provides a refreshing chilled taste.
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber, sliced
- 2 to 3 large ripe tomatoes, diced
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (any combination of parsley, basil, and/or dill), optional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 104 | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 296mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 591IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare Cucumber Tomato Salad in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. While it’s freshest when made on the day of serving, you can make it a day earlier. Store it in the fridge and drain any excess liquid before serving. To prep ahead, mix the dressing and onions in a bowl, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, add the cucumbers and tomatoes.
- What type of cucumber is best for Cucumber Tomato Salad?
- English cucumbers are ideal for this recipe because their skin is tender and they have minimal seeds. If using regular cucumbers, it’s best to peel them and remove the seeds if they are tough.
- What can I add to enhance the Cucumber Tomato Salad?
- You can get creative with this salad by adding ingredients like crumbled feta, mozzarella balls, avocado pieces, or chopped fennel bulb. If you have stale bread, you could even turn this into a Panzanella Salad for a more filling dish.
- How should I dress the Cucumber Tomato Salad?
- A simple dressing works best to let the natural flavors of the vegetables shine. A mixture of olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper is recommended, but you can also use your favorite infused oils and vinegars.
- What is the best way to store leftovers of this salad?
- Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within a couple of days to maintain its freshness and crunch.
Tips
- Use English cucumbers for the best results; their tender peels and nearly seedless nature mean less prep work. If you only have regular cucumbers, peel them and remove any tough seeds before slicing.
- Prepare the vinaigrette a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld. Toss the sliced onions in the dressing and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
- For added flavor, try incorporating fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil. These herbs enhance the Mediterranean essence of the salad.
- Get creative with additional ingredients such as crumbled feta, mozzarella balls, or avocado chunks for a more hearty and diverse dish.
Equipment
- Mandoline slicer – Useful for thinly slicing the cucumbers and onion.
- Salad spinner – Helpful for washing and drying fresh herbs and vegetables.
- Mixing bowl set – A good quality set for combining and tossing the salad ingredients.
- Whisk – For mixing the vinaigrette dressing.
- Chef’s knife – If you are looking to upgrade or don’t have a quality knife for slicing vegetables.
- making experience.
