Cucumber Tomato Salad: A Refreshing and Easy Recipe
This vibrant and flavorful cucumber tomato salad is the perfect side dish for any occasion. It's incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and prep time, yet delivers a burst of fresh, summery goodness. This recipe is optimized for search engines, incorporating relevant keywords naturally throughout the text while maintaining a reader-friendly style.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is highly adaptable; feel free to adjust quantities based on your preferences and the number of servings you need.
- Cucumbers: 2 medium-sized cucumbers, peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced. English cucumbers work particularly well due to their mild flavor and less watery texture.
- Tomatoes: 2 large ripe tomatoes, diced. Choose a variety you enjoy – Roma, heirloom, or cherry tomatoes all add a different flavor profile.
- Red Onion: ½ small red onion, thinly sliced. For a milder flavor, soak the sliced onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding to the salad.
- Fresh Herbs: ¼ cup chopped fresh herbs. A combination of dill, parsley, and mint is highly recommended, but feel free to experiment with your favorites like basil or chives.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. This adds richness and helps bind the salad's flavors.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice provides acidity that balances the sweetness of the tomatoes and cucumbers.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season generously to enhance the overall taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Creating this cucumber tomato salad is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for a delicious result:
- Prep the Vegetables: Wash and prepare all your vegetables. Thinly slice the cucumbers, dice the tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion (remember to soak it if you prefer a milder flavor).
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
- Add Herbs: Add your chosen fresh herbs to the bowl and gently toss to distribute evenly.
- Dress the Salad: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Chill (Optional): For best results, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step isn't essential, but it enhances the overall taste and texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your refreshing cucumber tomato salad chilled. It's perfect as a light lunch, side dish to grilled meats or fish, or a component of a larger Mediterranean-style platter.
Tips for the Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad:
- Choose ripe tomatoes: The flavor of your salad hinges on the quality of your tomatoes. Opt for ripe, flavorful tomatoes for the best results.
- Don't overdress: Too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with a smaller amount and add more if needed.
- Get creative with herbs: Experiment with different herbs to discover your favorite flavor combinations.
- Add protein: For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
This simple yet satisfying cucumber tomato salad is a culinary chameleon. It adapts easily to your personal preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy the refreshing taste of summer in every bite!
