Tomato Cucumber Salad
This Tomato Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly balances the crispness of cucumbers with the juicy sweetness of tomatoes. It’s a simple yet flavorful salad that brings out the best in fresh summer produce. Whether you’re looking for a light side dish or a healthy snack, this salad is an easy go-to that’s sure to satisfy.
A Family Favorite: The Story Behind Our Tomato Cucumber Salad
In our home, this Tomato Cucumber Salad is more than just a dish—it’s a summertime tradition. My husband absolutely adores the way the fresh cucumbers and ripe tomatoes come together with a tangy dressing, and our little ones love helping me mix everything in the kitchen. Every time I make this salad, it reminds me of our family picnics in the backyard, where we gather around a table filled with laughter, love, and this delicious salad. It’s become a staple at our family dinners, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in your home too!
Why You’ll Love Tomato Cucumber Salad
- Quick & Easy: This salad comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh & Healthy: Made with fresh ingredients, it’s packed with nutrients and bursting with flavor.
- Versatile Side Dish: It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can even be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From picnics to potlucks, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to be a hit wherever you serve it.
Ingredients Notes For Tomato Cucumber Salad
- Cucumbers: Use fresh, firm cucumbers for the best texture. English cucumbers are great because they’re seedless and have a thinner skin.
- Tomatoes: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes. Cherry or grape tomatoes add a sweet touch, while larger tomatoes can be diced for a more rustic feel.
- Red Onion: Adds a mild, sweet flavor and a nice crunch. You can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes if you prefer a milder taste.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a creamy, tangy element that pairs wonderfully with the fresh veggies.
- Olive Oil & Vinegar: A simple vinaigrette made with olive oil and vinegar ties all the flavors together. Feel free to use balsamic, red wine, or white vinegar depending on your preference.
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh basil, parsley, or dill elevates the salad with aromatic freshness.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Tomato Cucumber Salad
Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion.
Mix the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. Gently toss to mix.
Add the Dressing: Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. Toss again until everything is evenly coated.
Add the Feta: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad.
Garnish: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor and a pop of color.
Chill & Serve: Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Storage Options
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh but will still be delicious the next day.
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the salad a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Add the feta and fresh herbs just before serving to keep them from getting too soft.
- Freezing: This salad is not recommended for freezing as the fresh vegetables will lose their crispness and texture.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add Avocado: For a creamy twist, add diced avocado to the salad.
- Switch Up the Cheese: If you’re not a fan of feta, try using goat cheese, mozzarella, or even Parmesan.
- Add Protein: Turn this salad into a light meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Vinaigrette Variations: Experiment with different types of vinegar or add a squeeze of lemon juice for a citrusy zing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use different types of tomatoes?
A1: Absolutely! Any variety of tomatoes will work. Just make sure they are ripe and flavorful.
Q2: How do I keep the salad from getting watery?
A2: You can sprinkle a little salt on the cucumbers before mixing them with the other ingredients to draw out excess water. Drain them after a few minutes if necessary.
Q3: Can I make this salad vegan?
A3: Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.
Q4: What’s the best way to serve this salad?
A4: This salad is perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, as a topping for toasted bread, or even as a fresh filling for pita pockets.
Q5: Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
A5: Definitely! Bell peppers, olives, or radishes would be great additions to this salad.
Tomato Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes chopped
- 1 large cucumber peeled and sliced
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder optional
- Feta cheese or mozzarella balls optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. If using, add the chopped fresh basil.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and garlic powder (if using) until well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, toss the salad again and garnish with crumbled feta cheese or mozzarella balls if desired.
