Refreshing Tomato and Cucumber Salad Recipe 2024

It is a very fresh and flavorful dish; fast to prepare, it is suitable for any occasion, either for dinner or lunch or even as a snack. The combination of juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers makes the salad refreshing both in texture and taste. This salad works very well as a side dish to grilled meats or fish or even as part of a simple sandwich, as being light while satisfying. It is dressed with olive oil, lemon juice, or vinegar and finished with fresh herbs of parsley or basil. It brings zest and freshness to any meal. Being such a simple, yet healthy salad, it’s ideal for summer gatherings or a quick, healthy snack. For lunch, dinner, or even a picnic, tomato and cucumber salad are always tasty and ready to please.

Ingredients

To create a delicious tomato and cucumber salad, you will need the following ingredients: To create a delicious tomato and cucumber salad, you will need the following ingredients:

Fresh Ingredients

Tomatoes: 2-3 large ripe tomatoes / 1 pint of cherry tomatoes
Cucumbers: 1 large speak English cucumber or 2-3 small cucumber.
Red Onion: 1 Small Red onion
Fresh Herbs: A few sprigs of fresh basil or parsley (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

Olive Oil: It is recommended to use olive oil extra vinaigrier of which 2-3 tablespoons are needed for cooking.
Vinegar: Vinegar: Red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar, strictly 1-2 tablespoons.
Seasonings: To taste: salt and freshly ground black pepper
Optional Add-ins: Some gray powder, liquid from a lemon, or mustard For extra flavor

Preparation Steps

 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and Cut the Vegetables: Wash the tomatoes and cucumbers with cold water till they are clean from both the inside and outside. Regarding tomatoes, in case they are large, then these should be sliced into wedges or chunks. In the case of cherry tomatoes, no preparation is needed as the tomatoes will be served whole but halved. Cucumbers should also be cut into thin round discs or half-round discs depending on your convenience.
Slice the Onion: With regards to the preparation of red onions, they need to be peeled and sliced thinly. So, when consuming raw onion it might seem unbearable because of its strong smell, you should rinse it in cold water for about 10 minutes.
Chop the Herbs: In case fresh herbs have been used, they should be chopped rather roughly and placed to one side.

2: Make the Dressing

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. If desired, add a pinch of sugar or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
2. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more vinegar for tanginess or more olive oil for richness.

3: Assemble the Salad

Combine the Vegetables: To make this recipe, mix the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers and red onion in a big bowl.
Add the Dressing: Don’t pour the dressing directly over the vegetables, instead, sprinkle the dressing over the salad and blend gently.
Garnish: If used, one may garnish the chopped herbs on top as a seasoning agent and decoration.

 4: Chill and Serve

Chill: It is recommended to let the salad marinate at least 15-30 minutes before serving time because that is when the juices come out. It helps the vegetables to suck in the dressing onto them.
Serve: Enjoy the salad cold or even at room temperature. This goes very well with barbeque meats and fish, or it is perfect for a picnic with friends and family.

Variations

Nevertheless, the simple tomato and cucumber salad is tasty enough on its own; however, one can make variations to the recipe. Here are some variations to consider: Here are some variations to consider:

1. Mediterranean Twist

Use crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives to incorporate a Greek touch to it. One can also add chopped bell peppers to make the food crunchier.

2. Avocado Addition

One should also require the usage of diced avocado so that they add creaminess to the dish. This not only improves the taste but also adds good fats into the equation as well, for the dish.

3. Spicy Kick

To give it a little kick for the family that cannot take too much heat, use jalapenos chopped and added or you can also include red pepper sprinkles.

4. Quinoa Salad

Amend this salad by adding quinoa after cooking, to make it a slightly more filling meal. This makes it ideal to be taken in the evenings as a meal or taken as lunch in small quantities.

Tips for Success

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the flavor of the salad. Use ripe, in-season tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for the best results.
• Let It Marinate: Allowing the salad to sit for a while before serving helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the overall taste.
• Serve with a Slotted Spoon: If you notice excess liquid in the bowl after marinating, use a slotted spoon to serve the salad, keeping it from becoming too watery.
• Storage: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that the cucumbers may become slightly soggy over time.