Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe for Summer Bliss

Name: Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh cucumbers, sliced; 2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped; ½ cup red onion, finely diced; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons vinegar (balsamic or red wine); Salt and pepper to taste

Published: July 16, 2025

by Emma Taylor

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Cucumber Tomato Salad is not only easy to whip up; it’s bursting with fresh flavors that will brighten your meal
With its colorful presentation, it’s a feast for the eyes and the palate alike
You can easily adapt it with whatever veggies you have on hand or even throw in some cheese
Ideal for summer barbecues or light lunches, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table!

My family still raves about how this salad saved our last picnic from being boring old sandwiches.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Fresh Cucumbers: Opt for firm cucumbers; they add the perfect crunch that complements juicy tomatoes.
Ripe Tomatoes: Choose plump, red tomatoes for maximum flavor; they should be slightly soft but not mushy.
Red Onion: A small amount adds bite; soak it in cold water first if you want less intensity.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a vibrant touch; use flat-leaf parsley for its robust flavor.
Olive Oil: A good quality extra-virgin olive oil enhances all flavors beautifully.
Vinegar (Balsamic or Red Wine): Provides acidity; choose according to your flavor preference.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate all other ingredients; don’t skip them!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Veggies: Start by washing your cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly under running water. Slice the cucumbers into half-moons and chop tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.

Chop the Aromatics: Finely dice half of a red onion. If you’re sensitive to strong onion flavors, rinse it under cold water to mellow out its sharpness.

Add Fresh Herbs: Chop fresh parsley until you have about ¼ cup. It’ll infuse your salad with color and freshness.

Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together olive oil and vinegar in equal parts. Season generously with salt and pepper for flavor.

Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and parsley. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently until everything is well-coated.

Let It Chill Out!: Allow your salad to rest in the fridge for about 15 minutes before serving. This helps meld all those delicious flavors together while keeping it refreshingly cool!

Enjoy this simple yet incredibly flavorful Cucumber Tomato Salad at your next gathering or as a delightful side dish any day of the week! perfect summer BBQ side dish.

You Must Know

Cucumber Tomato Salad is a refreshing dish that brings summer vibes year-round
The crunchiness of cucumbers paired with juicy tomatoes creates a delightful contrast
Add a splash of lemon for brightness, and you have a crowd-pleaser ready in minutes

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by chopping the cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Mix them with herbs and dressing just before serving for freshness.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean twist. You can also sprinkle some chili flakes for an unexpected kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This salad is best enjoyed cold and crisp, so avoid reheating.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use ripe tomatoes for maximum flavor; they make all the difference in your salad’s taste
Always taste your dressing before adding it to ensure it’s balanced
For extra crunch, consider including bell peppers or radishes in your mix

Sharing this recipe always reminds me of summer picnics with my family, where we devoured bowls of this salad while enjoying the sunshine. sweet summer dessert.

FAQ

Can I use other vegetables in Cucumber Tomato Salad?

For more inspiration, check out this Classic Strawberry Shortcake recipe.

Absolutely! Bell peppers and red onions add great flavor and texture to the salad.

How long can I store Cucumber Tomato Salad?

This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can last up to two days in the fridge.

What dressing works best for Cucumber Tomato Salad?

A simple vinaigrette made from olive oil and vinegar enhances the flavors beautifully.

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📖 Recipe Card