Description
Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad bursting with fresh flavors perfect for summer picnics. Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large English cucumbers (about 2 pounds/900g)
- 1½ pounds (680g) ripe tomatoes
- ½ medium red onion (about ½ cup/80g when sliced)
- ¼ cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the vegetables Start by washing all produce thoroughly under cool running water. For the cucumbers, trim both ends and slice them in half lengthwise. If using regular cucumbers with large seeds, scoop out the seeds using a spoon. Slice the cucumbers into half-moons about ¼-inch thick. Place them in a large mixing bowl. For the tomatoes, core and cut into bite-sized wedges or chunks depending on their size. Add them to the bowl with the cucumbers. Peel the red onion and slice it very thinly into half-moons—soaking the sliced onions in ice water for 10 minutes will mellow their sharpness if desired. Drain well before adding to the bowl.
- Step 2: Create the dressing In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined. The dressing should emulsify slightly, becoming somewhat creamy in appearance. Taste and adjust seasonings—this is your opportunity to balance flavors perfectly. Remember that the vegetables will dilute the dressing’s intensity, so it should taste slightly stronger than you’d prefer on its own.
- Step 3: Combine and serve Add the chopped fresh dill and parsley to the vegetables. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Use a folding motion rather than aggressive stirring to prevent crushing the delicate tomatoes. If using feta cheese, sprinkle it over the top after mixing. Allow the salad to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. Give it one final gentle toss just before bringing it to the table. Serve your beautiful Cucumber Tomato Salad at room temperature for the fullest flavor experience.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 8mg