This refreshing tomato cucumber salad is light and easy to make. With juicy tomatoes and crisp cucumbers, it’s a perfect side dish for any meal!
I love drizzling a little olive oil and a splash of vinegar on top for extra zing. It’s so fresh, you might just keep snacking on it all summer long! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tomatoes: Use juicy, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. I like Roma or vine-ripened tomatoes. If they’re out of season, cherry tomatoes can make a fun, colorful alternative.
Cucumber: A large cucumber adds crunch, but you can substitute with Persian cucumbers, which are often sweeter and have fewer seeds. If you want to skip peeling it, just wash it well for a bit of extra fiber.
Red Onion: This gives a nice sharpness to the salad. If you find raw onions too strong, soak sliced onions in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow their flavor before adding them to the salad.
Fresh Parsley: This adds freshness and a pop of color. If you don’t have parsley, fresh cilantro or basil can be used instead, depending on your taste preference.
Olive Oil and Vinegar: Extra virgin olive oil is best for a rich taste, but you can substitute with avocado oil or any mild oil. For acids, red wine vinegar works, but apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also do the trick.
How Can I Prepare Vegetables Properly for the Salad?
Chopping and slicing might seem straightforward, but there are some tips to ensure the best texture and flavor.
- Tomatoes: Cut them just before serving to keep them firm. If they sit too long, they release water, which can make the salad soggy.
- Cucumber: Slice the cucumber thinly for a better crunch. Half-moons are great for that mix of flavor and texture, but feel free to cut them any way you like!
- Onions: Thinly sliced onions add more flavor without too much crunch. If you soak them before adding, you’ll have a sweeter taste.
Give the salad a good mix before serving to ensure all the ingredients are coated in the dressing, bringing everything together nicely!
Easy Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe for Fresh Flavor
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large cucumber, peeled (optional) and sliced or cut into half-moons
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad is super quick to prepare! You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep time. Just chop, mix, and it’s ready to enjoy! If you want the flavors to meld, let it sit for an extra 10 minutes before serving. Total time: approximately 20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Vegetables:
In a large bowl, toss together the chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. These fresh ingredients are the stars of your salad!
2. Add Freshness:
Now, add the chopped fresh parsley to the bowl. It adds a delightful pop of color and flavor!
3. Drizzle the Dressings:
Next, drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar (or lemon juice) over the vegetables. This will help to enhance their fresh flavors and bring everything together.
4. Season to Taste:
Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the mix, adjusting to your personal taste preferences.
5. Toss It All Together:
Gently toss all the ingredients in the bowl until everything is nicely coated with the dressing. Make sure not to mash any ingredients!
6. Let It Rest:
Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully for an even tastier dish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Now you can serve the salad right away, or if you prefer it even colder, pop it in the fridge for a little while before serving. Enjoy your refreshing tomato cucumber salad as a perfect summer side dish!
Happy eating! 🌿🥗
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Tomatoes?
Absolutely! While ripe tomatoes are ideal for this salad, you can use cherry tomatoes for a sweeter bite or even grape tomatoes. Just cut them in half or leave them whole for a fun twist!
What If I Don’t Have Red Wine Vinegar?
No worries! You can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor. Each will give the salad a unique twist while still keeping it refreshing.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the vegetables may release water over time, so the salad is best enjoyed fresh!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients and combine them about an hour before serving, but it’s best to add the dressing just before serving. This will help keep the vegetables crisp and prevent them from becoming soggy.
