![To make a Simple Cucumber Tomato Salad, you need fresh ingredients that bring a burst of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 large cucumbers, diced into bite-sized pieces - 3 ripe tomatoes, diced into chunks - 1 red onion, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional, for extra flavor) - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for a vegan option) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste These ingredients come together to create a refreshing dish. The cucumbers add crunch. The tomatoes provide sweetness. The red onion gives a nice kick. Fresh parsley brightens the salad. And feta cheese can add a creamy element, if you choose to include it. Using high-quality olive oil enhances the taste. Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy note that balances the flavors. A touch of honey or maple syrup brings out the sweetness of the tomatoes. Finally, salt and pepper are key to making all the flavors pop. For the full recipe, please check [Full Recipe]. To make a great salad, you need to prepare your vegetables well. Start with the cucumbers. I recommend using large cucumbers. Cut off both ends first. Then, slice the cucumber in half lengthwise. Next, dice it into bite-sized pieces. This helps them mix well with other ingredients. Now, let’s move to the tomatoes. Choose ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Cut them into chunks, similar in size to your cucumber pieces. This keeps the salad looking uniform and appealing. For the red onion, slice it thinly. Start by cutting off the ends. Then, cut it in half. Place the flat side down and slice it into thin rings. This makes it easier to mix and gives a nice bite to the salad. Now, let's make a tasty dressing. In a small bowl or jar, add extra virgin olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Use three tablespoons of oil and one tablespoon of vinegar. This mix gives the salad a bright flavor. Next, add one teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. This adds a touch of sweetness. Whisk all the ingredients together until they blend smoothly. Taste the dressing and adjust it. If it needs more salt or pepper, add it now. This is your chance to make it just right for your taste. Once your veggies and dressing are ready, it's time to mix them. In a large bowl, add the diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. Be gentle when you mix. You don’t want to bruise the vegetables. Use a tossing motion instead of stirring. If you want extra flavor, add crumbled feta cheese on top. This makes the salad creamy and adds a nice salty taste. After mixing, let the salad rest for about 10-15 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld together. For the full recipe, check the section above. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful salad! To make your salad look great, use a clear glass bowl. This lets the bright colors shine. After you mix the salad, add some parsley on top. A sprinkle of feta cheese adds a nice touch too. For a full meal, serve this salad with grilled chicken or fish. It also goes well with pita bread and hummus. This makes a fresh and light dinner. You can add more herbs to make the salad even better. Fresh basil or mint can give it a new twist. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a bit of heat. To keep the salad crisp, mix in the dressing just before serving. This way, the veggies stay crunchy and fresh. If you want a zing, try adding lemon juice. It brightens up the taste. For the Full Recipe, you will find all the details needed to make this refreshing dish. {{image_4}} If you want to change the main ingredients, consider these options: - Cucumbers: Try zucchini or bell peppers. Both add a fresh crunch. - Tomatoes: You can use cherry tomatoes or even roasted red peppers. They bring sweetness and depth. For those who want a vegan twist, replace honey with maple syrup. It gives the same sweetness without using animal products. If you skip feta cheese, try avocado for a creamy texture that fits well. Looking to boost your salad's nutrition? Here are some great ideas: - Proteins: Add chickpeas for a plant-based protein source. Grilled chicken also works well if you want meat. - Nuts or Seeds: Toss in some sunflower seeds or almonds. They add a delightful crunch and healthy fats. These add-ons not only make the salad heartier but also enhance the overall flavor. Enjoy mixing and matching these variations to fit your taste! To keep your Simple Cucumber Tomato Salad fresh and tasty, follow these steps: - Refrigerate immediately: Store the salad in an airtight container. This keeps it crisp. - Use paper towels: Place a paper towel inside the container. It absorbs extra moisture. - Keep dressing separate: If you make the salad ahead, store the dressing in another container. Add it just before serving. This prevents soggy veggies. Your salad can last in the fridge for about 3 days. However, here are some signs of spoilage to look out for: - Wilting vegetables: If the cucumbers or tomatoes look limp, it’s time to toss them. - Off smell: If the salad smells sour, it’s best to discard it. - Color changes: Faded colors can indicate that the salad is past its prime. By following these tips, you can enjoy your Simple Cucumber Tomato Salad for days! Remember, freshness is key to flavor. For a full recipe, check out the Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Fusion Salad. Can I make the salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time. However, I suggest adding the dressing just before serving. This keeps the vegetables crisp and fresh. If you want to make it earlier, chop the ingredients and store them separately. What can I substitute for olive oil? If you need an alternative to olive oil, try avocado oil or sunflower oil. Both options provide a light taste. You can also use yogurt for a creamy dressing without oil. Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, this salad is gluten-free. All the ingredients, like cucumbers and tomatoes, are naturally gluten-free. Enjoy this dish without worry if you follow a gluten-free diet. Caloric breakdown per serving Each serving has about 150 calories. This includes healthy fats from olive oil and fiber from the vegetables. The feta cheese adds a bit more, so adjust based on your needs. Health benefits of main ingredients - Cucumbers: Hydrating and low in calories. They help with digestion. - Tomatoes: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants. They may promote heart health. - Red onion: Contains quercetin, which may help reduce inflammation. - Parsley: Rich in vitamins A and C. It can aid digestion. - Feta cheese: Provides protein and calcium but can add sodium, so use it wisely. This salad is not just tasty; it offers health benefits, too! For the full recipe, check out the details above. This blog post covered how to create a delicious cucumber tomato salad. You learned about the required ingredients, tips for perfect preparation, and how to make a tasty dressing. We also explored variations and storage tips to keep your salad fresh. In the end, this salad is simple to make and can fit many diets. Enjoy customizing it to your taste! With fresh ingredients and smart tips, your salad will impress every time.](https://lazychefmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/c3610030-6392-40e1-9ca5-15a2902572fa-250x250.webp)
Simple Cucumber Tomato Salad
Beat the heat with our refreshing cucumber tomato fusion salad! This vibrant dish combines crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty red onion for a perfect summer treat. Tossed in a simple homemade dressing of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a touch of sweetness, it’s a healthy addition to any meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, this salad is sure to impress! Click to discover the full recipe and elevate your dining experience!