Cucumber and Tomato Salad

An Irresistibly Fresh Cucumber and Tomato Salad

There’s something uniquely refreshing about a cucumber and tomato salad that keeps you coming back for more. It’s that perfect blend of flavors and textures that makes this dish as crave-worthy as your favorite chocolate. The best part? It’s incredibly easy and quick to whip up, so you can satisfy your cravings without much effort.

This delightful salad even charmed my 8-year-old daughter, who managed to prepare it all by herself, from peeling and chopping the veggies to mixing the dressing. Watching her beam with pride as she received compliments reminded me of how special this simple dish can be.

Think of this salad as a cousin to the ever-popular Tomato, Cucumber, and Avocado Salad, but with its own personality. It skips the avocado and instead highlights different herbs for a fresh twist. Even if you’re not a fan of avocado or basil, you’ll find the parsley and cilantro here to be equally delightful. Of course, you can always swap them with basil if you prefer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for those busy days when you need a delicious dish in no time.
• Kid-Friendly: Simple enough for little chefs to make, boosting their confidence in the kitchen.
• Versatile: Swap herbs or add extras like olives or feta for a personalized touch.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl for the dressing
• Whisk
• Chopping board
• Knife

Ingredients

For the Vegetables:

• 5 large tomatoes (fresh and fully ripe; tomatoes on the vine are a very good choice)
• 1 pinch brown sugar
• 1 English cucumber (fresh and firm)
• 1/2 large red onion
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 1 pinch black pepper

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil (very good quality)
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 garlic cloves (pressed)
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions

1. Core the tomatoes, cut them into 6-8 wedges, and then halve each wedge. Place the tomatoes in a large bowl, sprinkle with a pinch of brown sugar, salt, and pepper, and toss well.
2. Halve the cucumber lengthwise, then slice it into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Add to the bowl with tomatoes.
3. Slice the red onion into thin slivers, either halving them or keeping them as is, based on your preference. Add to the bowl along with chopped parsley and cilantro.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients until well blended.
5. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss with your hands. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 1 to 6 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Serve and refrigerate any leftovers for up to 3 days.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher the tomatoes and cucumbers, the more vibrant your salad will be.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the salad to sit for a few hours enhances the overall flavor.
• Toss Gently: Be gentle when mixing to keep the vegetables from breaking down.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Try adding feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean twist.
• Substitute red wine vinegar with balsamic vinegar for a sweeter dressing.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

• Calories: 228 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 411 mg
• Potassium: 765 mg
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 9 g
• Vitamin A: 2530 IU
• Vitamin C: 42.9 mg
• Calcium: 45 mg
• Iron: 1.2 mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this salad ahead of time? Absolutely! It’s best after sitting for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

What can I substitute for cilantro? If you’re not a fan, basil or mint make excellent alternatives.

How long will this salad keep in the fridge? It stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.

Conclusion

This cucumber and tomato salad is a simple, fresh, and versatile recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick lunch or as a side for dinner, its vibrant flavors are bound to impress. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out by sharing your experience in the comments below!