This tomato cucumber salad is a light and refreshing dish perfect for warm weather. Made with fresh tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a simple dressing, it offers a burst of flavor and nutrition in every bite.
The recipe is quick and easy, making it an ideal side dish for barbecues, picnics, or weeknight dinners. You can customize it with additional ingredients like feta cheese or herbs to enhance the flavor.
Ingredients That Shine
The foundation of this salad lies in its fresh ingredients.
Bright red tomatoes provide a juicy sweetness, while crisp cucumbers add a refreshing crunch.
Thinly sliced red onions introduce a subtle sharpness, perfectly balanced by the vibrant green of fresh parsley.
Each component contributes not only to the flavor but also to the visual appeal of the dish, creating a colorful medley that is hard to resist.
Simple Preparation Steps
Preparing this salad is a breeze, making it an excellent choice for busy days.
Start by dicing the tomatoes and slicing the cucumbers.
Next, thinly slice the red onion and chop the parsley.
Combine these ingredients in a large bowl, allowing their flavors to mingle before adding the dressing.
Creating the Perfect Dressing
The dressing for this salad is light yet flavorful, enhancing the fresh ingredients without overpowering them.
Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
If desired, a sprinkle of dried oregano can be added for an extra layer of flavor.
This simple dressing ties the salad together, making each bite a delightful experience.
Serving Suggestions
This tomato cucumber salad shines as a side dish for various meals.
It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, making it a perfect addition to barbecues or picnics.
For a light lunch, serve it alongside some crusty bread or atop a bed of greens.
Its versatility ensures it can complement any occasion, from casual gatherings to more formal dinners.
Storage Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
While the salad is best enjoyed fresh, it can last for a day or two.
To maintain the crispness of the cucumbers, consider adding the dressing just before serving.
This way, the salad stays vibrant and refreshing, ready to be enjoyed again.
Health Benefits
This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
Tomatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, while cucumbers provide hydration and fiber.
The addition of parsley offers antioxidants and can aid in digestion.
With only 120 calories per serving, this dish is a guilt-free way to enjoy fresh produce.
Easy Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe
This salad features juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers tossed in a zesty dressing. The recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 2 medium cucumbers, sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the tomatoes, slice the cucumbers, and thinly slice the red onion.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, red onion, and parsley.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano if using.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all the ingredients.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 8g