This Fresh Tomato and Cucumber Salad is super bright and tasty! With juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers, it’s perfect for a quick, healthy dish.
It’s like summer on a plate! I love to toss in some feta cheese and a sprinkle of herbs to make it even better. It’s so easy, you might just make it every day! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are key for flavor. I recommend using heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes for the best taste. If they’re not available, any juicy variety will do.
Cucumber: A large cucumber adds crunch. I prefer English cucumbers since they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin. You could also use Persian cucumbers if you want a smaller size.
Red Onion: Red onion provides a nice bite. If it’s too strong for you, try using green onions or even sweet onions like Vidalia for a milder taste.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley adds freshness, but you could use basil or mint for a different twist. Using a mix can also enhance the flavor!
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings a salty flavor. For a dairy-free option, try almond feta or simply skip it for a lighter salad.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad is Well-Mixed and Flavored?
Getting the salad nice and mixed really helps the flavors come together. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by chopping all the veggies uniformly. This helps everything to combine better and makes it nice to eat.
- When you add olive oil and vinegar (or lemon juice), drizzle it around the bowl rather than just plopping it in the middle. This helps it spread out.
- After tossing gently, give it a taste! You can always add more seasoning, like salt or pepper, based on your liking.
- If you’re letting it chill, give it another gentle toss before serving so everything stays coated.
Fresh Tomato and Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Topping:
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. It’s quick to chop, mix, and can be enjoyed right away—or let it chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors blend. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner side!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Main Ingredients:
Start by taking a large bowl and adding the chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and red onion. This colorful mix is the base of your salad!
2. Add Fresh Herbs:
Next, toss in the chopped fresh parsley. This will give your salad a nice burst of flavor and a pop of color.
3. Drizzle the Dressing:
Now, drizzle the olive oil and then the red wine vinegar (or lemon juice) over the vegetable mix. This will enhance all the delicious flavors.
4. Toss the Salad:
Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well combined. You want each bite to have a bit of everything!
5. Season and Serve:
Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you’re using feta cheese, now’s the time to add it. Mix it in gently to keep the cheese intact.
6. Enjoy or Chill:
You can serve your salad right away, but if you have a few extra minutes, letting it chill in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes allows the flavors to meld even more. Enjoy your fresh and healthy creation!
Can I Use Different Types of Tomatoes?
Absolutely! While ripe tomatoes work best for flavor, you can also use grape or cherry tomatoes if that’s what you have on hand. Just halve them or quarter them for easy eating!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To keep this salad vegan, simply skip the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative. The salad will still be refreshing and delicious without it!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to eat the salad within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. If you’ve added feta, the salad might release some moisture, so give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, radishes, or even some avocado for creaminess. You can also add a sprinkle of sunflower seeds or nuts for extra crunch!
