If you’ve been searching for a salad that’s both delightfully fresh and wonderfully easy to whip up, the Simple Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with vibrant colors and crisp textures, this salad combines juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and a hint of zing from fresh herbs and a white balsamic vinaigrette. It’s the perfect no-fuss side dish that never fails to brighten the table and tantalize the taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward yet essential for creating a balanced and flavorful Simple Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe. Each component plays a role in bringing that crisp, tangy, and herbaceous profile to life, making every bite memorable.
- Cucumber (1 large, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced): Adds a crisp, hydrating crunch that makes the salad so refreshing.
- Tomatoes (1 pound, sliced; cherry tomatoes recommended): Bring juicy sweetness and vibrant color that complement the cucumber perfectly.
- Red onion (1 small, peeled, halved, and thinly sliced): Offers a sharp flavor contrast that sharpens the overall taste without overwhelming it.
- Fresh soft herbs (a bunch, chopped): Enhance aroma and freshness, giving the salad an herbal lift; think parsley, dill, or basil.
- White balsamic vinaigrette (1 recipe): Provides a tangy yet gentle acidity that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Simple Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables
Start by washing and slicing the cucumber thinly after halving it lengthwise to create those perfect crisp ribbons. Next, slice your tomatoes – cherry tomatoes are ideal because they’re wonderfully sweet and bite-sized. Finally, peel and slice the red onion thinly to avoid overpowering the salad with sharpness.
Step 2: Chop Your Fresh Herbs
Grab a handful of your favorite fresh soft herbs and give them a rough chop. Fresh herbs like basil, dill, or parsley will bring a pleasing fragrance and refreshing taste that compliments the other ingredients without stealing the show.
Step 3: Combine Everything in a Bowl
In a large bowl, toss together the sliced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and chopped herbs. This is where everything starts to come together in its simplest and most beautiful form.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle your prepared white balsamic vinaigrette over the bowl and gently toss once more to evenly coat all the ingredients. The dressing adds the perfect level of tang and slight sweetness, bringing out the best in every bite.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
This salad is at its best when served fresh. The crispness of the cucumber and the vibrant flavors of the tomato are best enjoyed right away, so don’t wait too long to dig in!
How to Serve Simple Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese for a slight umami kick. Toasted pine nuts or a handful of crumbled feta also make fantastic garnishes that elevate the salad’s flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
This Simple Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even a hearty piece of crusty bread. It’s also a fabulous light side dish to complement heavier meals during summer barbecues or casual dinners.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve the salad layered in a glass trifle dish to showcase all the vivid colors, or arrange the vegetables artistically on a platter and drizzle the vinaigrette tableside for added flair. You can even stuff the salad into pita pockets or wraps for a fresh, handheld option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salad is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 1 to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if you anticipate storing it for longer so the vegetables don’t become soggy.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing because the cucumbers and tomatoes have high water content and will become mushy upon thawing. Fresh is definitely best for the Simple Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe.
Reheating
This salad is served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating. For the freshest experience, enjoy it straight from the fridge or at a slightly chilled temperature.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes in this salad?
Absolutely! While cherry tomatoes are recommended for their sweetness and size, heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes work wonderfully as well. Just slice them to your preferred size for easy eating.
What substitutions can I make for the white balsamic vinaigrette?
If you don’t have white balsamic vinegar, a light red wine vinegar or lemon juice mixed with olive oil and a touch of honey can make a lovely, similarly bright dressing.
How long does this salad stay fresh?
Because it’s made with fresh ingredients and no preservatives, it’s best enjoyed within a day or two. The vegetables start to soften after that, losing their crisp bite.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes! Feel free to toss in some bell peppers, radishes, or even olives. Just keep in mind that additional veggies may alter the flavor balance slightly.
Is this salad vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, the Simple Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a wonderful choice for many dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Simple Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe a try because it’s such a joyful way to celebrate fresh, vibrant produce with minimal fuss. It’s a dish that feels like sunshine on a plate and always brings a smile to the table. Whether you’re looking for a quick side or a colorful addition to your meal, this salad is a fantastic option that never disappoints.
Print
Simple Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and simple tomato cucumber salad featuring crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and sharp red onion, all tossed with fresh herbs and a tangy white balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light side dish or accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large cucumber (halved lengthwise and thinly sliced)
- 1 pound tomatoes (sliced; cherry tomatoes recommended)
- 1 small red onion (peeled, halved, and thinly sliced)
Herbs
- Bunch fresh soft herbs (chopped; such as parsley, basil, or dill)
Dressing
- 1 recipe white balsamic vinaigrette
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Start by halving the cucumber lengthwise and then thinly slicing it. Slice the tomatoes (cherry tomatoes work wonderfully here) and peel, halve, and thinly slice the red onion.
- Chop the herbs: Finely chop a bunch of fresh soft herbs of your choice, such as parsley, basil, or dill, to add vibrant flavor to the salad.
- Toss the salad: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and chopped herbs. Pour the white balsamic vinaigrette over the mixture.
- Serve immediately: Toss everything gently to coat all ingredients with the vinaigrette and serve the salad right away to enjoy its fresh, crisp flavors.
Notes
- Use cherry or grape tomatoes for the best texture and sweetness.
- For the white balsamic vinaigrette, you can use a store-bought version or make your own with white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- This salad is best served fresh, but you can refrigerate leftovers for up to one day. The vegetables may release extra moisture over time.
- Feel free to add other fresh vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for added crunch.
