If you’re hunting for a fresh, vibrant, and totally satisfying salad, this Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe will quickly become your go-to. Bursting with crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, crunchy radishes, and a bright hint of lemon juice, every bite delivers a delightful crunch and a meadow of flavors. This salad is not just simple to make but also a fantastic way to showcase the natural freshness of summer vegetables, making it an irresistible side or light lunch that feels as good as it tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Even with just a handful of ingredients, these are the building blocks that make the Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe shine. Each component brings unique texture, flavor, and color — from the juicy tomatoes to the zesty lemon, they all work in perfect harmony.
- English cucumber (cubed): Provides a cool, crisp texture that refreshes the palate with every bite.
- Cherry tomatoes (cubed): Adds a burst of sweetness and vibrant color to brighten up the dish.
- Red bell pepper (cubed): Brings a slight crunch and a mildly sweet flavor that complements the other veggies.
- Green onions (chopped): Offers a subtle oniony kick without overpowering the salad.
- Radishes (cubed): Contributes peppery crunch that gives the salad a lively contrast.
- Parsley (finely chopped): Lends a fresh, herbaceous note to uplift the overall flavor profile.
- Juice of 1 small lemon: Adds zesty brightness, balancing the richness of the olive oil.
- Olive oil (3–5 tablespoons): Brings smooth richness and helps marry all flavors beautifully.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance and bring out the freshness of the ingredients.
How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Veggies
Start by washing all your vegetables to get rid of any dirt and grit. Cube the English cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and radishes into bite-sized pieces. Chop the green onions and finely mince the parsley. Getting everything uniformly sized ensures every forkful is balanced and easy to enjoy.
Step 2: Combine in a Bowl
Grab your largest mixing bowl and toss in all those freshly chopped vegetables along with the parsley. Seeing all those colors together is such a mood booster—it’s like a little edible garden in your kitchen.
Step 3: Dress It Up
Drizzle the olive oil generously over the salad, then squeeze the juice of a fresh lemon right on top. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This simple dressing complements rather than masks the veggies, letting their natural flavors shine.
Step 4: Toss and Blend Flavors
Gently toss the salad with a spoon or your hands to combine everything thoroughly. This step is key—it ensures every ingredient is coated with the lemony olive oil dressing, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures throughout.
Step 5: Serve Fresh or Chill
This salad tastes fantastic right away, but if you have time, chilling it for about 10 minutes allows the flavors to meld even more. Whether served immediately or after a short chill, this dish always delivers a crisp, refreshing hit.
How to Serve Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle a handful of crumbled feta or some freshly torn basil leaves on top to add a creamy or aromatic element. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds also offers a delightful crunch, elevating your salad into something truly special.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even alongside your favorite roasted vegetables. It’s also a fantastic companion to Mediterranean-inspired dishes like falafel or pita with hummus, making your meal feel both balanced and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this salad in hollowed-out cucumber boats or as a topping for avocado halves. Using colorful bowls or mason jars can also make this humble salad look extra inviting at your next picnic or dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the salad is best enjoyed crisp, consume it within 1-2 days for peak freshness. You might find that the salad loses a bit of crunch but still tastes wonderfully fresh and zesty.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the high water content of the vegetables, which can become mushy and watery when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated if making ahead.
Reheating
No need to reheat this salad; it’s designed to be served cold or at room temperature to preserve the crisp textures and vibrant flavors. Just give it a gentle stir before serving if it has been refrigerated.
FAQs
Can I substitute the English cucumber with regular cucumbers?
Absolutely! English cucumbers have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, but regular cucumbers work fine—just peel and remove seeds if you want a similar delicate texture.
How much lemon juice should I use if I want a tangier salad?
Feel free to add more lemon juice to taste, starting with a half lemon extra. Just be mindful not to overpower the natural sweetness of the tomatoes and peppers.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes! This Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is entirely plant-based and gluten-free, making it perfect for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Can I add cheese to this salad?
While the original recipe doesn’t include cheese, adding crumbled feta or goat cheese can enhance the flavor with a creamy, tangy element if you enjoy cheese.
What’s the best olive oil to use?
A good quality extra virgin olive oil brings the freshest, richest flavor to the salad. Avoid overly strong or bitter oils, which can overpower the delicate veggies.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe is a simple celebration of fresh vegetables and bright, zesty flavors that never fail to lift the mood. It’s easy to whip up, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to bring a refreshing bite to any meal. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved staple in your recipe collection!
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Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Cucumber Tomato Salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy radishes, and colorful bell peppers, all tossed in a light lemon and olive oil dressing. This simple, quick-to-make salad is perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light snack.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 English cucumber, cubed
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, cubed
- 1 bunch green onion, chopped
- 1 bunch radishes, cubed
- 1/4 cup parsley, finely chopped
Dressing
- Juice of 1 small lemon
- 3–5 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and prepare all vegetables by cubing the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and radishes, then chopping the green onions and parsley finely.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add all the prepared vegetables along with the chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful base.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle 3 to 5 tablespoons of olive oil over the salad, squeeze in the juice of one small lemon, and season with salt and pepper to taste for balanced flavor.
- Toss the Salad: Gently toss all ingredients together to ensure even distribution of the dressing and seasoning throughout the salad.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for a crisp taste or chill it for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Adjust olive oil quantity according to your preference for dressing thickness.
- For extra freshness, chill vegetables before preparation.
- Optional: Add a sprinkle of feta cheese or olives for additional flavor.
- This salad is best consumed within a day for optimal freshness.
