If you are looking for a refreshing, vibrant dish that celebrates the fresh flavors of summer, this Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and the aromatic touch of fresh basil, this salad is not only visually stunning but incredibly easy to throw together. The tangy dressing perfectly balances the sweetness of the vegetables, making it a delightful side or a light main on warm days. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or a crowd-pleasing side for a barbecue, this Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe never fails to impress with its simplicity and irresistible flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity, relying on fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together harmoniously. Each item plays a distinct role—whether it’s the juicy burst from tomatoes or the fresh crunch from cucumbers, all balanced by a zesty dressing.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for bite-sized bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Cucumber: Thinly sliced to add a refreshing crisp texture that complements the tomatoes.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle kick and lovely purple hue.
- Fresh basil leaves: Torn to release their fragrant aroma and add herbal brightness.
- Olive oil: Provides richness and helps carry the flavor of the dressing.
- Red wine vinegar: Adds tanginess that balances the salad’s natural sweetness.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors within the salad.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and subtle spice.
- Garlic powder: Offers a mild, savory depth without overpowering the salad.
- Feta cheese (optional): Crumbled on top for a creamy, salty contrast that elevates every bite.
How to Make Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by halving the cherry tomatoes so every bite is packed with juicy sweetness. Thinly slice the cucumber and red onion to create a medley of textures that are both crisp and tender. Place all these fresh veggies into a large mixing bowl—you’ll want plenty of room for tossing later on.
Step 2: Add Fresh Basil
Tear fresh basil leaves into bite-sized pieces right over the bowl. This step ensures you get delicious bursts of herbal aroma throughout the salad, brightening every mouthful.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl and whisk until fully emulsified. This simple dressing ties all the ingredients together, adding a tangy, savory punch that coats each vegetable lovingly.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Pour the dressing evenly over the bowl of vegetables and basil. This is where the magic begins as all those fresh flavors get lovingly enveloped in the zesty vinaigrette.
Step 5: Toss Gently
Using salad tongs or clean hands, gently toss everything to ensure every piece is coated in that delicious dressing without bruising the tender tomatoes.
Step 6: Add the Finishing Touch
If you love a little tangy richness, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top. It adds a creamy texture and salty contrast that works beautifully with the fresh ingredients.
Step 7: Let the Flavors Meld
Allow your Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to come together, marrying the tanginess of the dressing with the sweetness of the vegetables perfectly.
Step 8: Serve and Savor
Now it’s time to enjoy! Serve your salad straight from the bowl or transfer it to a pretty dish for a colorful presentation that will excite any guest’s palate.
How to Serve Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like extra torn basil or a sprinkle of chopped parsley add a lovely freshness and visual appeal. A dash of cracked black pepper just before serving can also give a hint of extra spice. For an indulgent touch, a few olives or a drizzle of balsamic glaze can be stunning garnishes.
Side Dishes
This Tomato Cucumber Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, fish, or even a crusty loaf of bread for a light summer meal. It shines alongside Mediterranean-inspired dishes, making it a go-to side when entertaining or meal prepping.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe by serving it in hollowed-out cucumbers or tomatoes for an elegant appetizer. Layer it in a glass jar for picnic-ready meals or build a colorful salad platter mixing this with olives, roasted peppers, and sliced cheeses for a Mediterranean feast that’s as pretty as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The salad may release some liquid as it sits, so give it a gentle toss before serving again to redistribute the flavors.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. The cucumbers and tomatoes will become mushy when thawed, so it’s best to prepare it fresh each time.
Reheating
Since this is a fresh, chilled salad, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy it cold or at room temperature to fully appreciate the crisp textures and bright flavors.
FAQs
Can I use regular tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely! Just chop them into bite-sized pieces, but cherry tomatoes are preferred because they offer a perfect burst of sweetness and juiciness that balances well with the cucumbers.
Is it necessary to use red wine vinegar in the dressing?
Red wine vinegar adds a nice tangy flavor, but you can substitute with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if that’s what you have on hand. Each will bring a slightly different twist.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative. The salad will still be delicious and refreshing without the cheese.
How long should I let the salad sit before serving?
Letting the salad sit for at least 10 minutes allows the dressing to meld with the vegetables, enhancing the overall flavor. You can prepare it a few hours ahead and refrigerate, just toss before serving.
What if I want a creamier dressing?
You can whisk in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise into the vinaigrette for a creamier texture. Just keep the balance right so it doesn’t overpower the fresh ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe is your new go-to for effortless, fresh, and flavorful eating. It’s a joyful celebration of simple ingredients coming together in a way that feels both nourishing and exciting. Give it a try—you’ll soon find yourself making it over and over, delighting friends and family with its unbeatable summer charm.
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Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 0m
- Total Time: 0h 15m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh, vibrant Tomato Cucumber Salad combining juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber slices, and tangy red onion, all tossed in a flavorful olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing with a hint of garlic. Garnished with fresh basil and optionally topped with creamy feta cheese, this salad is a quick, refreshing, and versatile side dish perfect for warm days or light meals.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, sliced into thin rounds or half-moons
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Begin by halving the cherry tomatoes and slicing the cucumber and red onion into thin rounds or half-moons. Place all the prepared vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
- Add Basil: Tear the fresh basil leaves and add them to the bowl with the vegetables, enhancing the salad’s fragrance and flavor.
- Make Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined to create a tangy and savory dressing.
- Combine Dressing and Vegetables: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables and basil in the large bowl.
- Toss Salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring balanced flavor in every bite.
- Add Feta Cheese: If desired, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad for a creamy, salty contrast.
- Let It Rest: Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and intensify before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the fresh Tomato Cucumber Salad as a side dish or light meal and enjoy the crisp, refreshing flavors.
Notes
- For a crisper salad, prepare and serve immediately or refrigerate for a short time before serving.
- If you prefer, substitute the red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for a different tang.
- To make the salad vegan, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Adjust salt and pepper levels to taste as needed.
- Adding chopped fresh mint can provide an additional refreshing note.
