Cucumber Tomato Salad

Refreshing and vibrant, this Cucumber Tomato Salad is a quintessential dish that epitomizes the freshness of its ingredients. A delightful blend of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, sharp red onions, and aromatic basil, this salad is dressed in a tangy and slightly sweet vinaigrette that enhances the natural flavors of the vegetables. It’s the perfect side dish for a summer barbecue or a healthy addition to your weekday meals.

This salad not only offers a burst of color and flavor but also provides a cooling relief on warm days. It’s simple to assemble and can be made in advance, making it a convenient option for gatherings and meal prep. Let’s prepare this garden-fresh salad that’s as healthy as it is delicious.

Preparation

This no-cook salad comes together quickly, requiring just a bit of chopping and whisking.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • Approximately 3 cups peeled & sliced cucumbers
  • 3 Roma tomatoes, sliced into chunks
  • ⅓ cup chopped red onion
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh basil

For the Dressing

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¾ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon dill weed
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, tomato chunks, chopped red onion, and fresh basil. Toss gently to mix the ingredients.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, dill weed, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Continue whisking until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
  3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, tossing to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  4. Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Cucumber Tomato Salad as a refreshing side to grilled meats or as a light, standalone meal. It’s particularly good when served alongside grilled chicken or fish, providing a bright and tangy contrast to the smoky flavors.

Tips

  • For the best texture, serve the salad shortly after it’s made, as the vegetables will start to soften as they marinate in the dressing.
  • You can adjust the amount of vinegar in the dressing to suit your taste preferences. Some may prefer a less tart dressing, so feel free to reduce the vinegar or add a little more sugar.

Enjoy your Cucumber Tomato Salad, a delightful dish that brings the freshness of the garden right to your table!

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