This Easy Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad is a perfect blend of crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes. Topped off with a sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of dressing, it’s super fresh!
You can whip it up in no time, which is great when you’re hungry! I love serving it at picnics—everyone can’t resist going back for seconds. It’s just that good! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: I choose English cucumbers for their thinner skin and crunch. If you can’t find them, regular cucumbers work great too—just peel them if the skin is bitter.
Tomatoes: Ripe garden tomatoes add the best flavor. If out of season, try using cherry tomatoes; they’re sweet and fun to eat. Just slice them in half!
Red Onion: The slight bite of red onions is perfect here. If they’re too strong for you, try using green onions or shallots instead for a milder taste.
Dill: Fresh dill truly brightens this salad. If you don’t have it, parsley or basil can be used for a different flavor profile, or even just omit it if you prefer simplicity!
Olive Oil & Vinegar: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to, but any light oil will do. For the vinegar, lemon juice is a perfect substitute for a zesty twist!
How Can I Make Perfectly Chopped Vegetables?
Chopping veggies evenly ensures a great look and taste! Here’s how to do it:
- Start by peeling the cucumbers, then slice them lengthwise before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
- For tomatoes, remove the stem, then cut them into wedges or chunks—keep them about the same size as the cucumbers.
- When slicing red onions, cut them in half, and then slice thinly. This will keep their shape and blend well with other ingredients.
Taking your time to chop will not only make your salad prettier, but it also helps with consistent flavor in every bite!
Easy Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and chopped
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad is super quick to make! You’ll need about 10-15 minutes for prep time, and you can let it sit for another 10 minutes for the flavors to combine. In no time, you’ll have a delicious, refreshing dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by peeling the cucumbers. Then, chop them into bite-sized pieces. Next, chop the tomatoes into similar-sized pieces so everything blends nicely. Finally, thinly slice the red onion; this will give a great flavor to the salad.
2. Combine the Vegetables:
Take a large bowl and toss in your chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and sliced red onions. This mix will be the base of your salad.
3. Add the Dill:
Next, sprinkle the fresh dill (or dried dill) over the mixed vegetables. Dill adds a fresh, herby taste that brightens the salad.
4. Drizzle the Dressing:
Now, drizzle the olive oil and red wine vinegar (or lemon juice) over your salad. This will give it a lovely flavor and a little shine.
5. Toss Everything Together:
Gently toss all the ingredients together in the bowl. Make sure everything is well-coated with the dressing and the dill.
6. Season to Taste:
Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You can adjust this based on your preference—just start with a little and add more as needed.
7. Let It Sit:
Let your salad sit for about 10 minutes. This waiting time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature, depending on your preference!
Enjoy this light and refreshing salad as a side dish or a healthy snack! 😊
FAQ About Easy Refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad
Can I Use Different Types of Onions?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of red onion, you can substitute it with green onions or even sweet onions for a milder taste. Alternatively, omit the onion altogether if you prefer a simpler salad!
How Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions a few hours in advance. Just keep them in separate airtight containers in the fridge and mix them together right before serving to maintain their crunch.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the cucumbers may release some water, making the salad a bit soggy, so enjoy it soon for the best texture!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add ingredients like feta cheese for creaminess, olives for a salty kick, or even bell peppers for extra crunch and color. The salad is versatile, so get creative with your favorite additions!
