Easy & Light Tomato Cucumber Salad 🥗🍅🥒 Refreshing and Nutrient-Packed!
1. Introduction
Looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious dish? The Tomato Cucumber Salad is an excellent choice for hot summer days or any time you want a fresh, light meal. This healthy tomato salad combines crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes with minimal effort, making it an easy cucumber salad that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack. Its vibrant flavors, combined with a tangy vinaigrette, will keep you coming back for more.
2. Ingredients for the Tomato Cucumber Salad
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 large cucumbers, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese or olives for extra flavor
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Fresh Tomato Cucumber Salad
Prep the Vegetables
Start by washing the cherry tomatoes and cucumbers thoroughly. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. Thinly slice the red onion for a mild, sweet flavor that complements the salad’s freshness.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Add chopped parsley or basil to introduce aromatic freshness. Toss everything gently to combine.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice or vinegar. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. For a richer flavor, you can add a teaspoon of honey or Dijon mustard.
Combine and Serve
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until well coated. Top with crumbled feta or olives if desired. Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes for enhanced flavors. This easy cucumber salad is a perfect side dish or light lunch option.
4. Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh longer, avoid adding the dressing until ready to serve. For added crunch, keep the cucumbers separate until serving time. Check out more lunch ideas to complement your salad.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Tomato Cucumber Salad
This healthy tomato salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seafood, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired mezze platter. You can also serve it over a bed of greens or with crusty bread. For an extra boost, sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for added texture.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about the Tomato Cucumber Salad
Can I make this salad in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the salad a few hours ahead, but add the dressing right before serving to keep it crisp.
Can I substitute other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add bell peppers, radishes, or avocados for variety and extra nutrients.
What are some healthy variations for this salad?
Skip the cheese and opt for fresh herbs to make it vegan. Using apple cider vinegar or balsamic also offers different flavor profiles.
What is the approximate preparation time?
The entire process takes about 10-15 minutes, making it an ideal quick recipe for busy days.
7. Kitchen Tools That You Might Need for This Recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Make chopping and slicing effortless with this versatile vegetable prep tool, transforming your lunch prep routine.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 – Perfect for complementing salads with crispy proteins or roasted vegetables.
- Ninja Mega Kitchen Power System – A powerful blender or food processor makes dressing and herb chopping quick and easy.
Investing in quality kitchen tools can elevate your cooking experience and streamline your process for making fresh salads like this Tomato Cucumber Salad.
8. Related Recipes You Might Love
- Zesty Citrus Shrimp Salad with Creamy Avocado
- Sweet Refreshing Summer Chicken with Peaches
- Easy Healthy Roasted Peach BBQ Chicken Bake
9. Conclusion
The Tomato Cucumber Salad is a fantastic addition to your healthy eating repertoire. Its simplicity, bright flavors, and quick preparation make it a favorite for any meal. Whether you’re preparing a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a refreshing snack, this healthy tomato salad is sure to satisfy. Discover more delicious recipes on our site and elevate your home cooking today!
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Easy & Light Tomato Cucumber Salad
Enjoy this easy & light tomato cucumber salad, a refreshing and nutrient-packed dish perfect for hot summer days or any time you want a healthy, flavorful meal. Combining juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette, this simple salad is great as a side or light lunch.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 large cucumbers, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese or olives for extra flavor
Instructions
- Start by washing the cherry tomatoes and cucumbers thoroughly. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. Thinly slice the red onion.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Add chopped parsley or basil. Toss gently to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice or vinegar. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add optional honey or Dijon mustard if desired.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until well coated. Top with crumbled feta or olives if desired. Serve immediately or chill for 15-20 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve for maximum freshness. Add cucumbers just before serving to maintain crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 150 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg