Cucumber Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 1 largeEnglish cucumber
sliced
- 2 mediumtomatoes
chopped
- ¼ cred onion
thinly sliced
- 3 tbspolive oil
- 1 tbspfresh dill
minced
- 1 tbspfresh parsley
minced
- 1 tbspfresh chives
minced
- 2 tspsugar
- 1 tspsalt
- ¼lemon
juice
Directions
- 1
Prepare vegetables. Clean and chop your vegetables and place them in a bowl that is large enough that you can stir without spilling.
- 2
Make dressing. Combine all the ingredients for the lemon dill dressing in a small bowl or glass measuring cup.
- 3
Combine. Pour the dressing over the cut vegetables and stir gently to coat all the vegetables with the dressing.
- 4
Chill and enjoy. Place in the refrigerator and allow to cool for 2-3 hours. You can eat this fresh, but I prefer it after the vegetables have had time to sit in the dressing.
Cucumber Tomato Salad
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About this Recipe
As summer days draw to a close, there's nothing quite like a refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad to capture the season's vibrant flavors. This easy side dish perfectly blends crisp English cucumber, juicy ripe tomatoes, and a subtle kick from thinly sliced red onion. What truly elevates this classic salad are the generous handfuls of fresh herbs – fragrant dill, bright parsley, and mild chives – that infuse every bite with an herbaceous aroma. The simple yet exquisite dressing, a mix of quality olive oil, a squeeze of fresh lemon, a touch of sugar, and a pinch of salt, beautifully enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables without overpowering them. It's a light, zesty, and utterly satisfying summer salad that takes mere minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
Tips for the Perfect Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Ingredient Quality is Key: Choose firm, ripe tomatoes and a crisp English cucumber for the best texture and flavor.
- Herb Power: Don't skimp on the fresh dill, parsley, and chives. They are the stars! Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like mint or basil for a different twist.
- Red Onion Mildness: If you find red onion too strong, soak the slices in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the salad to mellow their flavor.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This herbaceous Cucumber Tomato Salad is an amazing side dish for grilled meat, pairing wonderfully with everything from grilled chicken and fish to steak. It also makes a fantastic light lunch on its own, or you can spoon it over bruschetta for an elegant appetizer. Looking to get creative?
- Add Cheese: Crumbled feta or goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy dimension.
- Mediterranean Twist: Toss in Kalamata olives and bell peppers for a Mediterranean flair.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle heat.