Easy Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe
Description
This Easy Tomato Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, light, and healthy dish perfect for any meal. Made with fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onion, and a tangy dressing, this salad is quick to prepare and packed with flavor. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can be enjoyed as a light standalone dish.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (or use English cucumbers for fewer seeds)
3 medium tomatoes, diced or sliced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (or basil for variation)
¼ cup feta cheese (optional for extra flavor)
For the Dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice (or vinegar of choice: apple cider, red wine, or balsamic)
1 tsp honey or sugar (optional, for balance)
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder (or 1 minced fresh garlic clove)
Instructions
Prepare the Vegetables:
Slice the cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
Thinly slice the red onion.
Chop the parsley or basil.
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice (or vinegar), honey, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder until well combined.
Combine Everything:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Chill & Serve:
Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Sprinkle feta cheese on top (if using) before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: ~120 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~8g
Protein: ~2g
Fat: ~9g
Fiber: ~2g
Sugar: ~3g
Sodium: ~200mg (varies with salt addition)
Time Required
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time (Optional): 10 minutes
Total Time: 10-20 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It’s best eaten fresh, but you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
2. What’s the best type of cucumber to use?
English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, so you don’t need to peel them.
3. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, avocados, or radishes can add more texture and flavor.
4. What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice?
You can use apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, or even balsamic vinegar for a slightly different taste.
5. How can I make it more filling?
Try adding chickpeas, grilled chicken, or quinoa
for extra protein and fiber