Oh, this Refreshing Fresh Cucumber And Tomato Salad Recipe Bliss is just what the doctor ordered on a hot summer day! Seriously, it’s become my go-to when I need something super quick and unbelievably crisp. I remember trying to pull off a big backyard BBQ last year, and the main dishes were taking *forever*. I frantically threw this salad together with what I had on hand, and honestly, it stole the show! Everyone kept asking for the recipe. It’s so simple, really, but the taste? Pure bliss. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good from the inside out. You’ll see why it’s a winner!

Why You’ll Love This Refreshing Fresh Cucumber And Tomato Salad Recipe Bliss

Seriously, this salad is a lifesaver and just plain delicious. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like a kitchen whiz without doing much work. Here’s why it’s earned its spot in my regular rotation:

Super Speedy Prep: We’re talking 15 minutes, tops! Perfect for when you’re starving or short on time.
Effortlessly Easy: Honestly, if you can chop veggies and whisk a little dressing, you can whip this bad boy up. No fancy techniques needed!
Bursting with Fresh Flavor: The combo of cool cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and zesty dressing is just… perfection.
So Healthy and Light: Packed with vitamins and hydration, it’s a guilt-free way to boost your meal.
Incredibly Versatile: It goes with *everything* – grilled chicken, fish, burgers, or just on its own for lunch.
Minimal Cleanup: Usually, it’s just a cutting board and a bowl. Yay!
Pure Bliss! That refreshing taste just brightens your whole meal and your mood.

Gather Your Ingredients for Refreshing Fresh Cucumber And Tomato Salad Bliss

Alright, let’s get cooking! For this totally blissful salad, you don’t need much, but the quality of what you choose *really* makes a difference. Make sure you’ve got these on hand:

Cucumber: 1 big one, peeled, seeds scooped out, and then diced into nice little cubes. I like to use English cucumbers because they’re less seedy and have thinner skins.
Tomatoes: 2 juicy ones, also diced. Any good ripe tomato will do, but Roma tomatoes hold their shape really well.
Red Onion: About half of a medium-sized one, sliced super thin. This gives it just enough zip without being overpowering.
Fresh Parsley: A good ¼ cup, chopped up. It adds this lovely fresh, herbal note that just makes everything pop.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil if you can – it makes a world of difference to the dressing.
Red Wine Vinegar: 1 tablespoon. This gives our dressing that nice little tang.
Salt and Black Pepper: To your liking! I always say, season until it sings.

Crafting Your Refreshing Fresh Cucumber And Tomato Salad Recipe Bliss: Step-by-Step

Okay, now for the fun part – making this salad! It’s honestly so straightforward, you’ll be amazed. This recipe for Refreshing Fresh Cucumber And Tomato Salad Recipe Bliss truly comes together in minutes, and the end result is just *chef’s kiss*. It’s almost as easy breezy as whipping up a quick chimichurri sauce, but totally different flavors!

Combining the Fresh Ingredients

First things first, grab a nice big bowl. You’re going to toss in your beautifully diced cucumber, those gorgeous ripe tomatoes, and those super-thin slices of red onion. Make sure whatever you use is nice and fresh, it really does make all the difference in getting that lovely crunch and vibrant flavor.

Preparing the Simple Dressing

In a separate little bowl, let’s whip up that incredibly simple dressing. Just pour in your olive oil and the red wine vinegar. Give it a good whisk until it looks a little bit combined – you don’t need it to be perfectly emulsified, but a quick whisk really helps it cling to everything. This dressing is the secret to keeping the salad super refreshing and light! You know, sometimes if you can’t find good red wine vinegar, a nice champagne vinegar works wonders too. Just a little thought from my kitchen to yours!

Bringing It All Together

Now, pour that zippy dressing right over your veggie mixture in the big bowl. Sprinkle in your chopped parsley, and then season generously with salt and some freshly cracked black pepper. Now, this is important: toss it all *gently*. You don’t want to mush up those lovely tomatoes or cucumbers. Just a gentle lift and fold with your serving spoons until everything is nicely coated. Trust me, serving this right away is key for that ultimate crispness and bright, blissful flavor!

Tips for Salad Success and Variations

You know, this salad is already pretty fantastic, but sometimes I like to play around with it just a tiny bit to make it even more special. Here are a few things I’ve learned that really take it up a notch!

Enhancing Flavor: The Chill Factor

This is a big one! While it’s totally delicious served right away, if you can resist the urge and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, wowza! The flavors get to mingle and get to know each other, and the veggies absorb that lovely dressing. It really makes a difference in how the whole salad tastes.

Creamy Dressing Variations

Sometimes, I’m just in the mood for something a little richer, you know? So, I’ll whisk in a tablespoon of plain yogurt or even a dollop of sour cream right into the dressing. It makes the whole salad feel a bit more decadent but still keeps it nice and refreshing. It’s like a little creamy hug for your taste buds!

Beyond the Basics: Adding More Veggies

This salad is a total chameleon! Feel free to toss in other goodies. Crisp bell peppers, chopped celery for extra crunch, or even some olives can be amazing. I sometimes add a bit of finely diced zucchini if I have it lying around. It all just adds another layer of fun and flavor, and makes it even more hearty, almost like my super crunch salad recipe sometimes! You could even toss in some leftover chicken or avocado chunks for a satisfying meal, kind of like in my chicken and avocado salad!

Serving Suggestions for Your Refreshing Cucumber and Tomato Salad

This salad is seriously so versatile, it’s kind of amazing! It plays well with almost anything you can think of. If I’m grilling up some burgers or chicken, this is the salad I always reach for. It’s the perfect cool counterpoint to something a little smoky or spicy.

Pair it with some juicy garlic herb grilled shrimp for a light yet satisfying seafood dinner – trust me, the flavors just sing together! Or, if you’re going for something a bit more robust, it’s fantastic alongside a plate of something like this sweet and sour chicken. Honestly, though, it’s so good on its own sometimes, I’ll just have a big bowl for lunch with some crusty bread for dipping.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a little peek at what you’re getting nutrition-wise with this delightful salad. These numbers are approximate, of course, since it really depends on the exact size of your veggies and how generous you are with the dressing!

Serving Size: About 1 cup
Calories: Around 80
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg

It’s definitely a light and healthy choice!

Frequently Asked Questions About Refreshing Fresh Cucumber And Tomato Salad

Got questions about this lovely salad? I’ve got answers! This cucumber and tomato salad is pretty foolproof, but here are a few things people often ask.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You absolutely can prep it a few hours ahead, which is handy! The best way is to chop your veggies and make the dressing separately, then toss them all together just before you plan to serve. This keeps everything super crisp and amazing. If you toss it too far in advance, the cucumbers and tomatoes can get a little soft.

What are the best types of tomatoes to use?

Oh, this is a great question! I love using Roma tomatoes because they’re nice and meaty and don’t release too much juice, which keeps the salad from getting watery. But honestly, any ripe, flavorful tomato will work wonderfully. Little cherry or grape tomatoes halved are super cute and fun to eat, and heirloom tomatoes add beautiful color if you’ve got them!

Can I add protein to this salad?

Totally! This salad is a fantastic base for adding your favorite protein to make it a full meal. Grilled chicken or flank steak are awesome. I also love adding some cooked shrimp, maybe some of these garlic herb grilled shrimp, or even a can of rinsed and drained chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost. It just makes it heartier!

Share Your Refreshing Fresh Cucumber And Tomato Salad Bliss!

Okay, so now you’ve made this incredibly refreshing salad, right? I’d LOVE to hear all about it! Did you try any fun variations? How did it go at your dinner table? Drop a comment below and let me know – your feedback genuinely makes my day! And if you snapped a pic, tag me on social media; I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations!

Refreshing Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Author: jekof.com
Total Time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and refreshing salad perfect for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
2 large tomatoes, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the diced cucumber, diced tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
Add the chopped fresh parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
Season with salt and black pepper to your preference.
Toss gently to combine.
Serve immediately.

Notes

For a creamier salad, you can add a tablespoon of plain yogurt or sour cream to the dressing.
Add other vegetables like bell peppers or olives for variation.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for a colder, more flavorful salad.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 0 min
Category: Salad
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 80
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: cucumber tomato salad, refreshing salad, easy salad recipe, side dish, summer salad, healthy salad