What is cucumber tomato salad made of?

Cucumber tomato salad consists of fresh cucumbers (typically English or Persian varieties), ripe tomatoes, and red onions, dressed with a simple vinaigrette made from lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It's usually garnished with fresh herbs like basil, parsley, dill, or mint for added flavor and visual appeal.

What dressing goes best with cucumber tomato salad?

The best dressing for cucumber tomato salad is a light vinaigrette that enhances rather than masks the fresh vegetable flavors. A classic combination includes lemon juice, red wine vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This simple dressing allows the crispness of the cucumbers and the sweetness of the tomatoes to shine through.

How do you keep cucumber tomato salad from getting watery?

To prevent a watery cucumber tomato salad, salt the cucumber slices and let them sit for 20-30 minutes before patting them dry with paper towels. Additionally, seed the tomatoes to remove excess juice, and transfer the marinated salad to a serving bowl using a slotted spoon, leaving behind any accumulated liquid. Serving immediately after final assembly also helps maintain crispness.

Can you make cucumber tomato salad ahead of time?

While cucumber tomato salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Slice vegetables and store them separately in the refrigerator, mix the dressing and refrigerate in a sealed container, then combine everything just before serving. For best results, don't assemble more than a few hours in advance, as the vegetables will release water and become soggy.

What kind of cucumbers are best for cucumber tomato salad?

English cucumbers (also called hothouse or seedless cucumbers) are ideal for cucumber tomato salad because they have thinner skin, fewer seeds, and a more consistent texture than regular garden cucumbers. Persian cucumbers are another excellent choice, as they're small, crisp, and sweet with minimal seeds. Both varieties require no peeling and produce less water than standard cucumbers.

Should you peel cucumbers for cucumber tomato salad?

For English or Persian cucumbers, peeling is unnecessary as their skin is thin and tender. However, if using regular garden cucumbers with thicker, waxed skin, peeling is recommended for better texture and flavor. The decision ultimately depends on personal preference and the type of cucumber used. If the skin is bitter or tough, peeling will improve the overall eating experience. "Need more salad ideas? Don't miss our creamy peach salad recipe for another seasonal favorite!"

Best Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe: Fresh & Easy Summer Side

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

A refreshing summer salad featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and red onions in a light vinaigrette.

Author: Chef Rina
Prep Time: 15
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 1x
Category: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale

1 large English cucumber, sliced into thin half-moons (2½ cups)
2 large tomatoes, about 1½ pounds, chopped
½ cup thinly sliced red onion
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
½ cup chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley, dill, and/or mint
Flaky sea salt

Instructions

Combine cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
Allow mixture to chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to marinate.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer salad to a serving bowl, leaving excess liquid behind.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh herbs.
Finish with a light sprinkling of flaky sea salt and serve immediately.

Notes

Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods. For best results, serve immediately after final assembly.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 110Kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 590mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g

Keywords: cucumber salad, tomato salad, summer salad, fresh vegetable salad, healthy side dish

Find it online: https://www.joyliciousrecipes.com/cucumber-tomato-salad-recipe/