Description
This cucumber tomato salad is a fresh, vibrant side dish perfect for summer gatherings or a quick lunch. Crisp English cucumber, juicy grape tomatoes, and sharp red onion are tossed in a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette with a touch of sweetness and fragrant basil. Ready in minutes but best after chilling, this salad delivers bright flavor and crunch with every bite.
Ingredients
For The Salad:
- 1 English cucumber – sliced into rounds, then quartered
- 2 cups grape tomatoes – sliced in half
- ½ cup red onion – sliced into thin strips
- 2 Tbsp chopped parsley
For The Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar – or honey
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and chop the vegetables. Slice the cucumber into rounds, then quarter each piece. Cut the grape tomatoes in half, and thinly slice the red onion. Chop the parsley.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, granulated sugar (or honey), dried basil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the chopped cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the vegetables.
- Toss the Salad: Gently toss everything together with tongs or a large spoon until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the vegetables to absorb the dressing flavors. Stir again just before serving and enjoy!
Notes
- For even more flavor, let the salad sit overnight in the fridge.
- Swap red wine vinegar with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar if needed.
- Add feta cheese, chickpeas, or avocado for extra protein or creaminess.
- English cucumber is preferred for fewer seeds, but regular cucumbers work too.
- This salad is best served chilled and within a day for maximum freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Side-dishes
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 167 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 299 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
