Zesty Garden Fresh Tomato & Cucumber Salad Recipe

Summers burst with vibrant colors and fresh flavors, especially when whipping up a mouthwatering tomato & cucumber salad recipe that captures the essence of seasonal goodness.

Ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers dance together in a delightful symphony of textures and tastes.

Mediterranean gardens inspire this simple yet stunning dish that sings with brightness and zest.

Each bite promises a refreshing blend of cool vegetables and tangy seasonings.

The combination delivers a light, nutritious meal that feels both elegant and effortless.

Colorful ingredients come together in minutes, making this salad a perfect companion for lazy afternoons or busy weeknight dinners.

Dive into this culinary delight and let your taste buds celebrate summer’s bounty.

Directions to Prepare Tomato & Cucumber Salad

• Veggie Preparation

Wash and slice cherry tomatoes and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Thinly chop red onion for a zesty kick.

• Fresh Herb Touch

Sprinkle freshly chopped oregano leaves over the chopped vegetables to add aromatic flavor.

• Dressing Magic

Drizzle extra virgin olive oil generously across the salad, gently mixing everything to ensure each piece gets coated with the silky oil.

• Seasoning Boost

Sprinkle sea salt and cracked black pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables. Crumble tangy feta cheese on top for a creamy Mediterranean twist.

• Chill and Enjoy

Pop the salad in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to let the flavors mingle. Best enjoyed within the first day when vegetables are crisp and vibrant. Serve as a refreshing side dish or light lunch option.

Mix-Ins and Swaps for Tomato & Cucumber Salad

• Swap regular cucumbers for Persian or English varieties to reduce seeds and enhance texture.
• Experiment with fresh basil, dill, or mint instead of oregano for a flavor twist that complements the vegetables.
• Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or cubed tofu to transform this light salad into a more substantial meal.
• Chop vegetables and store separately from dressing to prevent soggy ingredients and maintain crisp freshness until serving time.

How to Serve Tomato & Cucumber Salad Right

• Mediterranean Mezze Companion: Serve alongside warm pita bread and hummus for a classic Greek-inspired appetizer spread that brings vibrant colors and fresh flavors to the table.
• Summer Picnic Star: Pack this salad in a portable container for outdoor gatherings, beach trips, or backyard barbecues as a refreshing side dish that complements grilled meats and sandwiches.
• Protein Power Boost: Top the salad with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to transform it into a light, nutritious main course perfect for health-conscious meal planners looking for quick and delicious options.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement this salad with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled rosé, enhancing the bright, zesty flavors and creating a delightful dining experience.

Tomato & Cucumber Salad: Fridge Storage Tips

• Freshness First Strategy: Consume the salad within 24 hours for optimal texture and flavor, when vegetables remain crisp and vibrant.
• Liquid Management Technique: Drain any excess water that accumulates after refrigeration to maintain the salad's original crunch and prevent sogginess.
• Smart Container Selection: Store in an airtight glass container with a tight-fitting lid to minimize moisture and keep ingredients fresh and separated.
• Quick Remix Method: Before serving leftover salad, gently stir ingredients and add a small splash of olive oil to revive the initial dressing and restore brightness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 10 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 5

Tomato & Cucumber Salad: Ingredients Breakdown

• Cherry Tomatoes: Bursting with sweet, tangy flavor, these little gems add vibrant color and juicy texture to the salad.
• Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing, it provides a cool, hydrating crunch that balances the salad's richness.
• Red Onion: Adds a sharp, zesty bite and beautiful purple hue, bringing depth and excitement to the mix.
• Oregano: Infuses the salad with an earthy, aromatic Mediterranean essence that elevates the overall taste.

• Olive Oil: Silky smooth dressing that helps meld flavors and adds a luxurious, heart-healthy sheen to the salad.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential companions that awaken and enhance the natural flavors of each ingredient.

• Feta Cheese: Crumbly, tangy cheese that introduces a creamy, salty element, transforming the salad into a more indulgent experience.

Tools You’ll Need for Tomato & Cucumber Salad

• Large Serving Bowl: Essential for mixing and presenting the salad with plenty of room to toss ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables evenly and safely.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to slice cucumber, dice red onion, and halve cherry tomatoes cleanly.
• Measuring Spoons: Help accurately portion olive oil and seasonings.
• Wooden Spoon or Salad Tongs: Perfect for gently mixing and coating ingredients without bruising.

Fresh Tomato & Cucumber Salad

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad celebrates fresh ingredients with crisp vegetables and zesty herbs. Mediterranean cooks blend simple elements to create a refreshing side dish that delights palates.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 oz (57 g) feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 8 oz (226 g) cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
• 1 medium seedless cucumber, sliced and quartered
• ¼ red onion, diced or very thinly sliced
• 1 tsp finely chopped fresh oregano
• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Vegetable Preparation: Meticulously dice cucumber into uniform cubes and halve cherry tomatoes, ensuring consistent texture and visual harmony. Simultaneously, slice red onion into gossamer-thin rings to introduce a sharp, crisp counterpoint.
2. Seasoning Foundation: Transfer prepared vegetables into a generously sized mixing vessel. Cascade extra virgin olive oil using a fluid, circular technique to evenly coat each ingredient, unlocking their intrinsic flavors. Sprinkle dried oregano to infuse an aromatic dimension.
3. Flavor Enhancement: Liberally season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, calibrating to personal taste preferences. This process amplifies the vegetables’ inherent sweetness and creates a nuanced flavor profile.
4. Cheese Integration: Crumble feta cheese across the salad’s surface, strategically distributing pockets of tangy, creamy essence throughout the composition.
5. Final Composition: Execute a delicate folding technique, gently intermingling ingredients to prevent vegetable degradation. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and develop a refreshing character. Consume within 24-36 hours to preserve optimal texture and taste integrity.

Notes

• Precision in Chopping: Cut vegetables uniformly to ensure consistent texture and visual appeal in every bite.
• Onion Strategy: Slice red onion paper-thin to prevent overpowering the delicate vegetable balance and provide a subtle sharp crunch.
• Flavor Infusion Technique: Allow salad to rest briefly in refrigerator, enabling herbs and seasonings to deeply penetrate and harmonize ingredients.
• Freshness Window: Consume within 24 hours to maintain crisp texture and vibrant flavor profile, as vegetables will naturally release moisture over time.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg