Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 large cucumbers
• 4 medium ripe tomatoes
• ½ small red onion
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese, optional
• 1 small bell pepper, optional

For the Dressing

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, optional
• 1 small garlic clove, finely minced
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Additions

• Kalamata olives
• Avocado
• Green onions
• Fresh mint
• Chickpeas
• Crumbled goat cheese
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• A pinch of chili flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Wash the Vegetables

1. Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly under cool running water.
2. Dry them with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
3. Dry vegetables are especially useful for salads because excess water can dilute the dressing.

Step 2: Prepare the Cucumbers

1. Trim both ends of the cucumbers.
2. You can leave the skin on for extra color, texture, and fiber.
3. Slice the cucumbers into rounds or cut them into bite-sized half-moons.
4. If the cucumbers contain a lot of seeds or seem particularly watery, you can scoop out some of the seeds before cutting.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomatoes

1. Cut the tomatoes into wedges or bite-sized chunks.
2. If using cherry tomatoes, simply cut them in half.
3. Choose tomatoes that are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape when mixed with the other ingredients.

Step 4: Slice the Onion

1. Thinly slice the red onion.
2. For a milder onion flavor, place the sliced onion in a bowl of cold water for approximately 5–10 minutes.
3. Drain and pat dry before adding it to the salad.
4. This simple step removes some of the sharpness while keeping the onion crisp.

Step 5: Add the Herbs

1. Chop the fresh parsley and dill.
2. Add them to a large mixing bowl with the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.
3. Fresh herbs make a huge difference in this simple salad because they add freshness and aroma.

Step 6: Prepare the Dressing

1. In a small bowl or jar, combine:
2. Olive oil
3. Red wine vinegar
4. Lemon juice
5. Honey, if using
6. Minced garlic
7. Oregano
8. Salt
9. Black pepper
10. Whisk or shake until the dressing is well combined.
11. Taste it before adding it to the salad.
12. If you prefer a more acidic dressing, add a little more vinegar or lemon juice.
13. If you prefer a slightly sweeter dressing, add a small amount of honey.

Step 7: Combine Everything

1. Pour the dressing over the vegetables.
2. Gently toss everything together using salad spoons.
3. Be careful not to crush the tomatoes.
4. If using feta cheese, add it near the end and gently fold it into the salad.

Step 8: Let the Salad Rest

1. For the best flavor, allow the salad to sit for approximately 10–15 minutes before serving.
2. This gives the vegetables time to absorb some of the dressing while remaining fresh and crunchy.

Notes

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best texture, consume it within 1–2 days . Tomatoes and cucumbers naturally release water after being dressed, so the salad will become softer over time. If possible, store the dressing separately when preparing the salad in advance.

Nutrition

Calories: 120 kcal · Protein: 2 g · Carbohydrates: 8 g · Fat: 9 g · Fiber: 2 g · Sugar: 5 g · Sodium: approximately 250–350 mg · Vitamin C: a good source · Vitamin K: a good source · Potassium: approximately 300–400 mg