Italian Tomato Cucumber Salad
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a taste of Italy? Ever craved a salad that's bursting with sunshine? This Italian Tomato Cucumber Salad is your answer! It’s fresh, vibrant, and seriously addictive.
The star of the show is the simplicity, letting the natural flavors shine.
Brief Overview
This Mediterranean salad originates from sun-drenched Italian gardens. This recipe is easy as pie, taking about 30 minutes. It yields 4 servings of pure deliciousness. Perfect for a quick lunch or side.
Main Benefits
This healthy summer recipe is packed with vitamins. It’s perfect for a BBQ or any summer gathering. What makes it special? The fresh ingredients and zesty dressing create a flavor explosion in your mouth.
More Than Just A Tomato Salad
Tomato cucumber , onion, and fresh herbs? Yes, please! I remember the first time I made this Italian salad recipe .
My nonna, bless her heart, showed me the ropes. Honestly, it was a game changer. The secret? Good quality olive oil and fresh oregano .
This Italian Tomato Cucumber Salad is a breeze to whip up. We are talking less than 30 minutes from start to finish! It's all about fresh ingredients and simple flavours.
I always say, even a culinary klutz can pull this one off.
What’s So Great About This Easy Salad Recipe ?
Want to know a fun fact? Did you know that cucumbers are actually fruits? I didn't either! Anyways, the beauty of this dish is its versatility.
Want to impress your mates at a barbeque? Sorted. Craving a light and refreshing lunch? Done. Need something to pair with your grilled chicken? Look no further.
This summer salad recipe does it all!
I always get a bit nostalgic making this salad. It reminds me of lazy summer days and family gatherings. Plus, it's super healthy and good for you.
Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, you can enjoy this guilt free. What’s not to love?
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Ready to whip up this fantastic Italian Tomato Cucumber Salad ? Honestly, it's one of my go-to summer salad recipes .
It is a perfect example of easy salad recipes . Here's everything you'll need. Don't worry, it's mostly stuff you probably already have.
Main Players: The Salad Stars
Okay, here's the lowdown on the salad itself:
- You'll need 2 large ripe tomatoes (about 500g/1.1 lbs ). Think beefsteak or heirloom. They need to be juicy!
- Grab 1 English cucumber (about 300g/0.66 lbs ). Peel it. Slice it into 1/4 inch rounds.
- Half a red onion (about 50g/0.11 lbs ), thinly sliced. It adds a nice bite.
Look for tomatoes that smell amazing. You know that proper tomato smell? That's the good stuff. The cucumber and tomato match is key to a refreshing bite.
The star of the show is fresh produce.
Don't forget the herbs! 1/4 cup each of fresh basil and parsley (about 5g each), roughly chopped. Fresh makes all the difference. Fresh oregano is fantastic, but basil and parsley are non-negotiable.
Dressing: The Flavour Bomb
This dressing is seriously easy:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil ( 60ml ). Use the good stuff.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar ( 30ml ). Adds a lovely tang.
- 1 clove garlic, minced (about 3g ). No vampires allowed in this dish!
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano ( 2g ). A must for an Italian salad recipe .
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar ( 2g ). Balances the acidity.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Don't be shy!
Honestly, the key to a good dressing is tasting as you go. My grandma always said, "Taste everything three times!"
If you are searching for healthy summer recipes , this recipe is perfect. You can easily adapt this tomato salad recipe to fit your needs!
Tools of the Trade: Simple is Best
You won't need fancy equipment for this Mediterranean salad :
- Cutting board.
- Sharp knife. (Please be careful.)
- Large bowl.
- Small bowl or jar for the dressing.
- Whisk or fork.
If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do just fine. I've even used chopsticks in a pinch. No stress.
No matter the tools used, the end result will be a fantastic Tomato Cucumber .
Italian Tomato Cucumber Salad: Sunshine on a Plate
Honestly, sometimes all you need is a bit of sunshine in a bowl. That's exactly what this Italian Tomato Cucumber Salad delivers.
It’s the perfect summer salad recipe , so grab some fresh ingredients. This easy salad recipe is about to become your go-to.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
First things first: let's get organized. We call this mise en place .
- Chop 2 large ripe tomatoes into 1 inch chunks.
- Slice 1 English cucumber into 1/4 inch rounds after peeling it, and thinly slice 1/2 red onion .
- Chop 1/4 cup fresh basil and 1/4 cup fresh parsley . For the dressing, mince 1 clove of garlic .
This prep takes about 15 minutes or so. Trust me, this will save you time in the long run.
step-by-step to Salad Perfection
Ready to assemble your Mediterranean salad ? Here's how:
- Combine the chopped cucumber and tomato , and the sliced red onion, basil, and parsley in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil , 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar , minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano , 1/2 teaspoon sugar , salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently. Don't drown it!
- Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes . This lets the flavours mingle.
- Serve chilled. Garnish with extra fresh oregano or basil if you're feeling fancy.
Pro Tips: Salad Wizardry
Want to take your Italian salad recipe to the next level? I have you!
- Don't overdress! Add it gradually, tasting as you go. Soggy salads are a crime against humanity.
- You can make the dressing ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- If you're using feta or mozzarella, add it just before serving. This will keep it from getting soggy. Avoid Cucumber And Tomato mix with the dressing too much in advance.
This Vegetarian Italian recipe is a breeze. The total time to make it around 30 minutes . It's a taste of Italy, right here in your kitchen. Enjoy this healthy summer recipe!
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Italian Tomato Cucumber Salad
Right then, let's chat about making this Italian Tomato Cucumber Salad the best it can be. Honestly, it's already pretty darn easy.
But these little nuggets of wisdom will take it to the next level. You know? Like when you add that extra sprinkle of parmesan to your pasta… chef's kiss .
Serving It Up Like a Pro
This ain't just some thrown together salad. Treat it with respect! For plating, think rustic chic. A simple white bowl works wonders.
I like to arrange the tomato cucumber slices artfully. Think about the colours. Throw in some extra Fresh Oregano on top.
As for sides, the Italian salad recipe loves grilled chicken. Also try some crusty bread. A glass of chilled white wine is the perfect pairing.
A Pinot Grigio, perhaps? This becomes the ultimate Summer salad recipes .
Storage Solutions: Keepin' it Fresh
Leftovers? You're lucky! This Tomato Salad is great the next day.
Pop it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to two days . Honestly, it's best eaten fresh.
The Cucumber And Tomato can get a bit soggy if left too long. Freezing? Nah, don't even think about it.
Tweaking the Recipe: Your Salad, Your Rules
Fancy a change? Go for it. Want a Vegetarian Italian recipes ? This is already it!. For a dairy-free version, skip any cheese add-ins.
Simple! Want to make it Healthy summer recipes ? load up on greens!. A bit of feta adds a salty kick.
For a seasonal swap, try using yellow tomatoes.
The Goodness Inside: A Nutritional Nod
Okay, I'm no expert. But this salad is packed with goodness. It's low in calories. It's got vitamins from the Tomato Cucumber and Tomato Cucumber .
Think fibre, hydration, and happy taste buds. Basically, it's guilt free deliciousness. It is a Mediterranean salad and it makes you feel good about yourself.
So there you have it! Everything you need to create a cracking Italian Tomato Cucumber Salad . Don't be afraid to experiment.
Have some fun, and remember the most important ingredient: a big dollop of love. You will have the Easy salad recipes to die for.
Now, go get chopping!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Italian Tomato Cucumber Salad ahead of time? I'm having a barbecue tomorrow!
You can definitely prep some of the ingredients ahead! Chop the veggies and store them separately in the fridge. However, hold off on adding the dressing until just before serving to prevent the salad from getting soggy. Nobody wants a droopy salad at a barbecue, right?
What are some good variations on this Italian Tomato Cucumber Salad? I like to mix things up!
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative. A sprinkle of feta or mozzarella adds a lovely creamy, salty element. For a bit of a kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing, or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra sweetness. It’s your salad, so make it your own!
How long does Italian Tomato Cucumber Salad last in the fridge?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be aware that the tomatoes and cucumbers might release some liquid, so it might not be as crisp as the first day. Best to eat it sooner rather than later!
Is there anything I can substitute if I don't have red wine vinegar for my Italian Tomato Cucumber Salad?
No red wine vinegar? No worries! White wine vinegar or even lemon juice will work as a substitute. They both offer a similar tanginess that complements the other ingredients. Just adjust the amount to your taste preferences a squeeze of lemon can really brighten things up!
What kind of tomatoes are best to use for Italian Tomato Cucumber Salad?
The quality of tomatoes really makes a difference! Look for ripe, juicy tomatoes like beefsteak or heirloom varieties. Roma tomatoes can also work in a pinch. The key is to find tomatoes that are bursting with flavor, because let's face it, nobody wants a bland tomato in their salad.
Is this Italian Tomato Cucumber Salad healthy?
You bet! This salad is packed with vitamins and antioxidants from the fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. It's also relatively low in calories and fat, especially if you use a light hand with the olive oil. A simple, flavorful way to get your five-a-day! Consider it a guilt free pleasure.
Italian Tomato Cucumber Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 150 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |