Zesty Cucumber Tomato Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for warm weather or as a side dish for various meals. It typically consists of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and herbs tossed in a zesty dressing. Here’s a simple recipe to make this delicious salad:Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 4 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to your taste)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers thinly and dice the tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion. Chop the fresh basil and parsley. Place all these ingredients in a large salad bowl.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup if using. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the flavors to your preference by adding more vinegar or sweetness if needed.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the cucumber, tomato, and onion mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure the vegetables are well-coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the salad bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
- Serve: Just before serving, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Garnish with extra fresh basil and parsley if desired. Serve the zesty cucumber tomato salad as a side dish or enjoy it on its own.
Feel free to customize this salad by adding other ingredients like feta cheese, olives, or bell peppers if you like. This salad is versatile and can be adapted to your taste preferences, making it a perfect addition to picnics, barbecues, or any meal where you want a burst of fresh, zesty flavors.
