Marinated cucumber and tomato salad is a refreshing and delicious side dish that’s perfect for warm weather or as a healthy accompaniment to various meals. It typically combines fresh cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and other ingredients to create a delightful medley of flavors. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 4 medium-sized tomatoes, diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (or use other herbs like parsley or cilantro)
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. If you prefer, you can peel the cucumbers partially or completely, depending on your taste. Slice the cucumbers thinly and dice the tomatoes. If you’re using red onion, thinly slice it as well.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. You can also add a pinch of dried herbs like oregano or thyme to the dressing for extra flavor.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion (if using), and chopped basil leaves.
- Marinate: Pour the prepared dressing over the vegetables in the mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together to ensure the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly. The longer you let the salad marinate, the more the flavors will meld together. You can refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving, but it’s even better if you can let it sit for a few hours.
- Serve: When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve chilled.
This cucumber and tomato salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, sandwiches, or as a light standalone salad. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any occasion where you want a fresh and healthy side dish. Enjoy!
