Tomato and cucumber salad is a reward for putting up with flies, mosquitos, and humidity in the summer. It is so simple: fresh summer vegetables tossed in a basic vinaigrette. It’s proof that food does not need to be complicated to be amazing.
Maybe you have a garden; if you do, I admire you more than you know! Or maybe, like me, you have a favorite produce vendor at the farmer’s market and are happy to trade your money for his hard work.
Either way, we’ve entered the growing season, and the quantity and quality of fresh vegetables are dazzling! Nothing can match the flavor of vine-ripened, hand-picked tomatoes!
When you combine them with crisp English cucumbers (also known as “burpless” or seedless cucumbers), something amazing happens.
These two beautiful vegetables are a combination that was born to co-star in a tomato and cucumber salad for so many reasons! Cucumbers and tomatoes have flavors that complement each other. Tomatoes are slightly sweet and acidic, while cucumbers have a refreshing and mild taste, which makes both flavors taste even better together.
Soft, juicy tomatoes provide a nice contrast to crisp, crunchy cucumbers. The best cucumbers for this salad are thin-skinned English cukes. The skins are so tender you don’t need to peel them, making the color contrast between them even more stunning.
You can use regular cucumbers, but please peel them and remove any large seedy areas.
The bright green of cucumbers and the vibrant red of ripe tomatoes create incredible visual appeal. Somehow food always tastes better when it looks good. Mom always said we eat with our eyes!
Both cucumbers and tomatoes bring amazing nutritional benefits to the table. Cucumbers add low-calorie, crunchy, hydrating bulk, while tomatoes are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and lycopene. This salad is not only beautiful, but it’s healthy and smart!
Red onions are milder and sweeter than white or yellow onions, so the flavor doesn’t overwhelm; it just enhances the tomato and cucumber combination.
Slice them into thin slivers to add gentle piquancy and a subtle crunch to the mix. And let’s talk about that burst of beautiful magenta color they add! The artist in me just loves what they do to the appearance of this refreshing tomato and cucumber salad.
Fresh basil has a distinct aroma and flavor that pairs wonderfully with cucumbers and tomatoes. It is both sweet and peppery, and that taste adds depth to the dish.
Tear or make a chiffonade of the basil leaves and mix them in. When the basil releases its aromatic oil, it infuses the salad with the most amazing flavor! Basil also brings a subtle touch of brightness and freshness that complements all the vegetables.
Shake together red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper, pour it over these beautiful veggies, and toss. Now chill this stunning salad for twenty minutes or more.
I had the rest of last night's tomato and cucumber salad for lunch today and shared it with our daughter. It tasted as good or even better than last night because of how the flavors married. I’ll keep making this one all summer, and I can’t wait to share it with my friends and the rest of the family!
Next time, I may add avocado and some feta cheese! What do you think sounds good?
This fresh vegetable salad is a wonderful side dish for any entree or menu, and I know if you take it to a potluck or picnic, all you’ll bring home is an empty bowl and requests for the recipe.
Summertime is salad time! Three glorious months of eating fresh vegetables as we gather at the table as a family, with friends, and at picnics and potlucks that dot our calendars during this bountiful season!
Here are more of our favorites, and please watch for more because I'll be posting fresh ones often! Amish Macaroni Salad, Marinated Vegetable Salad, and Amazing Kraut Salad!
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Love, GB (Betty Streff)
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