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Summer Garden Salad

This refreshing Tomato and Cucumber Salad is the perfect light and healthy side dish, full of vibrant flavors. With a tangy vinegar dressing, it’s easy to prepare and ideal for summer meals or as a fresh addition to any gathering. Great when your craving a fresh salad out of the garden!

Fresh Tomato and Cucumber Salad

Recipe by zoeybohnenstinglCourse: SaladsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking timeminutes
Calories

150

kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 tomatoes, sliced into bite-size pieces

  • 3 cucumbers, peeled and sliced into bite-size pieces

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 1/2 c. vinegar

  • 1 tsp pepper

  • 2 tsp white sugar

  • 2 tsp salt

  • 1 c water

  • 1/4 c olive oil

Directions

  • Prep the Vegetables:
    Peel the cucumbers, then slice both the tomatoes and cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Chop the onion into small chunks.
  • Make the Dressing:
    In a large bowl, mix the vinegar, water, olive oil, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  • Combine and Marinate:
    Add the chopped vegetables to the dressing and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated. Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  • Serve and Enjoy:
    After marinating, give the salad a quick toss before serving. Enjoy as a refreshing side to your main dish or on its own!

Notes & Tips


  • Use Ripe Tomatoes: The key to a great tomato and cucumber salad is using fresh, ripe tomatoes. Heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes offer the best flavor and juiciness.
    Peeling Cucumbers: If you prefer a slightly less crunchy texture, feel free to peel the cucumbers entirely. For a bit more texture and fiber, leave some skin on or use English cucumbers, which have thinner skin.
    Sweetness Balance: The sugar in the dressing helps balance the acidity from the vinegar. If you like it less sweet, feel free to reduce the sugar to 1 teaspoon or leave it out entirely for a tangier bite.
    Customize the Veggies: This salad is super versatile. Add other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or radishes, or even toss in some fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor.
    Let It Marinate: While you can serve the salad right after tossing, letting it sit in the fridge for 15–20 minutes (or longer) really helps the flavors meld together. The vinegar and oil will soak into the veggies, making them extra tasty.
    Make It a Meal: Turn this salad into a full meal by adding protein! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a sprinkle of feta or mozzarella cheese would pair perfectly.

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