Balsamic Cucumber Tomato Salad (Easy Summer Recipe)

Ingredients

Cucumbers : I recommend using English cucumbers for this recipe. English cucumbers are longer and thinner than regular cucumbers, and they have smaller seeds and thinner skin, which makes them easier to eat. Persian cucumbers are also a good option, as they are small and seedless.

Tomatoes : I love ripe cherry or grape tomatoes for this recipe. They're small, juicy, and add a burst of sweetness to the salad. When preparing the tomatoes, simply wash them and cut them in half. If you prefer larger tomatoes, you can use Roma or beefsteak tomatoes, but be sure to remove the seeds and chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Onion : I prefer to use red onion for the deep color and milder taste. Feel free to use white, yellow or sweet Vidalia onions.

Herbs : Parsley is my favorite but fresh basil, mint, cilantro or a combination of mixed fresh herbs also work.

Balsamic Vinaigrette : My 'go-to' salad dressing is maple balsamic vinaigrette. It uses maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic , Italian seasoning and Dejon Mustard along with olive oil. You can use other salad dressings as well.

Pro Tip : If you can't find English cucumbers, you can use regular cucumbers, but be sure to peel them and remove the seeds before chopping.

Substitutions

• Add some crumbled feta cheese for a tangy kick.
• Use a different type of vinegar, such as red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• Add some sliced bell peppers, carrots or chopped avocado for extra texture.
• To make it more hearty , top it with seasoned nuts, pumpkin seeds, croutons, cheese crackers or boiled eggs.

How to Make

In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped parsley.

In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dejon Mustard and extra-virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Storage and Prep-Ahead Ideas

If you're planning to serve this summer in a bowl cucumber tomato salad for a gathering, you can easily prepare it ahead of time. Prepare the salad and dressing separately ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just toss the dressing with the salad and you're good to go.

More Salad Recipes

• Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
• Arugula Beet Salad
• Avocado Egg Salad
• Caprese Salad with Peaches
• Fig Arugula Salad

For heartier salads, I prefer to combine various grains, lentils and nuts along with fresh vegetables. Black Beans and Corn Salad , Curry Lentil Salad , Chickpea Salad and Barley Salad are all filling and satisfying.

For summer picnics and BBQ sides, we love Greek Pasta Salad, Classic Egg Salad, Italian Pasta Salad as well as Mexican Street Corn Salad.

The Secret to the Best Flavor

A few simple tricks make this salad taste even better.

• Use ripe, sweet tomatoes.
• Salt the tomatoes lightly before mixing.
• Let the salad marinate for 15–20 minutes.
• Add basil just before serving.
• Use high-quality balsamic vinegar.

These small details create an incredible depth of flavor.

In addition to being delicious, this Mediterranean cucumber tomato salad is also packed with quality nutrients. I love the fact that how easy it is to feed your body nourishing food in minutes.

Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content. They're also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure.

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that can help protect against cancer and heart disease. They're also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Red onions contain a flavonoid called quercetin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They also have sulfur compounds that can help lower cholesterol levels and improve blood circulation.

Parsley is loaded with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium. It's also a natural diuretic that can help reduce bloating and water retention.