Balsamic Cucumber Tomato Salad is a refreshing and healthy vegetarian salad that's perfect for summer picnics, backyard barbecues, and any meal that needs a burst of freshness. This 10-minute recipe is a delicious combination of crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes creates a perfect balance of flavors, and the addition of a maple balsamic vinegar dressing makes it extra special.
This super simple salad is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. With each bite, you'll feel refreshed and satisfied, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
The maple balsamic vinegar dressing adds a subtle sweetness that complements the fresh vegetables. The cucumbers add a refreshing crunch, while the tomatoes bring a juicy burst of flavor. The red onion adds a mild spicy kick.
In addition to being delicious, this Meditararian 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.
There are several variations and substitutions you can try to make this Balsamic Cucumber Tomato Salad on your own.
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.
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📖 Recipe
Balsamic Cucumber Tomato Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Large Cucumber
- 1 Cup Tomatoes
- ½ red onion
- ¼ cup fresh herbs parsley, basil , cilantro or mint
For Balsamic Salad Dressing
- 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dejon Mustard
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Salt and pepper per taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and chopped fresh herbs.
- 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.
Notes
Nutrition
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Mandar
so easy to make and so yummy
Marissa Petersen
It's winter here in the frozen tundra and I had a hankering for cuke salad so I ran to the store and got the cukes and tomatoes and whipped this up with ham and cheese sliders for dinner. I will probably finish what's left tonight by myself. I honestly don't think there's a cuke salad I dislike but this one had a unique flavor profile that I very much enjoyed. I made with the munchi cucumbers (I just learned of these delicious gems this summer) and a whole red onion and used cilantro for my herb. I have thyme and rosemary in my fridge that I'm semi tempted to add as well. Thoughts?? Either way, thank you for this refreshing, yummy, crisp salad on a lovely winters day.