Description
Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Known for its reliance on fresh, high-quality ingredients, Mediterranean salads showcase the power of simplicity. In this delightful salad, fresh cucumbers and tomatoes take center stage, making it a nutritious choice for any meal. This salad isn’t just a feast for the eyes; it’s packed with health benefits, making it versatile enough to serve as a stunning side or a light main course. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad is sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, diced
- 4 to 6 Roma tomatoes or 1 pint cherry tomatoes, chopped or halved
- 1/4 to 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, optional
- 1/2 to 1 cup crumbled feta, optional
Instructions
1. 1. Prep the vegetables: Begin by adding the diced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, sliced red onion, and fresh parsley into a large mixing bowl. Mix them gently to combine their vibrant colors.
2. 2. Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. This dressing will tie all the flavors together, so whisk until well blended.
3. 3. Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the prepared vegetables, ensuring every piece is beautifully coated. Use a gentle hand to toss the salad, preserving the integrity of the fresh ingredients.
4. 4. Finish and serve: If you’re using kalamata olives and feta cheese, sprinkle them over the salad and toss lightly once more. Serve immediately for a fresh bite, or chill it briefly for an even more refreshing experience.
Notes
For the best texture and flavor, ensure your vegetables are thoroughly rinsed and dried before preparing your salad. Additionally, you can prep certain components, like dicing the cucumbers or tomatoes, ahead of time to make assembly quicker.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg