A Salad Full of Sunshine
My garden is my happy place. I love watching the tomatoes turn red. The cucumbers grow so fast, it always surprises me.
This salad tastes like summer in a bowl. It is crisp, cool, and a little bit tangy. Doesn’t that sound refreshing? What is your favorite summer vegetable?
Why Simple Food is Best
You do not need fancy ingredients to make a great meal. This salad proves that. Fresh, simple foods have the most wonderful flavor.
This matters because cooking should be fun, not hard. When you start with good food, you cannot go wrong. I still laugh at the time I tried a super complicated recipe. It was a big mess!
The Magic is in the Mixing
Let’s talk about making the dressing. You just whisk it all together. The smell of garlic and herbs is amazing.
Then you pour it over the cucumbers and tomatoes. Gently toss everything. The colors are so pretty together. Do you like to cook with your family?
A Little Story About My Grandson
My grandson used to pick the tomatoes out of his salad. He said they were too squishy. So one day, we chopped them together.
He tried a piece right from the cutting board. His eyes got wide. He said, “This is different. It’s good!” Now he loves them. This matters because tasting food as you cook is part of the fun.
A Fun Fact to Share
*Fun fact*: Did you know cucumbers are mostly water? That is why they are so cool and hydrating. They are like a delicious drink you can eat!
This salad is perfect for a hot day. It keeps you feeling light and happy. It is also full of good things for your body.
Your Turn in the Kitchen
This recipe is yours to play with. You can add a little red onion if you like. Or some crumbled cheese.
Making food your own is a wonderful thing. What would you add to this salad to make it special? I would love to hear your ideas.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English Cucumber | 1 | sliced into half moons |
| Vine Tomatoes | 1 Lb | chopped |
| Olive Oil | 2 Tablespoons | |
| White Wine Vinegar or White Balsamic Vinegar | 2 teaspoons | |
| Garlic Clove | 1 | grated |
| Dried Italian Season | 1 teaspoon | |
| Finely Chopped Fresh Parsley | 2 Tablespoons | |
| Salt/Pepper | to taste |
My Favorite Summer Salad
This salad tastes like sunshine. It reminds me of my own grandma’s kitchen. She grew cucumbers and tomatoes right in her backyard.
I still laugh at that. I would sneak into the garden for a tomato. I ate it like an apple, juice running down my chin. This recipe is just as simple and happy. Let’s make it together.
- Step 1: Grab your biggest bowl. Slice the cucumber into little half-moons. Chop those lovely red tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Put them all in the bowl. I love the colors together.
- Step 2: Now for the magic dressing. Whisk the oil and vinegar together. Grate one small garlic clove right in. (A hard-learned tip: grating the garlic makes it disappear into the dressing. No big chunks!) Add the Italian seasoning and fresh parsley. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
- Step 3: Pour your dressing over the cucumbers and tomatoes. Gently toss everything together. Now, give it a tiny taste. Add a little salt and pepper until it’s just right for you. This salad is best served cold. What’s your favorite summer vegetable? Share below!
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Three Fun Twists to Try
This salad is like a blank canvas. You can paint it with so many flavors. Feel free to play with your food. I do it all the time.
- Make it creamy. Stir in a big spoonful of plain yogurt. It becomes so tangy and rich.
- Make it a full meal. Add a can of chickpeas or some cubed cheese. It turns into a lunch you can eat with a spoon.
- Make it extra herby. Toss in some fresh chopped dill or basil. It will smell like a summer garden. Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving It Up Right
This salad loves to have friends on the plate. It is the perfect sidekick for a simple meal. I love how it makes everything feel fresh.
Try it next to a grilled cheese sandwich. Or serve it with some juicy chicken from the grill. For a pretty touch, sprinkle a little extra parsley on top. It looks so fancy, but it’s so easy.
For a drink, I love iced tea with a lemon slice. My husband prefers a crisp glass of white wine. Both are wonderful choices. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Salad Crisp and Cool
This salad is best eaten the day you make it. But I know life gets busy. Pop any leftovers in a sealed container. Keep it in the fridge for one or two days.
The tomatoes will let out a little juice over time. That is perfectly normal. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again. I do not recommend freezing this salad.
I once made a big batch for a family picnic. We had so much left! It was a happy surprise for lunch the next day. Batch cooking saves you time on a busy weeknight.
Having a ready-made salad means you will eat your veggies. It makes a healthy choice the easy choice. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for a Perfect Salad
Is your salad a bit watery? This can happen if you chop the veggies too early. Always chop your cucumbers and tomatoes right before mixing.
Does the dressing taste too sharp? A tiny pinch of sugar can balance the vinegar. I remember when my grandson said the dressing was too “zingy.” A little sugar fixed it right up.
Not enough flavor? Let the salad sit for ten minutes after tossing. This lets the flavors get to know each other. Getting the flavors right builds your cooking confidence.
A tasty dish makes everyone at the table happy. That is the real goal of cooking. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Cucumber Salad Questions Answered
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, it is! All the ingredients are naturally free of gluten.
Q: Can I make it ahead? A: You can chop the veggies a few hours early. But mix the dressing in just before serving.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh parsley? A: Use one teaspoon of dried parsley instead. It will still be delicious.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Absolutely! Just use a bigger bowl for your party.
Q: Any optional add-ins? A: A little red onion or feta cheese is lovely. *Fun fact: Cucumbers are mostly water, which makes them so refreshing!* Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this simple, fresh salad. It reminds me of sunny summer afternoons. Food tastes better when we share it.
I would be so happy to see your creation. It makes my day to see your kitchen adventures. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!
Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.
Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe WonkyWonderful
Description
A refreshing and simple salad featuring crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes tossed in a light herbed vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cucumbers and tomatoes in large mixing bowl.
- Whisk together oil, vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning and parsley.
- Toss cucumbers and tomatoes with dressing. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve cold.
Notes
- For best flavor, let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before serving.