**Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe: A Refreshing Treat**
As the sunny summer days beckon for something light and invigorating, a cucumber and tomato salad serves as the ideal solution. This straightforward yet tasty dish is not just quick to make but also rich in nutrients, making it a perfect option for a wholesome meal or side. Here’s how to whip up this scrumptious salad that embodies the essence of fresh ingredients.
**Ingredients:**
– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and sliced thinly
– 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
– 1 small red onion, sliced thinly
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, ripped
– 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or sliced olives for additional flavor
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Vegetables:**
Start by thoroughly washing the cucumbers and tomatoes. Peel the cucumbers if you wish, and slice them thin. Chop the tomatoes into bite-sized chunks. For the onion, peel and slice it thinly, ensuring the pieces are manageable.
2. **Mix the Ingredients:**
In a sizable salad bowl, mix the sliced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, and sliced red onion. Toss in the chopped parsley and ripped basil leaves. These herbs will infuse the salad with a refreshing aroma and flavor.
3. **Dress the Salad:**
In a small bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar with a whisk. Season the dressing with salt and cracked black pepper to your liking. Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl.
4. **Toss and Serve:**
Gently combine the salad to make sure the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Take care not to crush the tomatoes. If you like, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or add sliced olives for an extra flavor burst.
5. **Chill and Enjoy:**
For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Serve cold as a refreshing side or a light main dish.
**Nutritional Benefits:**
This cucumber and tomato salad is not only tasty but also healthy. Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water, making them refreshing and great for weight management. Tomatoes are plentiful in vitamins C and K, along with antioxidants like lycopene, which are great for heart wellness. The inclusion of olive oil offers healthy fats, while fresh herbs contribute vitamins and minerals.
**Variations:**
Feel free to modify this salad to align with your taste. You can toss in other veggies like bell peppers or radishes for added crunch. For a protein lift, think about including chickpeas or grilled chicken. A squeeze of lemon juice can also elevate the salad’s freshness.
In summary, a cucumber and tomato salad is a flexible dish that can be savored in many ways. Its ease and lively flavors make it a staple for any gathering, particularly during the summer season when these vegetables are freshest. Relish this salad as part of a healthy diet and enjoy the taste of summer in every bite.