This fresh, flavorful Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad features juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant herbs. It's perfect as a side dish or a light, refreshing meal!
This salad is Chop, Toss, and done! It combines fresh veggies, olives, and herbs with a lemon-olive dressing. That’s it! A fresh, flavorful Mediterranean salad is ready in minutes—simple, quick, and delicious!
Have some cucumbers on hand? You’ll love our popular Cucumber Salad recipes featuring Mango and Beetroot for a delicious and refreshing treat!
Ingredients Notes
To make this delicious cucumber salad you need
- Cucumbers: Use English cucumbers for a milder taste, if you are using regular cucumbers, peel them first.
- Tomatoes: Ripe, juicy tomatoes like Roma or cherry are ideal.
- Onion: Red onion adds a mild kick, but yellow or green onions work too. Soak in cold water if you prefer a less sharp taste.
- Olives: Kalamata olives bring a Mediterranean flair, but black or green olives can work too. Try capers as a tangy alternative!
- Cilantro and Basil: Fresh basil is traditional, but you can use parsley or even mint for a fresh, unique taste. Swap cilantro with parsley for a milder flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make this recipe and bring the Mediterranean flavors to your table!
1. Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by washing the cucumbers and tomatoes. Peel the cucumbers if you prefer a softer texture. Then, chop cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Slice the red onion thinly to achieve a milder flavor and balanced texture.
2. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and sliced red onion. Add the Kalamata olives, then toss the ingredients gently.
3. Dress the Salad
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly, so each bite gets a bit of that vibrant dressing.
5. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle torn basil leaves and chopped parsley over the top of the salad. These fresh herbs add a burst of flavor and a beautiful pop of green color.
Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. While best enjoyed fresh, it can also be refrigerated for a few hours if needed.
It’s super simple to make and works as a perfect side to Mujadara, pairs well with Batata Harra, or stands alone as a light meal.
Variations
Here are some delicious variations for your Cucumber Tomato Salad:
- Protein-Packed: Add chickpeas or grilled tofu, for a protein-rich meal.
- Grain Bowl: Mix in cooked quinoa, couscous, or farro for added texture and nutrients.
- Avocado Addition: Dice avocado for a creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Greek Twist: Include artichoke hearts and bell peppers for a Greek-inspired version.
- Fruit Fusion: Toss in diced watermelon or strawberries for a sweet contrast.
- Mediterranean Herb Blend: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill, mint, or oregano for extra flavor.
Feel free to mix and match these variations to suit your taste!
This Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad captures the essence of the region with simple ingredients and bold flavors. Each bite of juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and aromatic herbs brings a refreshing taste of the Mediterranean that’s nutritious and delicious. Perfect for warm days or when you crave a burst of freshness, this salad is sure to become a go-to favorite. Enjoy!
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Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Large Cucumbers
- 2 Medium Tomatoes
- 1 Medium Red Onion
- ½ Cup Kalmatra Olives Pitted sliced
- ¼ Cup Fresh Basil Leaves
- ¼ Cup Cilantro
Instructions
- Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Peel the cucumbers if you prefer a softer texture. Chop the cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, and slice the red onion thinly.
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Garnish with torn basil leaves and chopped parsley. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes to meld the flavors. Best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for a few hours.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Choose ripe, seasonal tomatoes and firm cucumbers for the best taste.
- Salt Cucumbers: Sprinkle with salt and let sit for 10 minutes to keep the salad crisp.
- Mix Herbs: Combine basil and parsley with fresh dill or mint for added flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.
- Experiment with Vinegars: Add a splash of apple cider or balsamic vinegar for extra tang.
- Mix Veggies: Feel free to add bell peppers, radishes, or avocados.
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