Print

Fresh Tomato Cucumber Salad Recipe with Tangy Balsamic Vinaigrette

fresh tomato cucumber salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A light, refreshing salad featuring ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, perfect for summer lunches or side dishes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped (Roma or vine-ripened preferred)
  • 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced (English or Persian cucumbers recommended)
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)
  • Salt to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon sea salt)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste (about 1/4 teaspoon)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the tomatoes and cucumbers. Chop tomatoes into bite-sized chunks (about 3 cups). Peel cucumbers if skin is thick, then slice thinly (about 2 medium cucumbers). Set aside.
  2. Thinly slice 1/4 cup red onion. To mellow the flavor, soak slices in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain well.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, and minced garlic. Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, red onion, and chopped fresh herbs. Pour the vinaigrette over and gently toss to coat evenly without crushing the vegetables.
  5. Optionally, let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to meld flavors or chill in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use ripe but firm tomatoes to avoid sogginess. Slice cucumbers thinly for best texture. Soak red onion slices in cold water to mellow sharpness. Toss gently to avoid bruising vegetables. For best freshness, store dressing separately and add just before serving. Optional additions include toasted pine nuts or crumbled feta cheese. Variations include adding fresh mint or dill, or grilling vegetables for smoky flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: tomato cucumber salad, balsamic vinaigrette, summer salad, fresh salad, easy salad recipe, healthy salad, vegan salad, gluten-free salad

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/fresh-tomato-cucumber-salad-recipe-with-tangy-balsamic-vinaigrette-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/