Introduction
Picture a bowl brimming with juicy tomatoes and cooling cucumber coins, all glistening under a lively lemon‑herb vinaigrette. In just five minutes, this salad delivers hydration, gentle detox support, and a refreshing crunch that flatters every grilled entrée on your summer menu.
The Origins of Simple Mediterranean Salads
Across the Mediterranean basin, humble garden salads marry ripe produce with bright acid and good olive oil—no cooking required. Our version channels those sun‑splashed traditions while adding a punch of fresh herbs and citrus to awaken modern palates.
Unique Ingredients That Shine
Seedless English cucumbers provide snap without excess seeds. Vine‑ripened tomatoes add balanced sweetness and lycopene antioxidants. A vinaigrette of lemon juice, parsley, and oregano infuses each bite with layered zest, while a whisper of garlic rounds the flavor.
Cooking Techniques That Make a Difference
Salting cucumber slices briefly draws out water, concentrating their taste and keeping the salad from watering down the dressing. Whisking vinaigrette until emulsified ensures every vegetable glistens evenly, preventing oily puddles.
Cucumber Tomato Salad with Zesty Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
Description
Five‑minute cucumber‑tomato salad dressed in bright lemon‑herb vinaigrette—light, crunchy, and ideal for summer cookouts or weekday lunches.
Ingredients for Cucumber Tomato Salad with Zesty Lemon Herb Vinaigrette
Vinaigrette
Instructions
Preparation of Ingredients
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Gather Your Ingredients
Lay out cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and vinaigrette components.
Having produce pre‑washed speeds assembly.
Salt Cucumbers
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Light Salt
Sprinkle cucumber slices with pinch of salt; let sit 2 minutes, then pat dry.
Removes excess water, intensifying flavor.
Mix the Vinaigrette
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Whisk & Emulsify
In small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper until slightly thickened.
Emulsification coats vegetables evenly.
Combine Salad
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Toss Together
In a serving bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion. Pour vinaigrette over; toss gently.
Gentle toss prevents tomato breakage.
Serving the Dish
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Serve Immediately
Serve salad chilled or at room temperature within 15 minutes of dressing.
Fresh herbs lose vibrancy if held too long in acid.
Note
- Swap basil for parsley when pairing with Italian mains.
- Add feta crumbles for a protein and calcium boost.
- Replace lemon juice with red‑wine vinegar for a sharper profile.
- Leftover salad can be blended with avocado for a quick gazpacho.
