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.
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.
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.
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.
Five‑minute cucumber‑tomato salad dressed in bright lemon‑herb vinaigrette—light, crunchy, and ideal for summer cookouts or weekday lunches.
Lay out cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and vinaigrette components.
Sprinkle cucumber slices with pinch of salt; let sit 2 minutes, then pat dry.
In small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, parsley, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper until slightly thickened.
In a serving bowl, combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion. Pour vinaigrette over; toss gently.
Serve salad chilled or at room temperature within 15 minutes of dressing.
This cucumber tomato salad showcases how minimal prep and peak‑season produce create a dish greater than the sum of its parts. The lemon‑herb vinaigrette brightens without overpowering, making the salad a refreshing palate cleanser alongside smoky grilled foods.
• Grill Companion: Serve beside grilled salmon, chicken kebabs, or veggie skewers to cut richness.
• Pita Pocket Filler: Spoon into whole‑wheat pita with hummus for a hydrating lunch.
• Brunch Platter: Pair with poached eggs and crusty bread for a light weekend spread.
Store dressed salad in airtight container up to 24 hours; cucumbers will soften but remain flavorful. Drain excess liquid before serving, and refresh with splash of lemon juice if needed.
Snap your colorful bowls and tag #ZestyCucumberTomato—share herb swaps, add‑ins like chickpeas or olives, and inspire fresh‑food lovers everywhere.