Chopped cucumber tomato salad is a refreshing and vibrant side dish that’s perfect for any meal. This salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, sweet onion, and fresh parsley with a simple yet flavorful vinaigrette. It’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed on its own or as an accompaniment to your favorite main courses. Follow these steps to create a delicious and healthy chopped cucumber tomato salad.
Ingredients
- 1 long English cucumber or 3 Persian cucumbers, finely chopped into small pieces
- 1 pound tomatoes, chopped small
- 1/4 large sweet onion, chopped small (about 1 cup)
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, lemon juice, or a combination
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Chop the cucumber into small pieces. If using an English cucumber, there’s no need to peel it, but you can peel if desired.
- Chop the tomatoes into small pieces. Remove seeds if preferred, but it’s optional.
- Chop the sweet onion into small pieces.
- Chop the fresh parsley leaves.
- Combine the Vegetables:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped cucumber, chopped tomatoes, chopped sweet onion, and chopped parsley.
- Prepare the Vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), extra-virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey (if using). Whisk until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
- Season the Salad:
- Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables in the large bowl.
- Season with salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste.
- Toss the Salad:
- Gently toss the salad to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated with the vinaigrette and seasoning.
- Serve:
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish.
- Serve immediately or let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. For the best flavor and texture, this salad is ideally enjoyed fresh. However, if you need to prepare it in advance, you can refrigerate it for a few hours before serving. This short refrigeration period will allow the flavors to meld together while still maintaining the salad’s crispness and freshness.
Conclusion
Chopped cucumber tomato salad is a fresh and flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to prepare. With its crisp vegetables and simple vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this healthy and delicious salad on its own or as a side dish to complement your favorite meals. Bon appétit!