This Fresh Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Walnut Dressing is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines crisp vegetables with a rich, nutty dressing for a delightful blend of textures and flavors. It’s a perfect side dish for any meal, especially during warmer weather when you crave something light yet flavorful. Let’s dive into how to make this incredible salad.
Ingredients:
- 1 cucumber – For a crisp, fresh base.
- 1/2 red bell pepper (paprika) – Adds a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and vibrant color.
- 350g tomatoes – The juicy, sweet essence of the salad.
- 1 red onion – For a sharp bite that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and cucumber.
- Fresh parsley – Brings brightness and a pop of color.
- 40g walnuts – For a crunchy texture and earthy flavor.
- 1 clove garlic – Adds depth and pungency to the dressing.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar – Balances the acidity of the vinegar.
- Salt, to taste – Enhances the overall flavors of the salad.
- Black pepper, to taste – Adds a slight heat and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar) – Introduces a tangy acidity to the dressing.
- 2 tablespoons water – Dilutes the dressing to the perfect consistency.
- Olive oil – Brings everything together with its rich, fruity flavor.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Wash the cucumber, tomatoes, and red bell pepper. Peel the cucumber if desired, and dice it into bite-sized pieces. Cut the tomatoes and bell pepper into similar sizes for uniformity in each bite.
- Peel and thinly slice the red onion. If you find the flavor too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before draining and adding them to the salad. This will mellow out their sharpness.
- Roughly chop the fresh parsley for garnish.
- Make the Walnut Dressing:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the walnuts, garlic, sugar, salt, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, and water. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
- While blending, slowly drizzle in olive oil until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large serving bowl, combine the diced cucumber, tomatoes, red bell pepper, and sliced red onion.
- Pour the walnut dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to ensure everything is well-coated.
- Serve:
- Garnish the salad with the chopped fresh parsley. For the best flavor, let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- This salad can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for a refreshing summer dish.
Enjoy your Fresh Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Walnut Dressing as a standalone meal or as a side to complement your favorite dishes. The unique walnut dressing provides a delightful twist to traditional salad dressings, offering a creamy texture and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the crispness of the fresh vegetables.