This cucumber and tomato salad is the perfect balance to a rich, crispy fried chicken meal—cool, crisp, and full of fresh flavor. Start with juicy tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumbers, and a bit of red onion, then dress them with olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. The best part? You get to choose your own herb adventure! Whether you opt for the Mediterranean combo of basil and oregano, the Southern touch of dill and chives, or the refreshing mix of mint and parsley, this salad lets you tailor the flavors to suit your picnic vibe. Add a sprinkle of feta, goat cheese, or toasted seeds for a little extra texture and protein. It’s a versatile, light side that’s as refreshing as Summer itself.
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Garden-Fresh Cucumber & Tomato Salad
Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy red onion form the base of this ultra-refreshing summer salad. Choose your own herb adventure—Mediterranean basil and oregano, Southern dill and chives, or a cool mint-parsley blend—to customize the flavor profile. Optional feta, goat cheese, or seeds add extra texture and protein, making this salad endlessly versatile for warm-weather meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time (optional): 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4–6 1x
- Category: Salads & Dressings
Ingredients
- Base Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced (Persian or English cucumbers work best)
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Choose Your Herb Adventure:
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- The Classic Route: Basil & Oregano
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- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
- Flavor Profile: Mediterranean brightness with a familiar, well-rounded herbaceous note.
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- The Southern Summer Breeze: Dill & Chives
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- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
- Flavor Profile: Light, grassy, and almost floral—a perfect complement to a crispy Southern meal.
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- The Refreshing Garden Medley: Mint & Parsley
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- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- Flavor Profile: Cool and herbaceous with a slightly peppery edge—ideal for those who love contrast.
- Optional Protein Boosters:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (for a creamy, salty contrast)
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese (for a tangy, rich flavor)
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds (for added crunch)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
- Choose your preferred herb combination and sprinkle it over the salad.
- If adding cheese, gently fold it in at this stage to avoid overmixing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss lightly to coat everything evenly.
- Let the salad sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
