Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly refreshing side dish or light meal? Look no further! This cucumber tomato salad with vinegar is the perfect solution. It's incredibly easy to make, bursting with fresh flavors, and requires minimal ingredients. Perfect for a hot summer day, a barbecue, or a simple weeknight dinner, this recipe is a winner for both beginner cooks and seasoned chefs. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this simple yet delicious dish!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Fresh Ingredients
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it a perfect choice for a spontaneous meal. You likely already have most of these in your kitchen!
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (optional, but adds a nice bite)
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey for a richer flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions: Easy as 1, 2, 3!
This recipe is designed for simplicity and speed, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s get started!
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Prep the Vegetables: Wash and slice the cucumbers thinly. Halve or quarter the tomatoes depending on their size. If using red onion, thinly slice it as well.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion (if using).
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Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, chopped dill, sugar (or honey), salt, and pepper.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the cucumber and tomato mixture. Toss gently to ensure all the vegetables are evenly coated.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for a truly delicious salad. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Cooking Tips for the Best Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Choose the right cucumbers: English cucumbers are a great choice as they have fewer seeds and a milder flavor.
- Don't overdress: Start with less dressing and add more to taste. You can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Get creative with herbs: Experiment with different herbs like parsley, mint, or chives.
- Add some protein: For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it to your liking!
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Creamy texture: Stir in a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a creamy twist.
- Mediterranean flair: Add crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of oregano.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving - Approximate)
This salad is a great source of vitamins and antioxidants, making it a healthy and delicious addition to any meal. Nutritional information will vary based on ingredient quantities and choices. This is an estimate:
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
- Protein: 2-3g
This delicious and easy cucumber tomato salad with vinegar is the perfect example of how simple, healthy, and flavorful food can be. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, healthy meal, and delicious dish! It's sure to become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire.