Cucumber and tomato salad is a refreshing and delicious dish that highlights the natural flavors of these two ingredients. It’s easy to prepare and makes a perfect side dish for a variety of meals. Here’s a detailed process for making cucumber and tomato salad:
Ingredients:
- 2 medium cucumbers
- 4 ripe tomatoes
- 1 small red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the vegetables:
- Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes under cold water to remove any dirt or residue.
- Peel the cucumbers if desired, or leave the skin on for added texture and color.
- Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise, then slice them into thin half-moons.
- Core the tomatoes and cut them into wedges or dice them, depending on your preference.
- Peel and thinly slice the red onion.
- Combine the vegetables:
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.
- Toss gently to mix the vegetables together.
- Add the herbs:
- Chop the fresh parsley and mint leaves (if using) and add them to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Mix well to distribute the herbs evenly.
- Dress the salad:
- Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice over the vegetables.
- Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Toss and marinate:
- Using salad servers or clean hands, gently toss the salad, making sure the dressing coats all the vegetables.
- Allow the salad to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and garnish:
- Transfer the cucumber and tomato salad to a serving dish or individual plates.
- Optionally, garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or mint leaves for an added touch of freshness.
- Enjoy:
- Serve the cucumber and tomato salad as a side dish alongside grilled meats, fish, or as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for a few hours if needed. Just remember to give it a gentle toss before serving.
Note: You can customize the salad by adding other ingredients such as feta cheese, olives, or avocado for extra flavor and texture. Feel free to adjust the seasonings and dressing quantities according to your taste preferences.