Cucumber Tomato Salad

Welcome to Kelvin's Kitchen, where flavor reigns supreme! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our mouthwatering creation: Kelvin's Legendary Cucumber Tomato Salad. Crisp cucumbers, juicy grape tomatoes, and zesty red onions come together in perfect harmony, topped with a homemade dressing that's bursting with freshness and sass. This salad isn't just a side dish—it's a flavor-packed sensation that'll steal the show at any meal. So grab your forks and get ready to dive into a salad experience like no other. Let's make magic happen in the kitchen!

Heart-Healthy Ingredients: This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with heart-healthy ingredients. Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, aiding in hydration and digestion. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Combined with olive oil, known for its monounsaturated fats that support heart health, this salad becomes a powerhouse of nutrition.

Versatile and Customizable: One of the most awesome aspects of this recipe is its versatility. While the base includes cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs. Whether you want to add bell peppers for extra crunch, avocado for creaminess, or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of flavor, the possibilities are endless. This adaptability makes it perfect for catering to various dietary preferences and tastes, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delicious and nutritious salad.

FAQs

Can I use regular tomatoes instead of grape tomatoes? Absolutely! While grape tomatoes are recommended for their sweetness and bite-sized convenience, you can definitely substitute them with regular tomatoes. Just be sure to dice them into smaller pieces to maintain the salad's texture.
Is it necessary to partially peel the cucumbers? Partially peeling the cucumbers adds a nice visual appeal and texture variation to the salad. However, if you prefer to leave the skin on entirely, feel free to do so—it's all about personal preference!
Can I make the dressing ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, making the dressing ahead of time can help enhance its flavors as they have more time to meld together. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to toss it with the salad.
How long can I store the salad in the fridge before serving? The salad can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days before serving. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad? Of course! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite veggies to customize this salad to your liking. Bell peppers, avocado, or even some chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley would make delicious additions.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! This salad holds up well when prepped in advance, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Simply store it in individual containers and grab one whenever you need a quick and healthy meal or snack.
Can I adjust the amount of dressing used? Absolutely! The beauty of homemade dressing is that you can adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences. Start with the suggested amounts and add more or less according to your liking.
Is this salad suitable for a picnic or potluck? Definitely! This salad is perfect for outdoor gatherings like picnics or potlucks. Just be sure to keep it chilled until serving to maintain its freshness.
Can I make this salad vegan-friendly? Absolutely! This salad is naturally vegetarian and can easily be made vegan-friendly by omitting the garlic if desired or using a vegan garlic substitute.
What can I serve with this salad? This salad pairs well with a variety of dishes! Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a complete and satisfying meal. It also makes a delicious side dish for sandwiches or wraps.

Make it

Kelvin's Legendary Cucumber Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

2 cucumbers
1 pint of grape tomatoes
1 medium-sized red onion
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

Begin by partially peeling the cucumbers, leaving some strips of skin intact for added texture. Dice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
Next, slice the grape tomatoes into small, bite-sized pieces and add them to the mixing bowl with the cucumbers.
Dice the red onion and toss it into the bowl with the cucumbers and tomatoes.
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create the homemade dressing.
Pour the dressing over the cucumber, tomato, and onion mixture, and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Once chilled, give the salad a final toss and serve. Enjoy the refreshing flavors of Kelvin's Legendary Cucumber Tomato Salad!