Looking for a quick and refreshing dish that bursts with vibrant flavors? Look no further than this delightful English Cucumber and Tomato Salad! Perfect for warm summer days or as a light side dish for any meal, this salad combines crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and zesty red onions, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic dressing. In just 10 minutes, you can whip up a colorful, healthy dish that will impress your family and friends. Ready to elevate your salad game? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cucumber, sliced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
- Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. If you prefer, you can peel the cucumbers before slicing, but leaving the skin on adds a nice crunch and color.
- Next, take the cherry tomatoes and slice them in half. This will help release some of their juices and enhance the flavors when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Now, take the red onion and slice it thinly. If you find the flavor of raw red onion too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes to mellow the taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well combined. This will serve as your dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing over the cucumber and tomato mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then toss everything together gently to coat the vegetables evenly with the dressing.
- Once the salad is well mixed, let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This will enhance the overall taste of the salad.
- Before serving, chop some fresh basil leaves and sprinkle them over the salad for a burst of flavor and color.
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature in individual bowls or on a large serving platter. Enjoy your refreshing English Cucumber and Tomato Salad!
Tips
- Ingredient Prep: Start by rinsing your cucumbers and cherry tomatoes thoroughly to ensure they are clean. A quick pat dry will help the dressing adhere better later on.
- Cucumber Options: For added texture, consider leaving the skin on your cucumbers. However, if you prefer a milder taste, feel free to peel them before slicing.
- Tomato Technique: Halving the cherry tomatoes not only enhances their flavor but also allows their juices to mingle beautifully with the dressing.
- Onion Soak: If raw red onion is too strong for your taste, soak the slices in cold water for a few minutes to mellow their flavor before adding them to the salad.
- Dressing Mix: Whisk the olive oil and balsamic vinegar together until emulsified for a smooth dressing that clings to every bite.
- Flavor Fusion: Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes after mixing. This resting time lets the flavors meld together for a more delicious experience.
- Garnish Wisely: Fresh basil adds a fragrant touch to your salad. Chop it just before serving to maintain its vibrant color and flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile addition to any meal or picnic.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 90kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
