![- 2 large cucumbers, diced - 3 ripe tomatoes, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped For this salad, I start with fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a bit of red onion. The cucumbers add crunch, while the tomatoes bring sweetness. The red onion gives a nice kick. - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder The dressing is simple yet flavorful. I use olive oil for richness and red wine vinegar for tang. Garlic powder adds depth to the taste, but you can swap it for fresh garlic if you prefer. - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes for heat For fun, I often add fresh parsley for a touch of green. Feta cheese gives a creamy texture and salty bite. If you like heat, sprinkle in some chili flakes. You can mix and match these add-ins to fit your taste. For the full recipe, check out the Refreshing Zesty Cucumber Tomato Salad. First, grab a large mixing bowl. Combine the diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and finely chopped red onion in it. The mix of colors already looks great! Next, add the chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese to the salad mix. This adds freshness and a nice salty bite. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This dressing ties all the flavors together. If you enjoy a little heat, incorporate optional chili flakes into the mix. It adds a fun kick! Now, pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently. Make sure everything is well coated. Let the salad sit for about 15 minutes before serving. This waiting time helps the flavors meld together, making each bite even tastier. Before serving, give it one last gentle toss. Enjoy this refreshing dish! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. You can make this salad fit your taste. Adjust the ingredient amounts as you like. If you want more crunch, add more cucumbers. For a sweeter touch, add more tomatoes. You can also substitute or add veggies. Bell peppers or radishes work great! For a lovely display, serve the salad in a clear glass bowl. The colors will shine! A sprig of parsley on top adds a nice touch. You can even use lemon slices for extra flair. Want to mix it up? Try different types of vinegar. Balsamic or apple cider vinegar can change the taste. A dash of lemon juice brightens the flavors too. You can also add herbs like oregano or basil for a fresh twist. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe above! {{image_2}} For a twist on flavor, try using goat cheese or mozzarella instead of feta. Goat cheese adds a creamy tang that pairs well with the fresh veggies. On the other hand, mozzarella offers a mild taste and soft texture. Both options can make your salad unique and tasty. If you want to make your salad more filling, add grilled chicken or chickpeas. Grilled chicken adds a savory touch and is packed with protein. Chickpeas are a great plant-based option that adds fiber and a nutty flavor. Either choice makes this dish hearty and satisfying. To bring a Mediterranean vibe, incorporate olives or roasted red peppers. Olives add a briny kick that enhances the salad’s flavor. Roasted red peppers bring sweetness and a smoky taste. These additions can elevate your salad and make it even more enjoyable. For the full recipe, check out the details above! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty. If you leave it out at room temperature, the flavors may change. This salad is best consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness. After that, the ingredients may lose their crispness. The tomatoes and cucumbers will start to get soggy. Prepare ingredients in advance while keeping the dressing separate until serving. This will help maintain the salad's crunch. You can chop cucumbers and tomatoes a few hours earlier. Just wait to mix them with the dressing. This way, you enjoy the best flavor and texture. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time, but keep some tips in mind. To maintain freshness, prepare the vegetables and dressing separately. Chop your cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions. Store them in a bowl in the fridge. Mix the dressing in a separate container. When you are ready to serve, combine them. This way, the veggies stay crisp and the flavors blend nicely. If you need a substitute for feta cheese, several options exist. You might try: - Goat cheese - Mozzarella cheese - Ricotta cheese - Cotija cheese These cheeses provide a similar texture and taste. Choose one based on your taste or dietary needs. To make the salad vegan, swap out the feta cheese for a dairy-free option. I recommend using: - Vegan feta cheese - Cashew cheese - Tofu, crumbled These options work well and keep the salad tasty. You can also add avocado for creaminess, enhancing the flavor while keeping it plant-based. This blog post covered a fresh salad recipe that's simple and tasty. We shared key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for customization. I highlighted various options for cheese and protein to suit your taste. Storing tips ensure your salad stays fresh. Overall, this salad is versatile and fun to make. With a few tweaks, it fits any meal or occasion. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients to make it your own!](https://foodishtalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/630ca85e-34ba-401f-a327-4120a4c21cec-250x250.webp)
Cucumber Tomato Salad
Discover the ultimate refreshing zesty cucumber tomato salad that will brighten up any meal! This easy recipe combines crispy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy dressing for a deliciously vibrant dish. Perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch, it takes just 10 minutes to prep. Click through to explore this refreshing salad and elevate your next dining experience with fresh flavors!