Cucumber Tomato Salad | Easy Recipe, Step-by-Step Guide, and Presentation Tips

 

Cucumber Tomato Salad 

Tomato cucumber salad recipe

Simple and refreshing recipe for Cucumber Tomato Salad! This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you step by step on how to make a delicious cucumber tomato salad at home. With the combination of fresh cucumbers and juicy tomatoes, this salad is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of summer. Whether you're looking for a light side dish or a standalone salad, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Let's dive into the steps and ingredients required to create this flavorful cucumber tomato salad.

Cucumber Tomato Salad: Easy Recipe, Step-by-Step Guide, and Presentation Tips

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4-5 ripe tomatoes
• 1 small red onion
• 1 cucumber
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1.     Start by washing the tomatoes, cucumber, and basil leaves thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.

2.     Take each tomato and remove the stem. Cut them in half and then slice each half into wedges or bite-sized pieces. Place the tomato pieces into a large salad bowl.

3.     Peel the red onion and slice it thinly. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer to achieve thin and even slices. Add the sliced onion to the salad bowl.

4.     Now, it's time to prepare the cucumber. Cut off the ends and then slice the cucumber into thin rounds. If the cucumber has a thick skin, you can peel it off before slicing. Add the cucumber slices to the bowl as well.

5.     Take the fresh basil leaves and tear them into small pieces with your hands. Sprinkle the torn basil leaves over the vegetables in the bowl. Basil adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the salad.

Easy Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

6.     In a separate small bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Whisk them together until they emulsify and form a dressing. Alternatively, you can shake them together in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.

7.     Drizzle the olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Start with a small amount and then add more according to your preference. The dressing adds flavor and helps bring the salad together.

8.     Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. You can start with a pinch of salt and a few turns of freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the seasoning as needed.

9.     Gently toss the salad ingredients together using salad servers or two spoons. Make sure the dressing coats all the vegetables evenly.

10. Once the salad is well combined, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting time enhances the taste of the salad.

11. Serve the tomato salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light meal. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a topping for bruschetta.

Enjoy your delicious and vibrant tomato cucumber salad!

Plating and presenting of tomato cucumber salad

Easy Recipe, Step-by-Step Guide, and Presentation Tips

Here are some suggestions for plating and presenting your tomato salad:

1.   Choose a serving dish:

 Select a large, shallow serving dish that will accommodate the salad ingredients and allow for easy mixing and serving.

2.   Bed of greens:

 If desired, you can start by creating a bed of salad greens on the serving dish. Choose a variety like baby spinach, arugula, or mixed greens. This adds color and texture to the presentation.

3.   Arrange the tomato wedges:

Take the tomato wedges and arrange them in a visually appealing manner on top of the bed of greens or directly on the serving dish. You can create a circular pattern or a more artistic arrangement.

4.   Add the onion and cucumber:

Scatter the sliced red onions and cucumber rounds evenly throughout the tomato wedges. This distributes the flavors and textures across the salad.

5.   Sprinkle with torn basil:

 Sprinkle the torn basil leaves over the salad, making sure to distribute them evenly. The bright green basil adds a pop of color and freshness.

6.   Drizzle the dressing:

Just before serving, give the dressing a quick whisk or shake and drizzle it over the salad. Aim for an even distribution, but don't drown the salad. You can reserve a small amount of dressing to serve on the side, allowing guests to add more if desired.

7.   Season with salt and pepper:

 Lightly sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salad. Seasoning can enhance the flavors and balance the taste.

8.   Garnish and final touches:

For an extra touch, you can garnish the salad with a few additional basil leaves, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

Simple Cucumber Tomato Salad recipe

9.   Serve and enjoy:

 Bring the beautifully plated tomato salad to the table and serve it promptly. Remember to provide salad servers or tongs for guests to help themselves.

By paying attention to plating and presentation, you'll elevate the visual appeal of your tomato salad and make it even more enticing to enjoy!

Conclusion:

This tomato cucumber salad recipe offers a delicious and refreshing dish that showcases the vibrant flavors of ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and aromatic basil. The combination of the simple dressing made with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients. By following the suggested plating and presentation tips, you can create an appealing dish that is not only a feast for the taste buds but also visually appealing. Whether served as a side dish or a light meal, this tomato salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!