Fresh and Flavorful Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe

 Welcome to my West Virginia Kitchen!  Summer is just around the corner and that means tomato season is nearly upon us.  If you are a gardener chances are you already have your plants in the ground and are counting down the days till those little ruby red gems bless us with their bounty and goodness.  There are DOZENS of ways to enjoy them, but one of my personal summer favorites is a Fresh and Flavorful Cucumber and Tomato Salad.  This recipe takes me back to summer of my youth, spending weekends at my grandparents farm.  My grandpa would bring fresh cucumbers, onions, and tomatoes often for my grandmother to whip up.  

As refreshing as it is delicious this this salad is packed full of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and zesty dressing this Fresh and Flavorful Cucumber and Tomato Salad is a celebration of West Virginia summer goodness.  I can't wait to share with you how I make it so....

Let's Get Started!

WHY A CUCUMBER AND TOMATO SALAD:

You may not realize this but while low in calories, a cucumber and tomato salad are high in essential nutrients like Vitamin C and K as well as potassium and antioxidants.  It's high in water content so it's perfect for keeping you hydrated on those hot summer days.  The fiber content in cucumbers and tomatoes are also great for your digestive health and maintaining a healthy weight.  

Along with all the health benefits, this Fresh and Flavorful Cucumber and Tomato Salad is incredibly versatile.  You can customize it with bell peppers, basil, feta, or even add white beans to bump up the protein content and make this a complete meal!  

I guess I say all of that to say the question really isn't why a cucumber and tomato salad, but why not?

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

• 2 Large Cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 2 Medium Tomatoes, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 Red Onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 Fresh Parsley, chopped (or 1 Tbsp dried)
• 2 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 2 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 Tbsp Honey or Sugar (2 Tbsp if you want a sweeter salad)
• Salt and Pepper, to taste

To begin you will want to make sure you have washed and prepped your vegetables.  

When slicing the cucumbers I like to try my best and keep them about 1/4 inch thick.  

Once you have all of your vegetables washed and prepped it's time to make the dressing. 

Combine the oil, vinegar, sugar, and parsley (I didn't have any at the time, but I usually use it) in a large bowl. 

Whisk everything together.  Taste for seasoning.  This is just base measurements.  You may want a more tart dressing.  In that case add more vinegar.  You may like a sweeter dressing.  In that case add more sugar.  

Add the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions to the bowl.  

It's at this point that I like to season the salad with salt and pepper.  

I usually start with 1 tsp at a time until I get everything just the way I like it.  

In other words, season with your heart.  LOL 

Give everything a stir, making sure all of the vegetables are coated in that dressing.  This is a no veggie left behind kind of situation.  

Once everything is coated in the dressing you will cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate for AT LEAST 30 minutes before serving.  

When you are ready to serve this Fresh and Flavorful Cucumber and Tomato Salad remove it from the fridge, give it a stir, top with a little extra parsley if you desire, and ENJOY! 

Just look at all of those gorgeous summer colors!  This makes my heart so happy.  Serve this Fresh and Flavorful Cucumber and Tomato Salad along side some beautifully grilled meats, a great deli sandwich, or as a meal all on it's own.  

With it's vibrant colors, fresh ingredients, and tangy dressing this Fresh and Flavorful Cucumber and Tomato Salad is sure to become a summer staple in your repertoire.  Try it out for yourself and as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!

~The Kitchen Wife~

HERE IS THE PRINTABLE RECIPE: