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Fresh Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe with Basil Easy Healthy Side Dish

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A crisp and refreshing salad combining fresh cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil with a light vinaigrette. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a healthy side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium cucumbers, sliced thin or chopped (English cucumbers recommended)
  • 3 medium tomatoes, diced (heirloom or vine-ripened preferred)
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped or torn
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (soak in cold water for 10 minutes for less sharpness)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Slice cucumbers thinly (about 1/4 inch thick or thinner). Dice tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice red onion; soak in cold water for 10 minutes if a milder flavor is desired, then drain well.
  2. Chop the basil: Rinse basil leaves, pat dry gently, and roughly chop or tear by hand.
  3. Make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and minced garlic (if using). Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Whisk until slightly emulsified and glossy.
  4. Toss the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and basil. Pour vinaigrette over the top and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  5. Let it rest (optional): Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Serve immediately if preferred.

Notes

Use English or Persian cucumbers for fewer seeds and less bitterness. Soak red onion slices in cold water to reduce sharpness. Toss salad gently to avoid breaking tomatoes. For best freshness, dress salad just before serving or let rest 10 minutes for flavor melding. Store leftovers in airtight container up to 2 days; stir gently before serving. Dressing can be stored separately to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber salad, tomato salad, basil salad, healthy side dish, summer salad, easy salad recipe, fresh salad, vinaigrette

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/fresh-cucumber-tomato-salad-recipe-with-basil-easy-healthy-side-dish/