The sun shines brightly as the aroma of grilled burgers wafts through the air, but wait—what’s that? It’s the colorful Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad stealing the show! With its crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes dancing together like best friends at a summer party, this dish is a must-have for any cookout. The fresh flavors burst in your mouth like fireworks on a warm evening, making it the perfect companion for every bite of those grilled goodies.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
- What variations can I try with this recipe?
- Is this salad gluten-free?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This salad doesn’t just look pretty; it has memories woven into its vibrant colors. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering. My Uncle Dave took one bite and declared it “the best thing since sliced bread”—and I’m still not entirely sure what he meant by that! This delightful dish shines at picnics and backyard barbecues alike, promising to make you the star of any gathering.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for warm weather gatherings.
- Its bright colors will make any table pop with freshness.
- Versatile enough to serve as a side or light meal, it’s a hit with both kids and adults alike.
- Experience the burst of flavors that perfectly blend together in every bite!
I once brought this salad to a potluck and watched my cousin fight off three others just to get the last scoop—now that’s a compliment worth its weight in cucumbers!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cucumbers: Choose firm cucumbers; English cucumbers are also great for their thin skin and fewer seeds.
- Juicy Tomatoes: Look for ripe tomatoes; heirloom varieties add beautiful colors and flavors.
- Red Onion: A little goes a long way; slice thinly for a mild yet zesty kick.
- Fresh Parsley: Use fresh parsley for an aromatic garnish that brightens up the dish.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal; it enhances flavor without overpowering the vegetables.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a tangy sweetness; choose high-quality balsamic for optimal taste.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings elevate all the flavors in this refreshing salad.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Veggies: Wash all your vegetables under cool water. Slice cucumbers into half-moons or sticks—whatever floats your boat! Dice those tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
Add Some Zing with Onions: Thinly slice red onions while trying not to cry (pro tip: breathe through your mouth). Toss them into your mixing bowl along with your chopped veggies.
Herb It Up!: Chop fresh parsley finely. Sprinkle over your colorful mix of cucumber and tomatoes for that fragrant touch that screams summer!
Dress It Right!: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar until combined. Pour this luscious dressing over your veggie mixture.
Toss Away!: Gently toss all ingredients together until everything is well coated in that delicious dressing. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow flavors to mingle.
Season and Serve!: Taste before serving; add salt and pepper as needed. Then dig in! This salad tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for an hour or two.
Enjoy making this delightful Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad—it’s simplicity at its finest!
You Must Know
- Choose ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Use fresh herbs for vibrant taste.
- Fresh basil or parsley adds a delightful aroma that enhances the dish.
- Chill your salad before serving.
- A cold salad is refreshing on hot days.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by chopping veggies, then mix the dressing separately before combining everything in a big bowl to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cucumbers for bell peppers or add feta cheese for extra creaminess. Experimenting can lead to delightful surprises.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. However, avoid reheating; this salad is best enjoyed chilled.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To keep cucumbers crisp, salt them lightly and let them drain before mixing.
- Always taste your dressing before adding it to adjust flavors as necessary.
- If you want crunch, consider adding nuts or seeds for added texture!
Making this Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad always brings back memories of family barbecues where everyone devoured it like hungry seagulls at a beach picnic.
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the ingredients but add dressing just before serving for freshness.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
Consider adding avocados or olives to enhance flavor and texture!
Is this salad gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad is naturally gluten-free and perfect for everyone.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Enjoy a bright and refreshing Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad, perfect for summer gatherings. This vibrant dish bursts with flavor and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cucumbers, diced (about 1 large cucumber)
- 2 cups juicy tomatoes, diced (about 2 medium tomatoes)
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and prepare the vegetables: Dice cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Allow the salad to sit for about 10 minutes for flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider including diced avocados or olives.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for an hour before serving for a more refreshing taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 97
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 12mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
