Refreshing Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

When the sun is shining bright and the grill is fired up, nothing says summer like a Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad. Picture this: crisp cucumbers crunching against juicy tomatoes, drizzled with a zesty dressing that dances on your taste buds. Each bite is like a refreshing plunge into a cool pool on a hot day. You can almost hear the laughter of friends and family enjoying their time together as you whip up this delightful dish.

Memorial Day brings back memories of backyard barbecues where everyone gathers around the picnic table, eagerly waiting to dive into delicious food. This salad is not just a side dish; it’s the star of the show! It’s vibrant, refreshing, and makes any gathering feel special. Trust me; when you serve this at your next barbecue, everyone will be asking for seconds!

The first time I made this salad for my family was during a chaotic holiday BBQ—everyone was starving and cranky. When I served it up, I could almost hear angels singing as they devoured it in seconds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Cucumbers: Look for firm cucumbers without blemishes; English cucumbers are great for their thin skin and fewer seeds.
• Tomatoes: Choose ripe tomatoes that are slightly soft to the touch; heirloom varieties add beautiful colors.
• Red Onion: A small amount of finely sliced red onion enhances flavor without overpowering the freshness.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a burst of color and fresh flavor; flat-leaf parsley works best here.
• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor; it’s worth splurging on good oil!
• Red Wine Vinegar: This adds tanginess; feel free to substitute with apple cider vinegar if you prefer.
• Salt and Pepper: Season generously for enhanced flavor; don’t be shy!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Veggies: Start by washing your cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly under cool water. Using a sharp knife, slice the cucumbers into rounds or half-moons based on your preference. Dice tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.

Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and red wine vinegar until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste—make sure it’s deliciously zesty!

Toss It All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, and parsley. Drizzle with the dressing you prepared earlier.

Let It Chill Out!: Allow the salad to sit for about 15 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate it for an hour before serving. This waiting period lets all those flavors meld beautifully together.

Serve & Enjoy!: Grab some serving utensils and dish out this colorful goodness onto plates or bowls. Watch as your guests dig in with smiles—it’s truly irresistible!

This Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad brings together freshness and ease while being incredibly flavorful. Whether you’re hosting or heading to someone else’s gathering, this dish will undoubtedly shine on any table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by chopping all vegetables uniformly to ensure even flavor distribution. Then, mix the dressing separately before combining everything for perfect flavor integration.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cucumbers for bell peppers or add feta cheese for creaminess. Herbs like dill or parsley can elevate freshness and suit your palate perfectly.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Refrain from reheating; this dish is best served cold and crisp.

Sharing this recipe reminds me of summer picnics where family gathered around laughing, enjoying food, and creating unforgettable memories together.

FAQ

How can I make Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad more filling?

Add cooked quinoa or chickpeas for protein without compromising flavor.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but add ingredients like cucumbers last to maintain their crunchiness.

What other vegetables work well in this salad?

Consider adding bell peppers or olives for color and extra flavor kick.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad is a refreshing summer dish that combines crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes, perfect for BBQs and picnics.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cucumbers, sliced (about 2 medium cucumbers)
• 2 cups tomatoes, diced (about 3 medium tomatoes)
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Slice cucumbers into rounds or half-moons and dice the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
3. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, diced tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently.
4. Allow the salad to chill for about 15 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for an hour before serving.

Notes

•  Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
• For added crunch, mix in bell peppers or swap cucumbers for zucchini.
•  Adjust seasoning based on your taste; feel free to add more herbs for additional freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg