Eating healthy is important for everyone, especially growing children. One easy way to get more vegetables into your diet is by preparing a cucumber tomato salad. This dish is a great way to get essential vitamins and nutrients while also enjoying a flavorful and refreshing side.
To make this dish, all you need are a few simple ingredients. Here is a basic recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 large tomatoes
- 1 cucumber
- 1/4 red onion
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley
Instructions:
- Begin by washing and drying the vegetables. Cut the tomatoes and cucumber into bite-sized pieces and chop the red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar to create the dressing.
- In a larger bowl, add the chopped vegetables and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the top and toss to combine.
- If desired, top with fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Serve the cucumber tomato salad immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to eat.
Not only is this recipe incredibly easy to prepare, but it is also very versatile. If you have other vegetables on hand, such as bell peppers or carrots, feel free to add those in as well. You can also switch up the dressing by using lemon juice or balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar.
Another great thing about this dish is that it can be made ahead of time. Simply prep the vegetables and keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to make the salad. Then, all you need to do is whisk together the dressing and toss everything together.
It’s also worth mentioning that this cucumber tomato salad is very healthy. Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to help reduce the risk of certain cancers. Cucumbers are also a good source of vitamin C, as well as vitamin K and potassium.
One common variation of this salad is Greek cucumber tomato salad, which typically includes feta cheese and olives. To make this version, simply crumble some feta on top of the salad and add a handful of pitted Kalamata olives.
This salad is also a great option for picnics and potlucks since it travels well and can be served cold. If you’re bringing it to a gathering, consider doubling or tripling the recipe. It’s always nice to have extra salad to share.
Cucumber tomato salad is a simple and delicious way to get more vegetables into your diet. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a flavorful and healthy side that everyone will love. Try making it tonight and enjoy a refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer.