This crisp salad is made with fresh cucumbers, colorful heirloom tomatoes, and zesty red onions. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for a warm day!
Honestly, this salad is so easy to whip up—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner! Pair it with grilled chicken for a lovely meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Use large, firm cucumbers for the best crunch. If you can’t find them, English cucumbers are a great substitute because they have fewer seeds and thin skin. I personally love the variety and taste of Persian cucumbers too!
Heirloom Tomatoes: These tomatoes come in various colors and flavors. If they’re out of season, substitute with any ripe, juicy tomatoes like cherry or plum tomatoes for sweetness. I like to mix different varieties when I can; it makes the salad look stunning!
Red Onion: This adds a nice zing. If red onion is too strong for you, consider using green onions (scallions) or chives instead. They have a milder flavor while still adding a pop of freshness.
Basil: Fresh basil brings a lovely aroma and flavor. If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil is an option, but you’ll want to use less. Alternatively, try parsley for a different taste.
Feta Cheese: This adds creaminess and a salty bite. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using cottage cheese, or for a vegan version, try avocado for creaminess.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad Is Fresh and Crisp?
Keeping your salad fresh and crisp is key to enjoying it! Here’s what to do:
- Choose the freshest ingredients: Look for firm cucumbers and brightly colored tomatoes.
- Slice everything just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
- If you’re using feta cheese, add it last, just before serving. This way, it stays intact and doesn’t make things mushy.
- If chilling the salad, do it for only 15-20 minutes, so the veggies don’t lose their crunch.
Trust me, taking these steps will help you enjoy a vibrant and refreshing salad every time!
Fresh Cucumber and Heirloom Tomato Salad with Red Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Fresh Vegetables:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 3-4 heirloom tomatoes, assorted colors, chopped or sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh mozzarella balls
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare. With quick chopping and slicing, you can have your salad ready to enjoy in no time. If you decide to chill it, allow an extra 15-20 minutes for the flavors to meld!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vegetables:
Start by washing the cucumbers and heirloom tomatoes. Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion. For the tomatoes, you can chop or slice them into bite-sized pieces, whichever you prefer.
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a large salad bowl, toss together the cucumber slices, chopped heirloom tomatoes, and thin red onion slices. This colorful mix is sure to look inviting!
3. Add the Fresh Herbs:
Gently mix in the roughly chopped basil leaves. The fresh basil will bring a wonderful aroma and enhance the salad’s flavor.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), salt, and pepper until well combined. This will be the delicious dressing to elevate your salad!
5. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together so that the veggies are nicely coated.
6. Add Optional Cheese:
If you like, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese or add fresh mozzarella balls on top. This adds creaminess and an extra layer of flavor!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste. If you prefer, chill it in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to let the flavors blend even more. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing salad!
Can I Use Different Types of Tomatoes?
Absolutely! While heirloom tomatoes provide unique flavors and colors, you can substitute them with any ripe tomatoes you have on hand, such as cherry or grape tomatoes. Just adjust the quantity based on their size!
How Do I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative. The salad is still packed with flavor and freshness without it!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance, but it’s best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving to prevent the vegetables from getting soggy. You can chop the ingredients and store them in the fridge, then drizzle with the dressing later.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The vegetables will keep their crunch for a day, but add any dressings or cheese just before eating for optimal freshness.
