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The best refreshing salad this summer is this Tomato, Cucumber and Basil Salad. It is a simple, quick and healthy side dish that only takes minutes to make.
Who doesn't love making masterpieces with all their garden crop? I love creating dishes with everything my garden gives me. Right now it is in full swing harvest mode. My garden is full of zucchini, cucumbers, peas, and a ton of tomatoes. I have basil and thyme herb plants as well that are growing like crazy! This salad is so good, and I especially love that I can make it with food from my garden. Don't have a garden? No problem! There have been years when I didn't have a garden, many years actually, and this salad is just as good with produce from the farmers market or grocery store. Either way this salad is going to be your new go to summer salad side dish!
What's All in Tomato, Cucumber and Basil Salad?
- English Cucumber
- Roma Tomatoes
- Red Onion
- Fresh Basil Leaves
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- Salt and Pepper
I don't have English Cucumbers or Roma tomatoes, what should I do?
Don't fret about the type you have. I chose English Cucumbers because they have less seeds and the seeds they do have are usually smaller, but any type of cucumber will work that you have. I use Roma tomatoes because I just like the flavor of them the best. You can use any kind of tomato, even grape or cherry tomatoes. They will all work in this easy salad. Choose what you like best or what is available to you.
To peel or not to peel the cucumbers?
This is all based on personal preference. The English Cucumber and their mini version, the Persian, have thinner skin while other slicing cucumbers have a thicker skin. You may want to peel cucumbers with thicker skins if you are not a fan of them. However, I like to leave the skin on cucumbers when they are in salads like this because it gives it a nice crunchy texture.
Can I use dried basil if I don't have fresh?
Absolutely! Here's a little tip, when you make the dressing, whisk in the dried basil (I'd start with only ¼-1/2 teaspoon). Let the basil hang out in the dressing a bit before you mix everything together. Doing this will allow the basil to "wake up" a bit in the dressing and the basil will also steep flavoring the entire dressing. I do this when I make this salad during the winter months. So good!
How to Make Easy Tomato, Cucumber, and Basil Salad
This salad is extremely easy to make. Some prepping of produce, making the dressing and combining it all together.
Step 1: Prep the produce.
Cut your cucumber in half lengthwise and then slice in half moon shapes about ¼ inch thick.
Slice your tomatoes in half and using a spoon, scoop out the seeds. Then slice the tomatoes into wedges.
Slice the red onion into thin slices.
Roll up the basil and slice it into ribbons.
Add all the produce to a large bowl.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Or you can just drizzle it all separate over the veggies. Shhhh that's usually what I do...
Step 3: Combine it All Together
Pour the dressing over the produce and toss it all together. You can let this salad chill in the fridge for a little bit, but it is best served immediately.
Here are some other summer side dishes you might enjoy!
- Summer Fruit Salad
- Creamy Tomato & Cucumber Salad
- Ham Pasta Salad
- Garlic Parmesan Sauteed Asparagus
- Creamy Fruit Salad
- Dill Pickle Pasta Salad
- Roasted Asparagus
- Italian Pasta Salad
- Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad
Give this delicious and refreshing Tomato, Cucumber and Basil Salad a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! Pictures encouraged on Instagram with the hashtag #heathershomemadekitchen You can also follow me on Social Media to see what other crazy things my family and I are doing! If you like what you see, please share with your friends and family!
Don’t forget to pin the recipe for later!
Tomato, Cucumber and Basil Salad
Ingredients
- 1 English Cucumber
- 3 Roma Tomatoes, medium-large sized
- ¼ of a Red Onion
- 4 large Basil Leaves
- 1 tablespoon Extra Virgil Olive Oil
- 2 teaspoons Red Wine Vinegar
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise and slice into half moon shapes about ¼ inch thick.
- Slice the tomatoes in half and use a spoon to scoop out most of the seeds. Then slice the tomatoes into wedges.
- Slice the red onion into thin slices.
- Roll up the basil leaves and cut into ribbons.
- Add all the produce into a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt and pepper.
- Pour dressing over veggies and toss to combine it all.
- Serve immediately or soon after making.
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