Imagine a burst of fresh Mediterranean flavors that transports you straight to the sun-drenched countryside of Italy with just one bite! This incredibly simple yet mouthwatering Italian Tomato and Cucumber Salad is your ticket to a quick, refreshing culinary adventure that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste. Perfect for hot summer days, picnics, or as a stunning side dish that will impress your family and guests with its vibrant colors and bold, fresh ingredients.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash all fresh produce thoroughly under cool running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Using a sharp knife, dice the tomatoes into bite-sized, roughly 1/2-inch cubes, ensuring they are uniform in size for even presentation.
- Peel the cucumber if desired, or leave the skin on for added texture. Slice the cucumber into similar-sized cubes as the tomatoes.
- Thinly slice the red onion into delicate, translucent rings or half-rings, which will provide a sharp, crisp flavor to the salad.
- Gently wash the fresh basil leaves and pat them dry with paper towels. Chop the basil leaves into fine, fragrant pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, and sliced red onion.
- Add the chopped fresh basil to the vegetable mixture, gently tossing to distribute evenly.
- In a small separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create a simple vinaigrette.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Gently toss all ingredients to ensure even coating and distribution of the dressing.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light appetizer, optionally garnishing with additional basil leaves.
Tips
- Use the ripest, most colorful tomatoes you can find - they're the star of this dish!
- For the best flavor, use extra virgin olive oil and a high-quality balsamic vinegar.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- For extra crunch, consider adding some toasted pine nuts or crumbled feta cheese.
- Use a sharp knife when chopping to ensure clean, even cuts that make the salad visually appealing.
- If possible, use fresh basil from your garden or a local market for the most intense flavor.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for the most refreshing experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 70kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
