Refreshing Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

The sun is shining, birds are chirping, and you can almost hear the sizzle of burgers on the grill. But wait! What’s that? Ah yes, it’s the delightful crunch of a Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad calling your name. Imagine juicy tomatoes and crispy cucumbers dancing together in a zesty dressing that’s fresher than your Aunt Carol’s gossip. This dish is not just a side; it’s a celebration on your plate!

You’re hosting your first barbecue of the season. Everyone’s gathered around, laughter fills the air, and someone mentions how they can’t wait to sink their teeth into your famous cucumber tomato salad. Memories flood back of warm summer nights spent devouring this colorful dish while dodging mosquitoes and chatting about everything under the sun. Trust me; it’s not just about food; it’s about creating moments that linger long after the last bite.

I remember one sunny afternoon when my family gathered for a barbecue. My cousin Mike took one bite of this salad and exclaimed that he could eat it every day!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Cucumbers: Choose firm cucumbers for the best crunch; English cucumbers are great for their thin skin.
• Tomatoes: Ripe heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes add color and sweetness; avoid ones that feel mushy.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion gives a tangy kick; soak in water briefly if you prefer less intensity.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brightens the dish; opt for flat-leaf parsley for more flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances flavors; bottled juice doesn’t quite cut it here.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use high-quality olive oil for rich taste; it brings everything together beautifully.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning elevates flavors; kosher salt provides a nice crunch if you have it on hand.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Chop Those Veggies: Begin by washing your cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly under cool water. Chop the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and slice the tomatoes into wedges.

Add Some Color: Thinly slice half an onion (or more if you’re feeling adventurous). Add these to your cucumber-tomato mixture for an extra pop of color.

Toss in Freshness: Finely chop a handful of fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the veggies. The green adds a lovely contrast!

Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice with extra virgin olive oil. Season with salt and pepper until balanced.

Toss It All Together: Drizzle your dressing over the chopped veggies. Toss gently until everything is well-coated but not mushy—no one likes sad vegetables!

Let It Chill Out!: Allow your salad to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This lets all those fabulous flavors mingle together perfectly.

This Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad will be an instant hit at any gathering! It’s perfect on its own or as a complement to grilled chicken or veggie skewers.

In summary, whether you’re celebrating with friends or enjoying a quiet moment on your porch, this salad embodies everything fresh and joyful about summer eating. Enjoy each delicious bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Begin by chopping your cucumbers and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, vinegar, seasoning, and herbs. Let it marinate while you prepare the rest of your meal.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different veggies like bell peppers or red onions for extra crunch. You can also add feta cheese or olives for a Mediterranean twist that screams summer.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, avoid reheating; enjoy it cold for that refreshing crunch.

The first time I made Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad, my family devoured it in minutes! Their compliments made me feel like a culinary superstar that day.

FAQ

What is Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad?

Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad is a refreshing dish combining fresh cucumbers and tomatoes, dressed with olive oil and vinegar.

Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to include other vegetables or herbs that you love to make it your own.

How long can I store this salad?

You can keep Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container.

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Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad

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Refreshing and vibrant, this Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad is the perfect side dish for summer gatherings, combining crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes in a zesty dressing.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 2 cups cucumbers, chopped
• 2 cups tomatoes, chopped
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine chopped cucumbers and tomatoes.
2. Add thinly sliced red onion and chopped parsley.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the vegetable mixture and gently toss until well combined.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Notes

•  Feel free to add bell peppers or avocados for extra color and flavor.
•  For a Mediterranean twist, consider adding feta cheese or kalamata olives.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
• Calories: 60
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg