Looking for a quick and refreshing dish that bursts with flavor and is perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this delightful Cucumber Tomato Salad with Yogurt Dressing! In just 10 minutes, you can whip up this vibrant Middle Eastern-inspired salad that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also adds a splash of color to your table. With crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy yogurt dressing, this salad is the ideal side dish for summer barbecues, picnics, or even a light lunch. Get ready to impress your guests and elevate your culinary game with this simple yet delicious recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cucumbers, diced
- 2 cups tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Dice the cucumbers into small, bite-sized pieces. You can peel them if you prefer a smoother texture, but leaving the skin on adds a nice crunch and additional nutrients.
- Next, dice the tomatoes into similar-sized pieces to ensure even distribution in the salad. Remove the seeds if you prefer a less watery salad.
- Chop the red onion finely. If you find raw red onion too strong, you can soak the chopped onion in cold water for a few minutes to mellow its flavor before adding it to the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and chopped red onion. Gently toss the vegetables together to mix them evenly.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the yogurt dressing. Add the plain yogurt, olive oil, and lemon juice. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Season the yogurt dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more lemon juice for acidity or more olive oil for richness if desired.
- Pour the yogurt dressing over the mixed vegetables in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until the vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps to soften the vegetables slightly.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve the Cucumber Tomato Salad chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish.
Tips
- Ingredient Preparation: Make sure to wash your cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides. For a crunchier texture, consider leaving the cucumber skin on, but feel free to peel if you prefer.
- Onion Soaking: If you're sensitive to the sharpness of raw red onion, soak the chopped pieces in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the salad. This will help mellow their flavor and make them more palatable.
- Dressing Adjustments: Feel free to customize the yogurt dressing to your taste! Add more lemon juice for a zesty kick or a bit of garlic for extra flavor. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or mint can also elevate the dish.
- Serving Suggestions: For an added twist, consider serving the salad on a bed of greens or alongside grilled meats. This salad pairs beautifully with pita bread or as a topping for wraps.
- Flavor Infusion: Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time lets the flavors meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed within a day or two, as the vegetables may release moisture over time.Enjoy your culinary adventure with this refreshing Cucumber Tomato Salad!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 85kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
