Chilled Cucumber Tomato Salad
Make Chilled Cucumber Tomato Salad: toss cucumbers, tomatoes, herbs, and feta in a bright, herbaceous dressing for a refreshing, make-ahead side.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground Black Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Chili Flakes
- 1/2 cup Basil (chopped and loosely packed)
- 1/4 cup Parsley (chopped and loosely packed)
- 4 cups Cherry or Grape Tomatoes (halved)
- 2 Cucumbers (sliced)
- 1 large Red Onion (sliced)
- Feta Cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, ground black pepper, and chili flakes until the sugar and salt dissolve and the mixture looks glossy and slightly thickened. Stir in the chopped basil and parsley last so the herbs fold into the dressing and release their aroma; the dressing should taste noticeably savory and a touch salty so it will season the vegetables when combined.
Step 2: Combine and Toss the Vegetables with Dressing
Place the halved cherry/grape tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and thinly sliced red onion in a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently but thoroughly until every tomato half and cucumber slice is lightly coated — you want a shiny, slightly saucy surface without drowning the pieces. Scatter crumbled feta and a few extra torn basil leaves on top, then give a final light toss to distribute.
Step 3: Chill and Let Flavors Marry
Transfer the tossed salad to the refrigerator and chill for at least an hour; cooling deepens the herb fragrance and lets the dressing season the vegetables so the tomatoes and cucumbers soften slightly while retaining a refreshing bite. Before serving, remove the salad and toss once more to redistribute any settled dressing and herbs.
Step 4: Plate and Garnish for Serving
Spoon the chilled salad into a large shallow serving bowl, arranging a few whole halved tomatoes and herb sprigs on top for a fresh look. Finish with a light drizzle of olive oil, a final crack of black pepper, and a few extra flakes of chili if you like heat. Serve immediately while the salad is bright, cool, and texturally crisp.
Notes
- Chill the salad at least 1 hour to let flavors meld.
- Keep dressing separate if making ahead to preserve crunch.
- Use ripe tomatoes and firm cucumbers for best texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a meal.