Transport your taste buds to the vibrant landscapes of Italy with the delightful Italian style tomato and cucumber salad. This simple yet elegant dish showcases the harmonious blend of fresh ingredients, combining crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and the richness of olive oil. Simple & easy ingredients available throughout the year in our kitchen. In this blog, we’ll take you through the precise steps to create this refreshing salad that perfectly captures the essence of Italian cuisine.
Ingredients:
For the Italian style tomato and cucumber salad, gather the following precise ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 ripe tomatoes, preferably, diced
- Fresh Green onions, torn into small pieces
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley/coriander leaves, roughly chopped
- Very little fresh mint leaves, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the vegetables:
- Peel the cucumbers and cut them.
- Dice the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, removing the seeds if desired. The salad benefits from a mix of tomato varieties.
- Assemble the salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped cucumbers, diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced green onions,
- Add the torn mint leaves, chopped parsley/coriander leaves, and black olives if desired.
- Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar(optional) over the salad. Gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to taste.
- Allow flavors to meld:
- Let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Alternatively, refrigerate the salad for a couple of hours to enhance the taste and texture.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Give the salad a final toss before serving.
- The Italian-style cucumber and tomato salad makes a perfect side dish for grilled meats, fish, or pasta.
- For a heartier meal, consider adding crumbled feta cheese or grilled chicken breast as toppings.
- Garnish with a few additional basil leaves or parsley for an appealing presentation.
The Italian style tomato and cucumber salad epitomizes Mediterranean cuisine, celebrating the simplicity of fresh ingredients and their harmonious combination of flavors. With its crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant herbs, this salad offers a refreshing and healthy option for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or seeking a light and vibrant meal, the precise preparation of this salad ensures each bite bursts with the authentic taste of Italy.