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Italian Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Italian Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A Zesty Summer Delight

This Italian Cucumber and Tomato Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish celebrated for its fresh ingredients and zesty homemade vinaigrette, perfect for summer.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Marination Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 cups Cucumbers Freshness and crunch; peel and seed if using regular cucumbers.
  • 2 cups Tomatoes Juiciness and tartness; vine-ripened recommended.
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil Adds aromatic notes; can substitute with parsley.
For the Vinaigrette
  • 1/4 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Base of the vinaigrette for richness.
  • 2 tablespoons Vinegar (red wine or white wine) Provides acidity; apple cider vinegar is a good alternative.
  • 1 small Shallot For subtle sweetness and mild onion flavor.
  • 1 clove Garlic Aromatic; can adjust quantity based on personal preference.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard Emulsification and flavor depth.
  • 1 teaspoon Honey or Maple Syrup Balance the acidity with sweetness.
  • to taste Sea Salt Enhances overall flavor.
  • to taste Freshly Ground Pepper Use to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano or Thyme Adds herbal notes.

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Salad tongs
  • whisk
  • Seal Able Jar

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Thoroughly wash your fresh cucumbers and tomatoes. If using regular cucumbers, peel and seed them. Cut the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces and slice the tomatoes into wedges or chunks.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl or a sealable jar, combine olive oil, your choice of vinegar, minced garlic, finely chopped shallot, Dijon mustard, and honey or maple syrup. Season with sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and dried oregano or thyme. Whisk or shake until emulsified.
  3. Pour the vinaigrette over the bowl of chopped cucumbers and tomatoes. Toss gently to ensure every piece is coated.
  4. Let the salad sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. Give the salad a final toss before serving it as a refreshing side dish.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 2gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gSodium: 120mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For optimal freshness, enjoy the salad within 12 hours. Avoid freezing, as it compromises texture. Keep the vinaigrette separate if preparing in advance to prevent sogginess.

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