If you’re looking for a light, refreshing, and easy-to-make salad, this Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad is the perfect choice! Packed with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a zesty dressing, this dish is bursting with flavor and nutrition. It’s a classic Mediterranean staple that requires just a handful of ingredients and zero cooking time!
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you serve it as a side dish, a light lunch, or even a main meal with added protein, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. You can even customize it by adding feta cheese, chickpeas, or a scoop of cooked couscous to turn it into a more filling meal.
Perfect for warm summer days, barbecues, or a healthy snack, this salad will become a go-to in your kitchen. The crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and bright parsley all come together in a delicious olive oil and lemon dressing with the earthy depth of sumac spice for that authentic Mediterranean taste.
Let’s dive into this simple yet incredible recipe that you’ll want to make again and again! 🍅🥒✨
🔹 Prep & Cooking Details:
- ⏳ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- 🔥 Cook Time: 0 minutes
- ⏱️ Total Time: 10 minutes
- 🍽️ Serves: Up to 6 people
- 🔥 Calories per serving: 66.9 kcal
🔹 Ingredients:
- 6 Roma tomatoes, diced (about 3 cups diced tomatoes)
- 1 large English cucumber or hot-house cucumber, diced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- ¾ bunch fresh parsley, leaves and tender stems chopped (about ½-¾ cup)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground sumac
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more to taste
🔹 Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Vegetables
1️⃣ Wash and dice the Roma tomatoes into small pieces. 2️⃣ Dice the cucumber into bite-sized chunks. 3️⃣ Thinly slice the red onion (if using) and chop the fresh parsley.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
4️⃣ In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley. 5️⃣ Season with kosher salt and toss. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Add Seasoning & Dressing
6️⃣ Sprinkle in the ground sumac, which adds a slight tangy, lemony flavor. 7️⃣ Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice. 8️⃣ Give everything a gentle toss to evenly distribute the dressing. 9️⃣ Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, lemon juice, or sumac as needed.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
🔟 Let the salad sit for a few more minutes before serving to enhance the flavor. 🍽️ Serve fresh as a side dish, appetizer, or light meal!
✨ Pro Tips:
✔️ Use fresh, high-quality ingredients – The best tomatoes, cucumbers, and olive oil will make a huge difference in flavor. ✔️ Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving – This allows the flavors to fully develop. ✔️ Want extra crunch? Add diced bell peppers or radishes. ✔️ Make it heartier – Toss in feta cheese, chickpeas, or cooked couscous. ✔️ Enhance the dressing – Add garlic, a splash of red wine vinegar, or dried oregano. ✔️ Make-ahead friendly – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
🔹 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate):
- 🔥 Calories: 66.9 kcal
- 🍅 Carbohydrates: 5.8g
- 🥩 Protein: 1.2g
- 🥑 Fat: 4.9g
- 🧂 Sodium: 8.6mg
- 🍋 Vitamin C: 20.7mg
- 🥗 Fiber: 1.4g
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Super Easy & Quick – Ready in just 10 minutes with no cooking required. ✔ Healthy & Low-Calorie – Packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats. ✔ Versatile & Customizable – Can be served as a side, main dish, or meal prep option. ✔ Light & Refreshing – Perfect for warm weather, BBQs, and Mediterranean feasts. ✔ Naturally Vegan & Gluten-Free – A great option for various dietary needs. ✔ Pairs Well with Everything – Serve with grilled meats, seafood, or falafel.
🔹 Storage & Reheating
How to Store Leftovers:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended, as fresh veggies will become watery.
How to Refresh the Salad:
- Before serving leftovers, give the salad a stir and add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of olive oil.
🔹 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! Just store it in an airtight container, and it will keep fresh for up to 3 days.
2. Can I add protein to make this a full meal?
Absolutely! Try adding grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or chickpeas for extra protein.
3. What can I use instead of sumac?
If you don’t have sumac, try lemon zest, red wine vinegar, or a dash of paprika.
4. Can I use a different type of cucumber?
Yes! While English cucumbers work best, you can use Persian or regular cucumbers—just remove large seeds for the best texture.
5. What else can I add for extra flavor?
Feta cheese, Kalamata olives, diced avocado, or roasted nuts like pine nuts or almonds make great additions.
🔹 Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad is a true celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors! It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for warm weather, healthy eating, and quick meal prep.
With no cooking required and a short ingredient list, this salad is a go-to for those busy days when you want something delicious, refreshing, and healthy. Plus, it’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie, making it a fantastic option for all types of eaters.
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🥗 Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad – Fresh, Light & Flavorful!
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Up to 6
Description
This Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad is the perfect refreshing side dish! Made with juicy Roma tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fresh parsley, it’s tossed in a simple olive oil and lemon dressing with a hint of sumac for a tangy kick. No cooking required, just 10 minutes and a few fresh ingredients for a salad that pairs beautifully with any meal!
Ingredients
- 6 Roma tomatoes, diced (about 3 cups)
- 1 large English cucumber, diced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
- ¾ bunch parsley (leaves & tender stems, chopped)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp ground sumac
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice (plus more to taste)
Instructions
1️⃣ Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and salt. Let sit for 5 minutes to enhance flavors.
2️⃣ Season the salad: Add sumac, olive oil, and lemon juice. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
3️⃣ Taste & adjust: Add more salt, lemon, or sumac if desired. Let sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
✔️ Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
✔️ Customize it! Add feta cheese, chickpeas, or couscous for a heartier meal.
✔️ Storage: Keeps up to 3 days in the fridge, but best enjoyed fresh.
✔️ No sumac? Swap it for a dash of lemon zest for a similar tangy flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 67 kcal per serving
- Sodium: 8.6mg per serving
- Fat: 4.9g per serving
- Carbohydrates: 5.8g per serving
- Protein: 1.2g per serving