Rustic Italian Cucumber and Tomato Salad: A Fresh Delight

This rustic Italian cucumber and tomato salad is a vibrant, juicy dish that brings the essence of summer to your table. It’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners or meal prep, bursting with fresh flavors and colorful ingredients. You’ll love how quickly it comes together!

Rustic Italian Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe

Ingredients for Rustic Italian Cucumber and Tomato Salad

• 5 large ripe tomatoes
• 1 pinch brown sugar
• 1 English cucumber
• 1/2 large red onion
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 garlic cloves (pressed)
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions for Preparation

1. Core the tomatoes, cut them into 6-8 wedges, and then halve each wedge. Place them in a large bowl, sprinkle with brown sugar, salt, and pepper, and toss well.
2. Halve the cucumber lengthwise and slice it into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Add the cucumber slices to the bowl with the tomatoes.
3. Thinly slice half of the red onion crosswise, then cut the slices in half if desired. Add the onion to the bowl along with the chopped parsley and cilantro.
4. In a small bowl, combine all dressing ingredients and whisk until well mixed.
5. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss using your hands. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit at room temperature for 1 to 6 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Tips for Making the Perfect Salad

Choosing the Right Tomatoes and Cucumbers

For the best flavor, choose ripe, aromatic tomatoes that yield slightly when squeezed. They should be vibrant and heavy for their size. As for cucumbers, select firm English cucumbers; they add a satisfying crunch and are less bitter than regular varieties.

Importance of Fresh Herbs and Quality Olive Oil

Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro elevate this salad. Their bright flavors create a refreshing contrast to the juicy vegetables. Always opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil; its rich, fruity taste enhances the overall experience.

Marinating for Enhanced Flavor

Allowing the salad to marinate is essential. This resting period lets the flavors meld beautifully, creating a harmonious blend that’s utterly irresistible. You can leave it at room temperature for up to 6 hours, making it great for meal prep.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This rustic Italian cucumber and tomato salad is best served fresh but can be kept at room temperature for a few hours. If you have leftovers, enjoy them within the same day for optimal freshness. Serve it alongside crusty bread to soak up that delicious dressing!

Variations to Try

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch. You can also substitute the herbs; fresh basil works wonderfully if you want a different flavor profile. Experiment and make it your own!

FAQs

Related Recipes to try

• Asparagus Tomato Feta Salad
• Quinoa Salad
• Spring Beet Salad

Conclusion

This rustic Italian cucumber and tomato salad is a true celebration of fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors. Perfect for any occasion, it pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. For more delicious inspiration, check out our Pinterest page to explore a world of tasty possibilities!

Rustic Italian Cucumber and Tomato Salad

This salad combines juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers with a zesty dressing for a refreshing dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 6 hours hrs

Course Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• large bowl
• small bowl
• whisk
• plastic wrap

Ingredients

  

• 5 large ripe tomatoes
• 1 pinch brown sugar
• 1 English cucumber
• ½ large red onion
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• 1 pinch black pepper
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar
• to taste freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 garlic cloves pressed
• 1 tsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions

 

• Core and wedge the tomatoes, then toss them with brown sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
• Slice the cucumber and add it to the bowl with the tomatoes.
• Add sliced red onion, parsley, and cilantro to the bowl.
• Mix dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until combined.
• Pour dressing over the salad, toss gently, cover, and let sit for 1 to 6 hours.

Notes

Use fresh, firm cucumbers for a crunchy texture and high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.

Keyword cucumber tomato salad, fresh salad recipe, Italian side dish, rustic italian salad