The sun is shining; the grill is sizzling, and my kitchen smells like a summer dream come true. Imagine biting into a crisp slice of cucumber paired with juicy tomatoes that burst in your mouth—yes, my friends, it’s time for the Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad! This delightful dish is not just a salad; it’s a celebration of freshness that will have your taste buds dancing like they’re at a backyard barbecue.
I remember the first time I made this salad. It was a hot summer day at my Aunt Marge’s annual backyard bash. Everyone thought I was a culinary wizard when I served this colorful dish. Little did they know it took just minutes to whip up! Perfect for Memorial Day or any sunny gathering, this salad brings together simple ingredients that create an explosion of flavors worthy of any picnic table.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad is super easy to prepare and requires minimal chopping skills
- The combination of flavors is both refreshing and satisfying in every bite
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any table setting
- Enjoy it as a side dish or toss in some protein for a hearty meal
To this day, whenever I serve this salad at family gatherings, everyone raves about how fresh and tasty it is—there may even be some playful arguments over who gets the last scoop.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cucumbers: Choose firm cucumbers for the best crunch; I prefer English cucumbers since they have fewer seeds.
- Ripe Tomatoes: Use vine-ripened tomatoes for maximum flavor; they should feel slightly soft when gently squeezed.
- Red Onion: A small amount adds zing; soak it in cold water first to mellow its intensity.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brightens the flavor; opt for flat-leaf parsley for a more robust taste.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances richness; drizzle generously for flavor without being overwhelming.
- Balsamic Vinegar: Adds acidity and sweetness; use high-quality balsamic for the best taste.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate all other flavors; adjust according to your palate.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Creating your very own Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad is simple and fun! Follow these steps closely as we transform fresh ingredients into a party on your plate.
Prepare the Vegetables: Start by rinsing your cucumbers and tomatoes under cool water. Slice the cucumbers thinly—aiming for consistency so they look pretty—and chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
Chop That Onion!: Slice your red onion thinly (or thickly if you’re feeling rebellious). To tame its sharpness, soak those lovely slices in cold water for about 10 minutes before using them.
Add Fresh Herbs: Rinse and chop your fresh parsley—just enough to sprinkle throughout the salad. Trust me; fresh herbs create magic in salads!
Mix It All Together: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, onion slices, and parsley. Gently toss them with your hands so as not to crush anything; we want crisp textures here!
Create Your Dressing: In a separate small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar until fully combined. Drizzle this liquid gold over your veggie mixture (don’t skimp!).
Taste Test Time!: Grab a spoonful of your creation and give it a taste! Adjust seasoning by adding salt or pepper as needed before serving.
Now that you’ve made this stunning Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad, you can sit back and eagerly await all those compliments from friends and family while sipping on lemonade—or whatever floats your boat!
Serve chilled or at room temperature as sides during those festive cookouts filled with laughter and joy. You’ll find that this refreshing dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish—but hey, feel free to enjoy it solo too!
Whipping up this crowd-pleaser takes little time but delivers big on flavor—perfect for making memories around the table!
You Must Know
- This Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad is a refreshing dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings
- Bright colors and crisp textures make it visually appealing and satisfying
- It’s easy to prepare, allowing you to focus on fun with friends while this salad steals the show
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by chopping cucumbers and tomatoes first, then mix in herbs and drizzle with dressing for best flavor integration.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out herbs or add feta cheese for extra flavor; this salad loves a personal twist!
Storing & Reheating
Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. No reheating needed—serve chilled!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad can be enhanced by using fresh herbs like basil or dill
- Make sure your vegetables are dry before mixing to avoid watery salad
- Chop ingredients uniformly for even texture and delightful bites, making every forkful enjoyable!
Sometimes, I whip up this salad at family BBQs and witness everyone fighting over the last scoop—it always brings smiles!
FAQ
What vegetables can I add to Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad?
Consider adding bell peppers, red onions, or avocados for added crunch and flavor.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it a few hours before serving for flavors to meld beautifully.
What dressing works best for this salad?
A simple vinaigrette or olive oil with lemon juice perfectly complements the fresh ingredients.
Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Memorial Day Cucumber Tomato Salad is a refreshing blend of crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes, drizzled with a light dressing—perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse cucumbers and tomatoes under cool water. Slice cucumbers and chop tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
- Thinly slice the red onion and soak it in cold water for about 10 minutes to reduce sharpness.
- Chop fresh parsley.
- In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and parsley. Toss gently to combine.
- In a separate bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Drizzle over the salad mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Notes
- Experiment with adding bell peppers or avocado for extra flavor.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature to enhance freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg