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Cucumber Tomato Salad with Vinegar Dressing – Fresh, Crisp, and Ready in Minutes

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large cucumbers (English or Persian preferred), thinly sliced
  • 4 medium ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges or bite-size chunks
  • 1/2 small red onion, very thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for body)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated or minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or basil), chopped
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Method
 

  1. Prepare the vegetables. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds. If using standard cucumbers with thicker skins or large seeds, peel them and scoop out the seeds first. Cut tomatoes into wedges or bite-size chunks, and thinly slice the red onion.
  2. Salt to draw out excess water (optional, but helpful). Toss the cucumbers with a pinch of salt in a colander and let them sit for 10 minutes. This step keeps the salad from getting watery and deepens the crunch.
  3. Make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust: add more vinegar for extra tang, or a bit more honey if it’s too sharp.
  4. Combine the salad. Pat the cucumbers dry. In a large bowl, add cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat without crushing the tomatoes.
  5. Add herbs and heat. Fold in the chopped herbs and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
  6. Rest briefly. Let the salad sit for 5–10 minutes so the flavors mingle. This short rest brings everything into balance.
  7. Final taste check. Add a pinch more salt or a splash of vinegar if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.