Basil Cucumber Tomato Salad
Quick and easy recipes are perfect for those days when you don't feel like cooking. That's why I'm such a big fan of salad. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch idea or easy side dish, this simple recipe for basil cucumber salad is perfect. You only need seven fresh ingredients and a few minutes of your time to whip up this easy no-bake dish.
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
*This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases.
What Do I Need to Make Basil Cucumber Tomato Salad?
The combination of cool cucumber and juicy tomatoes makes this simple salad a refreshing treat. But the best part about this easy recipe is that you only need a handful of ingredients to prepare it. To make basil cucumber salad, you'll need:
- Large cucumber
- Tomatoes
- Red Onion
- Olive Oil
- Salt and pepper
- Basil
Looking for more delicious salad recipes? Give these reader favorites a try!
Easy Broccoli Cauliflower Crunch Salad | Rainbow Salad with Yogurt Herb Dressing | Simple Beet Arugula Salad with Mozzarella
How Do I Make Basil Cucumber Tomato Salad?
This quick and easy salad recipe can be made in a matter of minutes. Just follow these three simple steps to whip up your own cucumber salad at home:
Step One: Prepare the Vegetables
Cut the cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion into thin slices.
Step Two: Add the dressing
Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the vegetables. Top with salt and pepper and stir to coat all the vegetables in the oil and seasoning.
Step Three: Garnish the Salad
Chop the fresh basil and sprinkle over the top of the salad before serving.
Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe Ideas
The simplicity of this salad recipe makes it perfect for a quick meal or side. And it also makes it easy to adjust the recipe to include new ingredients and flavors. Try these simple recipe ideas to adjust the salad to suit your preferences:
- Try dried basil. Fresh basil adds amazing flavor to this simple salad. But if you don't have any fresh basil at home, there's no need to skip this recipe. Dried basil works will with this dish. Just remember that you don't need as much dried basil as you would fresh basil because the flavor of dried herbs is more concentrated. Try adding one teaspoon of dried basil to your salad, then add more if needed.
- Add more fresh herbs. There's no reason to stop with basil! If you have a variety of fresh herbs on hand, try adding more flavors to your salad. Fresh dill, parsley, and oregano are all amazing options for taking the flavor of this simple salad up a notch.
- Mix in some vinegar. Using a simple olive oil dressing is a great way to ensure the flavors of the fresh veggies shines through. But if you want a dressing with a little more flavor, try mixing some vinegar into the salad. Red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or apple cider vinegar will add a nice kick to the salad. You don't need much vinegar to make an impact - ½ to 1 tablespoon is enough to add some vinegar flavor to your dressing without overwhelming the rest of the ingredients.
- Refrigerate before serving for more flavor. You can serve this salad right after making it, but if you have some extra time, try chilling your basil cucumber tomato salad before serving. Placing the salad in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes will give the flavors of the ingredients time to meld, making the salad even more flavorful.
How Long Does Cucumber Tomato Salad Last in the Fridge?
The key to ensuring your cucumber tomato salad stays fresh is to store it in an airtight container. When properly stored, your salad will stay fresh for up to one week.
You can keep the salad fresh for a longer period of time if you store your tomatoes separately from the rest of the salad ingredients. That's because the tomatoes tend to get soft and runny the longer they're stored after slicing. To keep the cucumber and onion crisp, try removing the tomatoes from the salad before storing your leftovers. You can keep the sliced tomatoes in a separate container. Or add freshly sliced tomatoes to the other salad ingredients when you're ready to enjoy your leftovers.
What are the Best Cucumbers for Salads?
Most cucumbers taste amazing in salads. But with so many varieties to choose from, you might be wondering what are the best tasting cucumbers - especially if you're putting them into a salad. Try these cucumber varieties in your salad when you're making this recipe.
- English cucumbers: The thin skin and small seeds in English cucumbers make them perfect for salad.
- Persian cucumbers: Similar to the English variety, Persian cucumbers have a thin skin and small seeds, making them great for salad.
- Garden cucumbers: Cucumbers fresh from the garden are delicious in salads. But the thicker skin on this variety may mean you'll need to peel these cucumbers before adding them to your dish.
- Kirby cucumbers: The bumpy skin on this cucumber variety makes them stand out. They have a nice crunch, making them great for adding to your salad recipe.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion into thin slices.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the vegetables. Top with salt and pepper and top to coat all the vegetables in the oil and seasoning.
- Chop the fresh basil and sprinkle over the top of the salad before serving.
3 Comments