Cucumber Tomato Salad

 The ultimate summer side dish. Crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sharp red onions tossed in a bright, simple vinaigrette. Ready in under 15 minutes!

INGREDIENTS

3 cups cucumber sliced (about 2 medium cucumbers)

2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes halved

¼ cup red onion thinly sliced

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 ½ tablespoons red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Optional: ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese

INSTRUCTIONS 

Prep the Vegetables: Place the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion together in a large mixing bowl.

Make the Vinaigrette: In a separate small bowl, vigorously whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar (or fresh lemon juice), salt, black pepper, and dried oregano until smoothly combined.

Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing directly over the fresh vegetables and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top and gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese, if using.

Rest: Let the salad rest on the counter for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the salt and vinegar to draw out the tomato juices and blend the flavors.

Serve: Taste the salad and adjust the salt or pepper seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

NOTES

Pro-Tip: Do not skip the 10-minute resting period! Letting the bowl sit undisturbed is exactly when the culinary magic happens, allowing the natural vegetable juices to mix with your vinaigrette for maximum flavor.