The Sun Dried tomato salad with cucumber is a burst of colors and flavors that dances on your taste buds like an enthusiastic toddler at a birthday party. Imagine biting into juicy cucumbers, their crisp texture perfectly complementing the chewy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, all while a delightful drizzle of tangy dressing ties everything together. perfect pairing with sun-dried tomatoes It’s a salad that’s not just a side dish; it’s the life of the party, showing up to every gathering with a smile and a promise of flavor.
This salad isn’t just for summer picnics or fancy brunches; it’s perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Picture yourself serving this vibrant dish at your next potluck while your friends shower you with compliments, asking for your secret recipe. great summer picnic option Spoiler alert: it’s easy, and I promise you’ll have everyone begging for more!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Sun Dried tomato salad with cucumber offers incredible flavor without requiring culinary skills.
- It’s visually stunning with its vibrant colors, making it perfect for entertaining guests.
- The versatility allows you to customize ingredients based on what’s in your fridge.
- Best of all, it pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed solo as a light meal.
Ingredients for Sun Dried tomato salad with cucumber
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Cucumbers: Use fresh, firm cucumbers for crunch; English cucumbers are great due to their fewer seeds.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Opt for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for added richness; they bring both sweetness and depth.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp bite; soak them in water first if you prefer a milder flavor.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds creaminess and tang; look for blocks rather than pre-crumbled for better texture.
- Fresh Herbs: Basil or parsley works wonders here; they brighten up the flavors and add freshness.
For the Dressing:
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best; it enhances all the flavors beautifully and adds richness.
- Balsamic Vinegar: This gives the salad a zesty kick; use high-quality balsamic for the best flavor profile.
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; these staples elevate every single ingredient in your salad.
How to Make Sun Dried tomato salad with cucumber
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Chop Your Veggies
Start by slicing your cucumbers into half-moons and chopping sun-dried tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Don’t forget to thinly slice your red onion as well—this step is crucial because nobody wants onion breath at the dinner table!
Step 2: Mix The Salad
In a large bowl, combine the chopped cucumbers, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh herbs. Toss them gently so everything blends nicely without turning into mush.
Step 3: Whisk The Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until emulsified. If you’re feeling fancy, add some minced garlic or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra zing.
Step 4: Dress The Salad
Pour the dressing over your vegetable mixture and toss again until everything is coated evenly. Don’t be shy—give it some love!
Step 5: Chill (Optional)
Letting the salad chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes allows flavors to marry beautifully. It’s like giving them time to mingle before making their grand entrance at dinner.
Step 6: Serve With Flair
Transfer to serving plates or a beautiful bowl and enjoy! You might want to garnish with additional herbs or extra feta crumbles because we all know presentation matters.
Now grab those forks and dig in! This Sun Dried tomato salad with cucumber will brighten up any meal—and who knows? It might even become your new favorite go-to dish! Enjoy every flavorful bite! adding protein to your salad.
You Must Know
- This sun-dried tomato salad with cucumber is not just a dish; it’s a colorful celebration of flavors.
- It’s refreshing, easy to whip up, and can turn any meal into a gourmet experience.
- Perfect for picnics or as a side dish that steals the spotlight!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping all your ingredients before mixing. Chop the cucumbers, dice the sun-dried tomatoes, and gather your herbs. Then, combine everything in a bowl while whisking together the dressing separately for an even distribution of flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this salad by adding feta cheese for creaminess or olives for a briny kick. You can swap out cucumbers for bell peppers or toss in some chickpeas for extra protein. Get creative!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To maintain freshness, avoid adding dressing until ready to serve. This keeps everything crisp and vibrant.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making this sun-dried tomato salad with cucumber, always use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor.
- Don’t skimp on the herbs; they elevate the salad wonderfully.
- Lastly, let it chill before serving to enhance the taste.
Sometimes I whip up this sun-dried tomato salad with cucumber for gatherings, and it never fails to impress! Friends rave about it, and I love how easy it is to prepare.
FAQs :
What ingredients are needed for sun dried tomato salad with cucumber?
To make a delicious sun dried tomato salad with cucumber, gather fresh cucumbers, sun dried tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, olives, and fresh herbs like basil or parsley. For the dressing, you’ll need olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. crunchy and refreshing salad This combination of ingredients creates a refreshing and flavorful salad that’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your taste preferences or dietary needs.
How can I store leftover sun dried tomato salad with cucumber?
If you have leftover sun dried tomato salad with cucumber, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 2-3 days to maintain freshness. The flavors may intensify as it sits, but keep in mind that cucumbers can become soggy over time. To enhance the taste before serving leftovers, consider adding a splash of fresh dressing or tossing in some extra herbs.
Can I customize sun dried tomato salad with cucumber?
Absolutely! Customization is one of the best aspects of creating a sun dried tomato salad with cucumber. You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or avocados for extra flavor and texture. If you prefer a protein boost, grilled chicken or chickpeas work well too. Experimenting with different cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella can also elevate the dish while keeping it deliciously fresh.
Is sun dried tomato salad with cucumber healthy?
Yes, sun dried tomato salad with cucumber is a healthy choice! This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables and contains healthy fats from olive oil. Sun dried tomatoes provide antioxidants that can support overall health. With its low calorie count and nutrient-dense ingredients, this salad makes for a nutritious addition to any meal plan or as a light snack option.
Conclusion for Sun Dried tomato salad with cucumber :
In conclusion, the sun dried tomato salad with cucumber offers a vibrant blend of flavors and textures that can elevate any meal. By using fresh ingredients like cucumbers and sun dried tomatoes alongside tasty dressings, you create a dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. This versatile recipe allows for personalization based on your preferences while maintaining its core appeal. Enjoy this refreshing salad at your next gathering or as part of your daily meals!
Sun Dried Tomato Salad with Cucumber
Sun-Dried Tomato Salad with Cucumber is a vibrant, refreshing dish that brings together crisp cucumbers, chewy sun-dried tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and fresh herbs. Perfect for gatherings or as a light meal, this salad is easy to prepare and visually stunning. With its burst of flavors and colors, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 2 cups cucumbers (sliced)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley (chopped)
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers into half-moons and chop sun-dried tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the red onion.
- In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh herbs. Toss gently.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Optional: Chill in the fridge for 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
- Serve in a beautiful bowl or on plates garnished with extra herbs or feta.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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