There's nothing quite like a refreshing salad to cool you down and satisfy your taste. If you're a fan of fresh and flavorful salads, then you must try Asian cucumber tomato salad! Asian cucumber tomato salad is a delightful fusion of crunchy cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and a burst of Asian flavors. Everything is all tossed together to create a perfect balance of textures and flavors. This simple yet delicious recipe is a perfect side dish for a BBQ, a light lunch, or even as a main dish on its own. Let's dive into how to make this vibrant and flavorful salad!
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Simple ingredients
To create this mouthwatering Asian-inspired salad, you'll need the following ingredients:
English cucumber: It adds a refreshing crunch and subtle sweetness to the salad. You can also use Persian cucumbers, mini cucumbers, or Japanese cucumbers. There are a variety of cucumbers out there. Feel free to use any type of cucumber, which has thinner skin and fewer seeds, making them perfect for this delicious salad.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes have a bright color and provide juiciness and sweetness to the salad. You can also use grape tomatoes.
Red onion: It adds a sharp bite and a pop of color to the salad.
Olive oil: It acts as a dressing base, providing richness and a smooth mouthfeel to the salad
Garlic: You can mince or grate and mix throughout the salad.
Rice vinegar: It adds a slightly sweet and tangy taste to the dressing. If you don't have rice vinegar on hand, use red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or apple cider vinegar instead.
Salt and black pepper: to taste.
Squeezed lemon juice: It enhances the freshness of the salad!
Dried cilantro leaves seasoning: It adds a herbaceous flavor to the salad.
Roasted sesame seeds: for garnish, it is optional.
Chopped green onions: for garnish and extra flavor, too.
Detailed instructions
Start by dicing the cucumbers. If using regular cucumbers, you may want to peel them and remove the seeds to reduce excess water and moisture. Finely chop the ripe tomatoes, red onions, and green onions.
In a large bowl, toss gently and combine everything together.
Finish off the salad with a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds and chopped green onion for garnish.
If you have time, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. (optional)
Transfer the salad to an individual salad bowl. Serve immediately, enjoy!
Variations and customizations
This simple salad is not only delicious but also very customizable. Check out the following ideas and additions:
- Cucumber tomato avocado salad: For a creamy texture and added richness, add diced avocado to the salad.
- Add mango: Add diced mango for a sweet and tropical twist that balances the tanginess of the dressing.
- Include edamame: Toss in cooked edamame for a protein boost and a pop of vibrant green color.
- Substitute vegetables: Experiment with different vegetables such as green bell pepper, radishes, or snap peas to customize the salad.
- Try different fresh herbs: Experiment with herbs such as Thai basil or dill to change the flavor profile of the salad.
- If desired, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese over the salad for a creamy cucumber tomato feta salad, or add thinly sliced red jalapeño or serrano chile for an extra kick of heat.
- Chopped peanuts: Garnish with chopped peanuts for an extra layer of crunch.
- Red pepper flakes: For a touch of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the salad before serving.
Final thoughts
Asian Cucumber Tomato Salad is the perfect way to enjoy the bounty of summer produce in a simple yet flavorful dish. With its vibrant colors, crisp textures, and delicious Asian-inspired dressing, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your spring and summer recipes. Whether you're hosting a BBQ, looking for a light lunch option, or simply craving a refreshing salad on a hot day, this easy recipe is a winner.
Give this simple cucumber tomato salad a try, and enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite!
Asian Cucumber Tomato Salad: Easy And Refreshing
Ingredients
- 1 English cucumber
- 4 small tomatoes
- ½ red onion
- 1.5 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- salt and black pepper
- squeezed lemon juice
- dried cilantro leaves seasoning
- roasted sesame seeds for garnish
- chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Start by dicing the cucumbers. If using regular cucumbers, you may want to peel them and remove the seeds to reduce excess water and moisture. Finely chop the ripe tomatoes, red onions, and green onions.
- In a large bowl, toss gently and combine everything together.
- Finish off the salad with a sprinkle of roasted sesame seeds and chopped green onion for garnish.
- If you have time, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. (optional)
- Transfer the salad to an individual salad bowl. Serve immediately, enjoy!
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