Gazpacho Salad
A refreshing gazpacho salad combining crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, perfect for summer gatherings and light, flavorful meals.
Ingredients
- 2 medium cucumbers, peeled and sliced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 2/3 c. virgin olive oil ⓘ
- 1/3 c. wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 tsp. basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 10 mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 4 scallions, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. minced parsley ⓘ
- 3 large tomatoes, cut into wedges ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Swiss cheese, thin strips ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. Swiss cheese (thin strips) ⓘ
Instructions
- Sprinkle cucumbers with 1 teaspoon salt; let stand for 30 minutes.
- Combine olive oil, wine vinegar, minced garlic, basil, salt, and pepper in a large salad bowl.
- Add sliced mushrooms and sliced scallions to the bowl.
- Drain and pat dry the salted cucumbers, then add them to the bowl.
- Stir in minced parsley, tomato wedges, and sliced green pepper.
- Cover and chill for 4 hours.
- Just before serving, add Swiss cheese strips and toss the salad gently.
- Garnish with slices of hard-boiled egg before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavors of your Gazpacho Salad, allow the cucumbers to drain well to avoid excess moisture. If you prefer a lighter version, consider substituting Greek yogurt for some of the olive oil. Fresh herbs like cilantro or dill can be added for a twist. This dish pairs well with Mediterranean recipes, making it versatile for various occasions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this refreshing Gazpacho Salad alongside grilled meats or as a light lunch. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or can be enjoyed with a side of Marinated Mozzarella for a delightful appetizer. Garnish with slices of hard-boiled egg for added protein and visual appeal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld further as it sits. To enjoy it again, simply serve cold; there's no need to reheat. If the salad appears watery, you can drain any excess liquid before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Gazpacho Salad contains roughly 703 calories, with 30g protein, 134g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (328% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (172% of the Daily Value), and iron (110% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2165mg per serving (94% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just follow the recipe steps and chill it in the refrigerator. However, add the Swiss cheese and any garnishes just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for Swiss cheese?
If you can't find Swiss cheese, Gruyère or Emmental are excellent alternatives due to their similar flavor profiles. For a dairy-free option, consider using nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese substitute that offers a creamy texture.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the Swiss cheese and any egg garnishes. You can also add avocado for creaminess or use a plant-based cheese alternative. This way, you can enjoy a refreshing and hearty salad that fits a vegan lifestyle.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).