Tomato And Cucumber Summer Salad
A fresh, tangy summer salad featuring ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and a flavorful parsley dressing, perfect for hot days and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar ⓘ
- 1 green onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, pressed ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped ⓘ
- leaf lettuce ⓘ
- 3 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine mayonnaise or salad dressing, white vinegar, chopped green onion, pressed garlic, sugar, salt, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce in a container of an electric blender.
- Process until smooth.
- With the blender on high, gradually add vegetable oil in a slow, steady stream.
- Stir in chopped parsley.
- Cover the dressing and chill.
- Arrange leaf lettuce on chilled salad plates.
- Top with sliced tomatoes and cucumbers.
- Drizzle with the prepared dressing.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding Greek yogurt as a substitute for some of the mayonnaise. Fresh herbs like dill or basil can enhance the flavor profile. If you prefer a lighter option, use a vinaigrette instead of mayonnaise. For a spicy kick, try adding diced jalapeños to the salad. This recipe pairs beautifully with Beer Party Pretzels for a refreshing summer meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad chilled on a hot summer day as a refreshing side dish. It pairs well with grilled meats or seafood, enhancing a backyard barbecue. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Roy'S Multi-Grain Bread for a satisfying, healthy option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The salad components can also be stored separately to maintain freshness; just keep the tomatoes and cucumbers in a sealed container. If reheating, enjoy the salad at room temperature for the best flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato And Cucumber Summer Salad contains roughly 474 calories, with 5g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (82% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2621mg per serving (114% 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 dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. However, it's best to slice the tomatoes and cucumbers just before serving to keep them crisp and fresh.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing or a vegan mayonnaise if you're looking for a plant-based option. Both alternatives will give you a creamy texture while altering the flavor slightly.
Is this salad suitable for vegan diets?
To make this salad vegan, substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative and ensure that the Worcestershire sauce is vegan-friendly. This way, you can enjoy a delicious summer salad that fits your dietary preferences.
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).