Tomato-Cucumber Salad
A refreshing tomato-cucumber salad with a tangy yogurt dressing, perfect for light lunches or as a side dish at gatherings, featuring vibrant flavors and crisp textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, parsley, Italian dressing, garlic, and black pepper until well blended to make the dressing.
- Dice the tomatoes and cucumber.
- In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, and watercress (tough stems removed).
- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Add toasted bread cubes just before serving for added crunch.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier dressing, consider adding a tablespoon of tahini or using Greek yogurt instead of plain nonfat yogurt. If you're short on fresh herbs, dried parsley can be a substitute, though the flavor will be less vibrant. To add a bit of heat, try incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes. This salad also complements Mediterranean recipes beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This Tomato-Cucumber Salad makes a refreshing side dish for grilled meats or as part of a light lunch. It pairs wonderfully with dishes like Scrambled Eggs With Peppers And Zucchini or Deluxe Salad. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish, or even incorporate it into a wrap.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bread cubes may become soggy, so consider keeping them separate until serving. If you need to reheat, warm the salad gently in a pan over low heat, but serve it cold for the best experience.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomato-Cucumber Salad contains roughly 503 calories, with 26g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (200% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (108% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (92% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 876mg per serving (38% 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 and chop the vegetables a few hours in advance. However, it's best to combine everything just before serving to keep the bread cubes crispy and the vegetables fresh.
What can I substitute for watercress?
If watercress is unavailable, arugula or baby spinach can be excellent substitutes. They provide a similar peppery flavor and a fresh crunch, making them great alternatives in this salad.
Is this salad suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! This Tomato-Cucumber Salad is a fantastic vegetarian option, packed with fresh vegetables and a creamy dressing. It's perfect for those following vegetarian recipes and can easily be made vegan by substituting yogurt with a plant-based alternative.
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).