Tomato Cucumber Salad with Red Onion Vinaigrette

This tomato cucumber salad is a refreshing and flavorful side dish that is perfect for summer. The combination of sweet tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy red onion is complemented by a simple but delicious vinaigrette made with red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. The salad is finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

The tomato cucumber salad is a classic summer dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. The earliest known recipes for tomato cucumber salad date back to the 16th century, and the dish has been a staple of Southern cuisine ever since. Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of different ingredients, but the basic combination of tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions remains the same.

Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 1 English cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the tomato cucumber mixture and toss to combine.
4. Adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Why It Works

• The combination of sweet tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy red onion is a classic for a reason.
• The red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey vinaigrette adds a bright and flavorful acidity to the salad.
• Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together and develop.