Spiced Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad

Introduction to the Perfect Summer Salad

When the sun is shining and the temperatures are high, nothing satisfies quite like a crisp, refreshing salad. This Cucumber Tomato Salad with Cilantro and Lime is an absolute delight for your taste buds. It’s bright, zesty, and bursting with fresh garden flavors. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and spices, this salad is as simple as it is irresistible.

Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or a healthy snack, this salad will become a favorite. It’s vegan, gluten-free, low-calorie, and loaded with nutrients. Plus, it comes together in just minutes!

In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to make this vibrant salad perfectly — from the ingredients list to tips for variations, serving ideas, and how to store leftovers. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Tomato Salad

  Packed with Nutrients

This salad is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. Cucumbers hydrate your body, tomatoes deliver a healthy dose of vitamin C and antioxidants, and cilantro brings a boost of vitamin K.

  Bursting with Flavor

The combination of lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder creates a symphony of bold, bright flavors that will wake up your palate.

  Quick and Easy to Prepare

With just a little slicing and mixing, this salad comes together in under 15 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or last-minute entertaining.

  Versatile and Customizable

You can easily adapt this salad to your preferences — add avocado, sweet corn, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese for a new twist!

Ingredients Needed

Before we get started, here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful cucumber tomato salad:

• 2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced

• 2 large ripe tomatoes, chopped

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of freshness, zest, and spice.

How to Make Cucumber Tomato Salad

  Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

• Cucumbers: Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers. You can peel them if you prefer a milder taste, but leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients.

• Tomatoes: Chop the ripe tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Choose juicy, flavorful tomatoes like Roma or heirloom for the best results.

• Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.

  Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the following:

• Fresh lime juice

• Olive oil

• Ground cumin

• Smoked paprika

• Chili powder

• A pinch of salt and black pepper

This dressing is tangy, slightly smoky, and full of zest, complementing the vegetables beautifully.

  Step 3: Toss Everything Together

In a large salad bowl:

• Combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.

• Add the chopped cilantro.

• Drizzle the dressing over the salad.

• Gently toss everything until the vegetables are well coated.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice.

  Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the salad immediately for the freshest flavor, or let it chill in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld even more.

Tips for the Best Cucumber Tomato Salad

  Choose Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients

• Opt for firm cucumbers with no soft spots.

• Use ripe, juicy tomatoes that smell sweet and earthy.

• Fresh cilantro is key — avoid wilted or yellow leaves.

  Slice Thinly

Thinly sliced cucumbers and onions allow the dressing to coat them more evenly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

  Season to Taste

Always taste your salad before serving. You might want a little more lime juice for extra tang or a pinch more chili powder for heat.

  Let It Marinate

If you have the time, letting the salad sit for a few minutes allows the flavors to develop more deeply.

Variations You Can Try

  Add Avocado

Diced avocado brings a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the crisp vegetables.

  Mix in Some Corn

Fresh or grilled corn kernels add a touch of sweetness and crunch.

  Add Protein

Turn this salad into a light meal by adding grilled shrimp, chicken, or chickpeas.

  Sprinkle Cheese

A bit of crumbled feta or cotija cheese adds a lovely salty note.

  Spice It Up

If you love heat, add a finely chopped jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This cucumber tomato salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes:

• Grilled meats like chicken, steak, or fish

• Mexican-inspired meals such as tacos, burritos, or enchiladas

• BBQ favorites like ribs, burgers, or grilled veggies

• Picnic or potluck spreads alongside pasta salads, coleslaw, and baked beans

It also makes a refreshing snack all on its own!

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though it’s so delicious, you might not!), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerator: Place the salad in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It’s best eaten within 1–2 days for maximum freshness.

• Avoid Freezing: Due to the high water content in cucumbers and tomatoes, freezing is not recommended as it will make the salad soggy.

Before serving leftovers, give the salad a quick toss and a splash of fresh lime juice to brighten it up again.

Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 80

• Protein: 2g

• Fat: 5g

• Carbohydrates: 9g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 5g

• Sodium: 150mg

This light, nutritious salad fits easily into most healthy eating plans.

Health Benefits of Cucumber Tomato Salad

  Hydration Boost

Cucumbers are made up of about 95% water, making this salad an excellent way to stay hydrated on hot days.

  Antioxidant Rich

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help reduce the risk of certain diseases.

  Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Cilantro contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, making it a healthy herb to include in your diet.

  Digestive Aid

The fiber in cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions helps support a healthy digestive system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. However, for the best texture, add the dressing just before serving.

What If I Don’t Like Cilantro?

No worries! You can substitute fresh parsley, basil, or even mint for a different flavor profile.

Can I Add Other Vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or thinly sliced radishes for more variety and crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Tomato Salad with Cilantro and Lime is a refreshing, easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for summer and beyond. Bursting with bright flavors, colorful veggies, and a lively citrusy kick, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe for your family and friends.

Whether you serve it at your next BBQ, pack it for a picnic, or whip it up for a quick lunch, it’s guaranteed to impress. Give it a try today — your taste buds will thank you!

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