Growing up, my Aunt's Southern Cucumber and Tomato Salad was always refreshing and paired well with just about anything, from our holiday dinners to our cookouts; this salad always had a place at the table. It goes perfectly with dishes like my smoked turkey wings or barbecue oven-baked turkey wings, making it the perfect side for any gathering. Instead of using a salad bowl, I like to layer the cucumbers and tomatoes on a large serving tray, topped off with a generous sprinkle of kosher salt and cracked black pepper.
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Why This Salad Works (And How to Make It Even Better)
Fresh Ingredients Are Key
This salad is all about simple, fresh ingredients. Start with ripe roma tomatoes; they’re juicy and full of flavor. For a crisp texture, use any variety of cucumbers. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes takes the salad up a notch, while jalapenos bring just the right amount of heat to balance the coolness of the cucumbers and tomatoes.
Simple to Make Vinaigrette Dressing
The vinaigrette is light and tangy, made with avocado oil and balsamic vinegar. You'll want a quality balsamic vinegar, though. I love the 'Aged Balsamic Vinegar of Modena - Casa Olearia Carapelli'. This vinaigrette is quick and easy to whip up.
Cree's Top Tips
- Keep it crisp: To prevent the salad from becoming watery, sprinkle a little salt on the cucumbers and tomatoes and let them sit on paper towels in a single layer for 10-15 minutes before layering. This will draw out excess moisture and keep the salad fresh.
- Fresh herbs are a great addition: Feel free to add fresh dill, basil, or oregano for a herby flavor.
- Make ahead: If you’re preparing this for a special occasion, you can slice the cucumbers and tomatoes ahead of time, but wait to add the vinaigrette until just before serving. This helps the salad stay crisp and fresh.
How to Serve Southern Cucumber Tomato Salad
This simple Southern side salad is an all-purpose side that pairs with just about everything. It’s perfect for Southern BBQs or to serve during the holidays, alongside creamy mac and cheese, Southern green beans, or collard greens.
📖 Recipe
Southern Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Southern Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Sun-Dried TomatoesEquipment
- Serving tray
- Chef's knife or paring knife
- Measuring spoons
- Salad spinner to dry microgreens
- Paper towels to dry vegetables
Ingredients
- 1 Cucumber
- 4 Roma tomatoes
- ¼ cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (sliced)
- ¾ teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper (preferably cracked black pepper)
- 3 tablespoon Microgreens (Optional)
Remove Excess Moisture from Cucumbers and Tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt
Simple Vinaigrette
- 1 tablespoon Avocado oil (or Grapeseed oil)
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic vinegar (preferably a good quality one)
Instructions
- Rinse the microgreens under cool water and dry them thoroughly using a salad spinner to remove excess moisture. Set aside.
- Wash the cucumbers, tomatoes, and jalapenos under cool water. Pat them dry with paper towels. Slice the cucumbers and tomatoes into rounds, about ¼ inch thick. Remove the seeds from the jalapenos (if you prefer less heat) and thinly slice them.
- Place the sliced cucumbers and tomatoes on paper towels in a single layer. Sprinkle them with a little salt, and let them sit for 10-15 minutes before layering to draw out excess moisture.
- On a large serving tray, layer the sliced cucumbers and tomatoes. Sprinkle with a little more kosher salt (if needed) and cracked black pepper. Top with thinly sliced jalapenos.
- Remove the sun-dried tomatoes from the jar using a fork and gently shake off any excess oil. If the sun-dried tomatoes are not pre-sliced into strips, slice them into thin strips. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the top of the salad. Garnish with microgreens.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. For best results, add the vinaigrette and microgreens just before serving to keep the salad crisp. If you feel additional seasoning is needed, add it.
Notes
- Keep it crisp: To prevent the salad from becoming watery, sprinkle a little salt on the cucumbers and tomatoes and let them sit for 10-15 minutes before layering. This will draw out excess moisture and keep the salad fresh.
- Fresh herbs are a great addition: Feel free to add fresh dill, basil, or oregano for a herby flavor.
- Make ahead: If you’re preparing this for a special occasion, you can slice the cucumbers and tomatoes ahead of time, but wait to add the vinaigrette until just before serving. This helps the salad stay crisp and fresh.
Nutrition
Nutrition Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. For the most accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information using the specific ingredients and brands you use.
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