Quick and Easy Cucumber Salad with Balsamic Dressing

Summer is just around the corner, and there’s nothing quite like a refreshing salad to enjoy on a warm day. If you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch option that’s both healthy and delicious, look no further than this scrumptious summer salad recipe. Packed with crisp cucumbers, tangy red onions, and juicy baby plum tomatoes, this salad is sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family. And the best part? The homemade balsamic dressing is a breeze to make and adds the perfect touch of sweetness to this light and refreshing dish. So, moms, grab your aprons and get ready to whip up a salad that your whole family will love!

Ingredients for your Cucumber Summer Salad

• 1 cucumber
• ½ red onion
• ½ pint grape tomatoes
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon crushed garlic
• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional add some cheese to taste – parmesan is great or for a slightly sharper flavour we do like adding some Feta cheese to this recipe especially for myself and my daughter.

How to Prepare your Cucumber for this Summer Lunch Recipe

Depending on your cucumber you may need to peel it before slicing. I like to peel the cucumbers that we grow at home as their skins can be considerably tougher than the store brought versions.

If your cucumber doesn’t need peeling then go ahead and wash it thoroughly before you start slicing.

Slice the cucumber into thin slices and then cut each slice in half this is perfect for providing the crunch that you want and also making it manageable to eat quickly.

Making the Balsamic Dressing from Scratch

1. In a large bowl combine your balsamic vinegar, oil, Italian seasoning and crushed garlic.

2. Mix and then season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Set aside and assemble your salad ingredients

Assembling the Homemade Cucumber Salad

1. Cut up your cucumber as explained above.

2. Thinly slice your red onion

3. Wash and then cut your baby plum tomatoes in half

4. Combine all in a bowl and toss so that the ingredients mix together

5. Pour over your balsamic dressing.

6. Check the taste and add more salt and pepper if you wish.

Optional sprinkle some cheese over the top for added flavour.

Tips for Saving Time when Making this Salad with Cucumbers

I know like me you are a busy mom and saving time is essential. One of the reasons that I love this recipe is that you can save yourself some time by making parts of it ahead.

Tip 1 – Balsamic Dressing Make Ahead

The Balsamic Dressing is ideal to make ahead of time, mix it all up and then pour into a bottle and store in a cool dark place – don’t place this in the fridge as depending on your refrigerator temperature it may start to solidify.

We use this dressing all the time and I place it on the table after giving the bottle a shake when it starts to get low I just top it up again and continue using.

Tip 2 – Make ahead the salad

Yes, you can make ahead the salad. Make up a batch and then store in a sealed air tight container in the fridge. This will keep it crisp and then when needed portion out and drizzle with your balsamic dressing.

Variations and Add-Ins

I mentioned adding either parmesan or feta cheese to the salad. But we’ve also added sliced chorizo, cooked chicken and ham for some added protein and to make the dish a little more substantial.

Yellow bell peppers make the perfect splash of colour to the recipe as well as adding a little sweetness.

More Summer Recipes you Will Want to Make

• Watermelon and Feta Salad
• Greek Pasta Salad
• Grilled Corn Summer Salad

Sharing is caring!