Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 3 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
For the Italian Dressing
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes. Slice the cucumbers, chop the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, and thinly slice the red onion.
- Combine the salad: Add the cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and basil to a large bowl. Add feta if using.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, black pepper, and Dijon mustard.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the vegetables and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Marinate: Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. This allows the vegetables to absorb the Italian dressing and develop more flavor.
- Serve: Give the salad a gentle toss before serving. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed.
🍅 Tips
- Use ripe tomatoes and crisp cucumbers for the best flavor.
- Add sliced bell pepper or olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- For a heartier salad, add mozzarella pearls or chickpeas.
- For the freshest texture, serve the salad within a few hours of preparing it.
