Tomatoes. Cucumbers. Red onion. Fresh dill. Ahh, when I think of summer salads, this is exactly what I think of.
Growing up, my mom had a small yet fruitful garden yielding plenty of cucumbers, tomatoes, green peas, brussel sprouts, peppers, and so many herbs she didn’t know what to do with them. I remember playing in the yard while she tended to it, however, I didn’t inherit her green thumb and that will forever baffle me. I would watch her and try to help by plucking all the goodies off their vines being especially careful not to burst the tomatoes. I have so many fond memories of this small garden and this Crunchy Cucumber Tomato Salad was completely inspired by my mom, so thanks, Mom!
COOL LIKE A CUCUMBER
Cucumbers and tomatoes are the epitome of summer veggies. They’re both incredibly hydrating (especially those cucs!) and loaded with vitamins and minerals. Cucumbers in particular are loaded with vitamin K, potassium, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, copper, vitamin C, and magnesium. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, most notably lycopene! In addition to chopped tomatoes and cucumbers, I like adding zesty red onion, hearty edamame, tons of fresh dill and parsley, and crunchy green apple. It’s all then tossed in with lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, sea salt, and black pepper. Super. Simple and delicious. I enjoy eating this salad as a quick lunch served with a whole avocado or I’ll add protein like grilled shrimp, smoked salmon, or add this to a bed of romaine for a “huge” salad!
- 1 lb. cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large organic English cucumber, cubed
- 1 medium organic green apple, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup organic shelled and cooked edamame (I used frozen and thawed)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, adjust to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, adjust to taste
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all ingredients and toss to coat all veggies in the olive oil and liquids. Taste test and adjust seasonings like sea salt to taste.
- Store in an airtight glass container and serve chilled or at room temperature. Keeps for 1 week.
Ingredients I used to make this recipe and to keep in your pantry: Raw apple cider vinegar, glass containers for storage, and this summer serving bowl.
You can read up on the health benefits and nutrition of each ingredient in the NS Pantry!
Feelin’ it?
What do you think about this summer salad? Will you add more greens or proteins to make it work for you? Let me know what you think by rating this recipe and commenting below. And if you make it at home, share on Instagram with #nutritionstripped so I can see!
xx McKel
Photography by Kelsey Cherry (images 1-3)
p.s
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