This refreshing Tomato Cucumber Lettuce Salad is a simple yet vibrant dish perfect for any occasion. It’s a delightful mix of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and aromatic dill, all tossed in a light and flavorful dressing. This salad is a great way to enjoy the fresh produce of summer and is incredibly easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Light: Perfect for warm weather and light meals.
- Simple and Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal prep.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different types of lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
- Healthy: Packed with fresh vegetables and a light, healthy dressing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- English Cucumbers (Coarsely Chopped): Provides a crisp, refreshing crunch.
- Tomatoes (Coarsely Chopped): Adds juiciness and a sweet-tart flavor.
- Lettuce (Coarsely Chopped): Forms the base of the salad.
- Dill (Finely Chopped): Adds a fresh, herbaceous aroma.
- White or Red Onion (Thinly Sliced): Provides a sharp, tangy bite.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Forms the base of the dressing.
- Toasted Sesame Oil (Optional): Adds a nutty, aromatic flavor.
- Salt and Ground Black Pepper: To season to taste.
- Garlic and White Vinegar (Optional): For extra flavor.
Variations
Here are some ways to customize your salad:
- Lettuce Variety: Use Boston, red leaf, romaine, butter, or green leaf lettuce.
- Cucumber Options: Use any type of cucumber, peeled or unpeeled.
- Tomato Choices: Use grape or cherry tomatoes for a different texture.
- Herb Additions: Add other fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or basil.
- Cheese Addition: Add crumbled feta or mozzarella for extra flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Substitute white vinegar with lemon juice.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Tomato Cucumber Lettuce Salad
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl, add the chopped cucumbers, chopped tomatoes, chopped lettuce, finely chopped dill, thinly sliced onion, olive oil, toasted sesame oil (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Add ingredients in the order listed, as you wash and chop them.
Step 2: Toss Gently
- Gently toss all the ingredients until they are just combined.
Step 3: Serve
- Serve the salad immediately or within an hour for the best freshness.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Prep Ahead: If making ahead, refrigerate the vegetables separately in a covered bowl and add the oils, salt, and pepper just before serving.
- Use Toasted Sesame Oil: For an authentic Asian flavor, use toasted sesame oil, which can be found in most grocery stores or online.
- Don’t Overdress: Toss the salad gently to avoid bruising the lettuce and adding too much dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your preference.
How to Serve
This salad is perfect for:
- Side Dish: Pairs well with grilled chicken, fish, or any main course.
- Light Lunch: Enjoy on its own or with a slice of bread.
- Picnics and BBQs: A refreshing addition to outdoor gatherings.
- Appetizer: Serve small portions before a meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
- It’s best to serve this salad immediately. If you must store it, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a few hours, but be aware that the lettuce may wilt.
- For the best results when making ahead, keep the vegetables separate from the dressing until serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular sesame oil instead of toasted sesame oil?
- No, regular sesame oil has a different flavor and is not a suitable substitute for toasted sesame oil in this recipe.
2. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
- Yes, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or carrots.
3. Can I make this salad without onion?
- Yes, you can omit the onion if you prefer.
4. Can I use a different type of vinegar?
- Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar instead of white vinegar.
Conclusion
This Tomato Cucumber Lettuce Salad is a simple and refreshing dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its fresh ingredients and light dressing, it’s a healthy and delicious addition to your meal. Enjoy!
PrintTomato Cucumber Lettuce Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
Description
This refreshing Tomato Cucumber Lettuce Salad is a simple and vibrant dish, perfect for warm weather. With crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and leafy greens, it’s a light and healthy addition to any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (2 medium) long English cucumbers, coarsely chopped
- 1 lb (4 medium) tomatoes, coarsely chopped
- 1 lb (large bunch) any lettuce, coarsely chopped
- 1 small bunch dill, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup white or red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- Garlic and white vinegar, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add cucumber, tomato, lettuce, dill, onion, olive oil, toasted sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Add ingredients in the order listed as you prepare them (washing and chopping).
- Toss Gently: Toss gently just until combined.
- Serve Immediately: Serve immediately or within an hour.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Refrigerate all vegetables covered in a bowl, and add oils, salt, and pepper right before serving.
- Lettuce: Boston, red leaf, romaine, butter, and green leaf lettuces are great options.
- Cucumbers: Any type of cucumbers (dill pickle, garden, long English, Persian), peeled or unpeeled, will work.
- Tomatoes: Any type of full-grown, grape, or cherry tomatoes will work.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Use toasted sesame oil for its distinct flavor, or omit it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 125 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 403 mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg