Quick Italian Cucumber Salad
This Quick Italian Cucumber Salad is a bright, refreshing dish made with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, basil, and a simple oil-and-vinegar dressing. Perfect for potlucks and weeknight dinners, it takes under 10 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
Fresh Vegetables
- 2 large cucumbers (English or Persian; peel if skin is waxed or thick)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- to taste salt
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
Optional Additions
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled for a salty, creamy finish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Thinly slice the cucumbers, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and roughly chop the basil. Place everything in a large mixing bowl.
Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, a pinch of salt, and black pepper until slightly emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Toss and Serve
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently with a spatula or salad servers until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta over the salad if desired.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest texture or refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to meld flavors.
Notes
For a firmer texture, lightly salt cucumbers and let them sit in a colander for 10 minutes, then pat dry. To minimize water release, dress the salad just before serving.