If you’re looking for a fresh, vibrant, and absolutely delicious salad, this Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Parsley, Sesame Seeds, and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe is going to become your new go-to! With crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, zingy red onion, and a bright dressing enhanced by sesame seeds and a pinch of red pepper flakes, this salad is bursting with flavor and texture. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a colorful side dish, or even a refreshing snack. The parsley adds a lovely herbal freshness that ties everything together beautifully, making this recipe both simple and incredibly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this salad are straightforward and easy to find, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating a well-balanced and flavorful dish. From the crunchy cucumbers to the peppery red pepper flakes, every item adds its own magic.
- 1 large cucumber: Thinly sliced to provide a crisp and cool base for the salad.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved for burst-in-your-mouth juiciness and vibrant color.
- 1/2 red onion: Thinly sliced to add a mild, slightly sweet bite that complements the veggies.
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley: Chopped to offer a fresh, herbal lift that brightens the salad.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: The rich, smooth dressing base that coats the ingredients just right.
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar: Adds tangy acidity to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes and mellow the cucumbers.
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (black and white): For a toasty crunch and subtle nuttiness that makes this salad shine.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch for those who crave a little gentle heat and complexity.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances and harmonizes all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Parsley, Sesame Seeds, and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by slicing the cucumber as thin as you can—it makes the salad light and easy to eat while showing off its beautiful green shade. Halve the cherry tomatoes so their juicy flavors can mingle fully with the other ingredients. Then, slice the red onion paper-thin to prevent overpowering the salad but still infusing it with subtle natural sweetness and a bit of crunch. Combine all these in a large bowl to create the perfect fresh veggie foundation.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and red wine vinegar along with a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing is simple, but its perfect balance of fruity oil and tangy vinegar really elevates the flavors of the salad, ensuring every bite is bright and zesty. The salt enhances the natural sweetness of the vegetables and brings it all together beautifully.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
Pour your freshly whisked dressing over the cucumber, tomato, and onion mixture. Use a gentle hand to toss everything together so the veggies get coated evenly but maintain their crunch and structure. This step is key to achieving that delightful blend of textures combined with vibrant flavor bursts in every mouthful.
Step 4: Garnish
To finish off, sprinkle the salad generously with chopped parsley, sesame seeds, and the red pepper flakes if you’re using them. The parsley adds a refreshing note and a pop of green, sesame seeds provide a wonderful nutty crunch, and the red pepper flakes bring just the right bit of warmth to lift the whole salad to another level. These final touches are what make this dish so memorable.
Step 5: Serve
You can enjoy this salad immediately for that crisp and refreshing experience or refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld into one harmonious bite. Whether served right away or after a brief chill, it’s pure joy in a bowl.
How to Serve Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Parsley, Sesame Seeds, and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe
Garnishes
Try adding a few extra herbs like fresh mint or dill for a unique spin, or sprinkle some toasted pine nuts alongside the sesame seeds to boost the nutty notes. A little crumbled feta cheese could also complement the salad perfectly, adding creaminess that pairs beautifully with the fresh vegetables and tangy dressing.
Side Dishes
This salad is a fantastic companion to grilled meats, such as chicken, pork, or fish. It’s also excellent alongside Mediterranean dishes like falafel, hummus, or freshly baked pita bread. Its light, fresh qualities provide the perfect balance to heartier entrees.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in a hollowed-out cucumber boat or stack it in a mason jar for a charming lunch-to-go option. You can also use it as a flavorful topping for avocado toast or crackers at your next party for a colorful, healthy appetizer that will impress your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because of the fresh veggies, it’s best enjoyed while still crisp, so try to consume leftovers sooner rather than later for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Since this salad’s ingredients are fresh and crunchy, freezing is not recommended. The cucumbers and tomatoes will become watery and mushy once thawed, losing that delightful texture that makes this dish so satisfying.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary or advised. Instead, let leftovers come to room temperature before eating if you prefer to avoid the chill of the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use other types of tomatoes for this salad?
Yes, you can swap cherry tomatoes with grape tomatoes or even larger tomato varieties diced into bite-sized pieces. Each will bring a slightly different texture and sweetness, but the salad will still be delicious.
Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?
Absolutely! Every ingredient in the Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Parsley, Sesame Seeds, and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe is plant-based and naturally vegan-friendly, making it perfect for anyone following that diet.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prep the vegetables and dressing ahead, but it’s best to combine and dress the salad just before serving to maintain crispness. If you mix it too early, the cucumbers and tomatoes may release water and become soggy.
How spicy is this salad with red pepper flakes?
The 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes gives a gentle heat that complements rather than overwhelms. You can adjust this amount or leave it out entirely depending on your heat preference.
Are sesame seeds necessary?
While sesame seeds add a wonderful nutty crunch and layer of flavor, you can omit them if you have allergies or don’t have any on hand. The salad will still be fresh and tasty without them.
Final Thoughts
This Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Parsley, Sesame Seeds, and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe really is a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients coming together in perfect harmony. It’s easy to make, vibrant to look at, and bursting with flavors that are both familiar and exciting. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen, too!
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Cucumber and Tomato Salad with Parsley, Sesame Seeds, and Red Pepper Flakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A refreshing and crisp cucumber and tomato salad featuring thinly sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion dressed in a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing, garnished with fresh parsley, sesame seeds, and optional red pepper flakes. Perfect as a light side dish or healthy snack.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (black and white)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion to create the base of your salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until the mixture is well blended to form a light, tangy dressing.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the combined vegetables. Toss gently but thoroughly to evenly coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the salad with the chopped fresh parsley, sesame seeds, and if desired, red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and texture.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately for maximum freshness and crunch, or refrigerate it for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld nicely before serving.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh but can be chilled briefly to deepen the flavors.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted based on your spice preference.
- For a vegan option, ensure the olive oil used is pure and not blended with non-vegan ingredients.
- Slicing the vegetables thinly helps achieve even texture and flavor distribution.
