Name: Salad That Tastes Like July: A Juicy Summer Delight Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (Use vine-ripened or mixed color varieties for the sweetest flavor.); 1 large cucumber, sliced into half-moons (Adds a refreshing crunch; peel partially if desired.); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (Brightens the dish with color and freshness; basil works beautifully as an alternative.); 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (Provides creaminess and a salty kick; substitute with goat cheese for a unique twist.); 3 tablespoons olive oil (Acts as the base for the vinaigrette, enhancing richness and flavor.); 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (Balances flavors with acidity; balsamic vinegar can add a sweeter note if preferred.); 1/4 teaspoon salt (Enhances overall flavor; adjust to fit your taste.); 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (Adds subtle heat; use white pepper for a milder option.)

Description

A refreshing and vibrant summer salad featuring juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and creamy feta cheese, tossed with a simple olive oil and red wine vinegar vinaigrette. Perfect for warm weather meals, this salad bursts with fresh flavors that taste like the essence of July.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Herbs

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (Use vine-ripened or mixed color varieties for the sweetest flavor.)
1 large cucumber, sliced into half-moons (Adds a refreshing crunch; peel partially if desired.)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (Brightens the dish with color and freshness; basil works beautifully as an alternative.)

Cheese

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (Provides creaminess and a salty kick; substitute with goat cheese for a unique twist.)

Dressing

3 tablespoons olive oil (Acts as the base for the vinaigrette, enhancing richness and flavor.)
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (Balances flavors with acidity; balsamic vinegar can add a sweeter note if preferred.)
1/4 teaspoon salt (Enhances overall flavor; adjust to fit your taste.)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (Adds subtle heat; use white pepper for a milder option.)

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Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables: Rinse and halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the cucumber into half-moons, peeling partially if you prefer. Chop the fresh parsley finely to release its flavor and aroma.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and chopped parsley. Crumble the feta cheese over the top.
Toss and Serve: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh, juicy flavors at their best.

Notes

For a twist, substitute goat cheese for the feta for a milder, creamier taste.
Use fresh basil instead of parsley for a different but complementary flavor profile.
Balsamic vinegar can be used in place of red wine vinegar if a sweeter dressing is preferred.
Partially peeling the cucumber can help reduce any bitterness and add texture variety.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to one day.