Cucumber Tomato Salad with Italian Dressing

Happy Labor Day!  I hope you are enjoying a day off and spending time with your loved ones!  If you're looking for an easy side dish to bring to a cookout today, this fresh salad certainly fits the bill!

I've had the opportunity to go to Romania 4 times for summer mission trips.  Each time I went, I was served a delicious cucumber and tomato salad.  The idea is so simple and tasty, yet I had never had it at home!  When I got home I started making this salad and it soon became a staple at our summer meals.  Typically I use a store-bought Italian dressing and drizzle it over the cucumbers and tomatoes but since I'm working with olive oil for these recipes, I decided to make a homemade Italian dressing to top this fresh summer salad.

Cucumber Tomato Salad with Italian Dressing

Serves 6, with some Italian Dressing left over

You will need:

1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tablespoon water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon basil
1 teaspoon parsley
1/2 Tablespoon salt
1 cucumber, diced
4 tomatoes, diced

1.  In a pint mason jar, combine vinegar, EVOO, water and spices.  Shake vigorously until well combined.

2.  Pour Italian dressing over diced cucumbers and tomatoes and refrigerate at least an hour before serving.

Refrigerate any remaining dressing.

Mixing the Italian dressing in a canning jar provides easy storage for any leftovers!

Disclosure – As part of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program, I received Crisco Olive Oils to try with my family and write about it. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.