High-CPM Focus Keywords: easy Italian cucumber salad recipe, healthy summer side dishes, low calorie keto lunch prep, quick 5 minute vegetable salad, clean eating weight loss recipes, potluck side dish ideas.

Description & Culinary Profile

Crisp, colorful, and thoroughly refreshing, this Zesty Italian Cucumber Tomato Salad is the ultimate quick-fix vegetable side dish. Featuring thick slices of fresh English cucumbers, sweet halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced white onion, this salad is tossed in Kraft Zesty Italian dressing and infused with dried Italian seasoning, black pepper, and garlic powder.

It requires zero cooking, takes less than 10 minutes to prepare, and gets even better as it marinates in the refrigerator. It is the perfect low-carb, low-calorie addition to summer barbecues, potlucks, or daily healthy meal prep routines.

Ingredients List

For the Salad Base:

• Cucumbers: 2 large English cucumbers, sliced into thick rounds (or half-moons)

• Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (approx. 2 cups), halved

• White Onion: 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced into crescents

• Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing: 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup (depending on preference)

For the Seasoning Blend:

• Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs

• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon

• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked

• Salt: To taste (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Slice the Vegetables: Wash all produce thoroughly. Slice the cucumbers into thick rounds, cut the cherry tomatoes in half, and slice the white onion thinly.

2. Combine in Bowl: Place the prepared cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced onions into a large clear glass salad bowl.

3. Add Seasonings & Dressing: Sprinkle the dried Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper evenly over the vegetables. Pour the Kraft Zesty Italian dressing directly over top.

4. Toss to Coat: Gently toss all ingredients together using wooden spoons or salad tongs until every vegetable piece is well coated in the herb-infused dressing.

5. Chill & Serve: Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes prior to serving to allow the crisp vegetables to absorb the tangy Italian flavors.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Serves 4)

• Calories: ~110 kcal

• Total Fat: 7g

• Saturated Fat: 1g

• Sodium: 420mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 10g

• Dietary Fiber: 2g

• Sugars: 5g

• Protein: 2g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does this cucumber tomato salad stay fresh in the fridge?

This salad can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. While the cucumbers will release some extra water over time, the flavors will continue to deepen, making it a fantastic make-ahead option for meal prepping.

2. How can I keep the cucumbers crisp for longer?

To keep the cucumbers extra crunchy, use thick-skinned English or Persian cucumbers. You can also lightly salt the sliced cucumbers in a colander for 15 minutes before assembling the salad to drain off excess moisture.

3. Can I add protein or cheese to turn this into a main course meal?

Absolutely! Crumbled feta cheese, fresh mini mozzarella balls (bocconcini), sliced grilled chicken breast, or cooked chickpeas pair wonderfully with this Italian dressing base to transform it into a heartier meal.