Farmers Market Cucumber Tomato Salad

🌿 Why Farmers Market Produce Tastes Better

There’s something magical about a salad made with produce you bought just that morning at the farmers market. Unlike grocery store vegetables that may have traveled thousands of miles, these locally grown cucumbers and tomatoes are at their peak freshness, flavor, and nutrition.

This Farmers Market Cucumber Tomato Salad is the kind of dish you’ll find on sunny picnic tables, shared at potlucks, or packed in a reusable container for a lunch in the park. It’s simple, seasonal, and satisfying.

Best of all:

• 🥗 It’s completely plant-based

• 🍋 Uses no alcohol, pork, or dairy

• ✅ Comes together in just 15 minutes

• ♻️ Encourages local and sustainable eating

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🥒 Ingredients: Market-Fresh and Flexible

Salad Base

• 2 large heirloom tomatoes or 1 pint cherry tomatoes, chopped or halved

• 2 medium cucumbers (Persian or English), sliced

• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

• ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, torn

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint (optional, for herbal depth)

• Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste

Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• Juice of 1 large lemon

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave (optional for sweetness)

• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (wine-free) or mustard powder

• Pinch of sea salt

💡 Bonus: Add a sprinkle of toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds from a market stand for crunch!

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👩‍🍳 How to Make It

Step 1 – Prep the Produce

Wash all vegetables gently, especially if they’re organically grown with soil still clinging. Chop tomatoes into bite-sized chunks and slice cucumbers. Thinly slice onion and roughly chop herbs.

🌈 Use multi-colored cherry tomatoes or striped heirlooms for visual appeal.

Step 2 – Mix the Dressing

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, mustard, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Set aside for the flavors to meld while you build the salad.

Step 3 – Toss and Serve

In a large bowl, gently combine tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, and herbs. Pour the dressing over the top and toss lightly. Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to marry.

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🌞 Why It’s Perfect for Summer

This salad doesn’t just taste great—it’s a celebration of summer abundance:

• Tomatoes picked at peak ripeness are rich in lycopene and vitamin C

• Cucumbers are hydrating and cooling

• Herbs like basil, mint, and dill support digestion and add flavor

• Lemon juice provides vitamin C and a zesty lift

It’s perfect for:

• Backyard BBQs

• Light summer lunches

• Market-day snacks

• Simple weeknight sides

And it’s beautiful enough to serve at a special gathering—especially when the colors of the ingredients shine through.

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🍴 Serving Suggestions

Make It a Meal:

• Add cooked chickpeas or white beans for protein

• Serve over a bed of arugula or baby spinach

• Add avocado slices for healthy fat

Pair It With:

• Grilled vegetable skewers

• Flatbread and hummus

• Chilled quinoa or couscous

• Iced herbal tea or sparkling water with lemon

🧺 Pack it in a mason jar with the dressing at the bottom for an easy, no-spill picnic salad.

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📦 Storage Tips

• Best eaten fresh within 24 hours

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge

• If prepping in advance, store the dressing separately and add just before serving

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📊 Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Serves 4)

🌿 Vegan, gluten-free, Whole30-friendly (omit sweetener), keto-compatible

❓FAQs About Farmers Market Cucumber Tomato Salad

Can I make this salad with grocery store produce?

Yes, but it shines brightest with in-season, locally grown veggies. Farmers market produce offers better flavor and texture—especially tomatoes.

What herbs go best with this salad?

Basil is classic, but parsley, dill, cilantro, or mint can all work beautifully depending on what’s available.

What’s the best tomato to use?

Juicy, ripe tomatoes like heirlooms, cherry, grape, or Roma work best. The key is freshness and peak ripeness.

Can I add protein?

Absolutely! Add chickpeas, tofu, grilled tempeh, or beans for plant-based protein.

Is it kid-friendly?

Yes! The bright colors and sweet tomatoes appeal to little ones. If red onion is too strong, leave it out or soak in lemon juice to soften the flavor.

🌻 Final Thoughts: Eat Local, Eat Fresh

This Farmers Market Cucumber Tomato Salad is the kind of recipe that reminds us food is best when it’s simple, fresh, and local. It supports small growers, reduces your carbon footprint, and fills your plate with color, nutrition, and seasonal joy.

✅ No dairy
✅ Just honest, garden-grown ingredients

So grab your market tote, talk to your local farmer, and fill your basket with the season’s best. Your salad—and your summer—will thank you. 🍅🌿🛒