Description
Fresh, colorful, and packed with vibrant flavors, the Chopped Egg and Cucumber and Tomato Salad combines crisp cucumber, juicy vine-ripened tomatoes, and hearty chopped hard-boiled eggs with fresh herbs and simple seasonings. This easy-to-prepare salad is perfect as a light lunch, energizing snack, or refreshing side dish, offering a nourishing and satisfying experience with lively textures and natural flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Eggs
- 2 firm crisp fresh cucumbers, peeled or unpeeled
- 3 ripe vine-ripened tomatoes
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or basil), finely chopped
Dressing and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons natural olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional Additions
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent, dissolved as per instructions
- 1 small avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons toasted nuts (walnuts or almonds), chopped
- Finely chopped chili or a dash of natural paprika to taste
- Additional fresh herbs such as cilantro, mint, or thyme
- Small cubes of firm tofu or chickpeas as plant-based protein options
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables and eggs: Wash the cucumbers and tomatoes thoroughly. Dice the cucumbers into small even pieces and chop the tomatoes similarly, keeping sizes consistent. Peel the hard-boiled eggs and chop them into bite-sized chunks.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, place the chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and eggs. Add your choice of finely chopped fresh herbs and mix gently to combine all elements without mashing the eggs.
- Dress the salad: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture, drizzle with natural olive oil, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Optionally, sprinkle a small amount of dissolved natural gelling agent and stir gently to add a unique texture.
- Chill and serve: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Select the freshest cucumbers and tomatoes for optimal crispness and juiciness.
- Boil eggs for about 9 minutes for perfect firmness without dryness.
- Chop ingredients evenly for a harmonious salad texture.
- Adjust lemon juice and olive oil quantities to achieve your preferred balance of tanginess and smoothness.
- Allow the salad to rest in the fridge before serving to deepen and blend flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Keywords: chopped egg salad, cucumber tomato salad, protein salad, quick fresh salad, healthy salad, vegetable salad