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Easy Panera Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

Panera Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe

Welcome to the realm of summer salads, where freshness reigns supreme and every bite feels like an invitation to the outdoors. Among the plethora of options available, the Panera cucumber tomato salad stands tall.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Panera Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 120kcal
Author: Bex Smith

Equipment

  • large bowl

Ingredients

Copycat Panera Greek Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
  • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary finely chopped (or 1/3 teaspoon dried rosemary)
  • 2 teaspoons Greek seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon honey for a touch of sweetness
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a slight kick

Salad Ingredients

  • 3 cups halved grape tomatoes
  • 2 English cucumbers chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped or in a chiffonade
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

  • Before diving into the actual preparation, ensure you have everything on hand. Freshness is critical. Head to your local market for the ripest tomatoes and crispest cucumbers.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

  • In a bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, distilled white vinegar, and olive oil. Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh rosemary, Greek seasoning, sea salt, honey, and red pepper flakes. Whisk these together until you achieve a harmonious blend. Set it aside to let the flavors mingle.

Step 3: Chop the Vegetables

  • Cut your grape tomatoes in half and chop the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Ensure they’re uniform for a pleasing presentation. If basil is fresh, stack the leaves, roll them, and slice them into ribbons for a beautiful chiffonade.

Step 4: Combine Everything

  • In a large bowl, add the chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, and basil. Pour the dressing over the top. Gently toss until all the ingredients are well-coated. Take care not to mush the tomatoes; you want them whole and intact.

Step 5: Season

  • Sprinkle in a bit of fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust as necessary. Sometimes, a dash of extra salt brings all the ingredients to life.

Step 6: Chill

  • If you have time, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste.

Notes

  • Choose Ripe Tomatoes: Fresh and ripe tomatoes make all the difference. Look for vibrant colors and a slight give when gently pressed.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil elevates this salad. Dried herbs lack that bright flavor and aroma.
  • Don’t Skip the Dressing: The dressing is crucial. It adds both flavor and moisture. Adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
  • Experiment with Add-Ins: For extra nutrition, toss in olives, feta cheese, or even chickpeas for a heartier dish.
  • Adjust for Spice Levels: If you love it spicy, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or Tabasco sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 2g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!