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 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes minutes
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Panera Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 120kcal
Author: Bex Smith
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
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
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.
- 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.
Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 2g