Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe – Cinnamon & Cumin Dressing

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Cucumber Tomato Salad Recipe – Cinnamon & Cumin Dressing

Introduction

There’s just something about a simple, fresh salad that hits the spot, isn’t there? Especially when the weather warms up! I remember making this Cucumber Tomato Salad for the first time during a particularly hot summer, and it quickly became a family favourite. The unexpected warmth of cinnamon and cumin in the dressing adds a lovely Indian touch, making it a little different from your average salad. It’s bright, refreshing, and surprisingly addictive. Let’s get into it!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any cucumber tomato salad. It’s a flavour explosion! The combination of crisp veggies, crunchy croutons, and that unique sweet-and-spiced dressing is seriously delightful. It’s quick to put together – perfect for a weeknight side dish or a light lunch. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious salad:

• 1 head Iceberg Lettuce
• 1 Green bell pepper
• 1 Tomato
• 1 Cucumber
• 1.5 cups Garlic Croutons
• 1 cup Nuts (almonds, pistachios, walnuts, or peanuts)
• 0.5 tablespoon Vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper powder
• 1 pinch Cinnamon powder
• 1 pinch Roasted cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon Date syrup (or jaggery syrup/castor sugar)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference.

• Iceberg Lettuce Varieties: While I love the classic crunch of iceberg, you can definitely experiment! Romaine or butter lettuce work well too, though they’ll have a slightly different texture.
• The Role of Date Syrup – A Traditional Sweetener: Date syrup adds a beautiful, subtle sweetness and a lovely caramel note to the dressing. It’s a traditional ingredient in many Indian sweets and dishes. If you can’t find it, jaggery syrup or even a touch of castor sugar will do in a pinch. About 1 teaspoon of either will work nicely.
• Spice Blend: Cinnamon & Cumin in Salads: Don’t be scared of the cinnamon and cumin! They might seem unusual in a salad, but they add a wonderful warmth and complexity that complements the fresh vegetables beautifully. Trust me on this one!

Regional Variations in Salad Dressings

Indian salads often feature dressings that balance sweet, sour, and spicy flavours. You’ll find everything from lemon juice and chaat masala to tamarind chutney and yogurt-based dressings. This cinnamon-cumin dressing is inspired by the flavours of North Indian cuisine, where warm spices are frequently used in both savoury and sweet dishes.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some salad!

1. In a large bowl, combine your sliced cucumber, green bell pepper, and chopped tomato. Don’t be shy with the veggies!
2. Add in those garlic croutons – about 1.5 cups should do the trick. They’ll add a lovely crunch.
3. Now, tear the iceberg lettuce leaves into bite-sized pieces and gently toss everything together. Wooden forks work best for this, so you don’t bruise the lettuce.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge to chill for at least 10-15 minutes. This helps the flavours meld together.
5. While the salad chills, let’s make the dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, black pepper powder, cinnamon powder, roasted cumin powder, and date syrup.
6. Just before serving, pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
7. Finally, sprinkle with a handful of toasted nuts – almonds, pistachios, walnuts, or even peanuts all work beautifully. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips

A few little secrets to make this salad even better:

• Achieving the Perfect Crispness: Make sure your vegetables are thoroughly dried after washing. Excess moisture will make the salad soggy.
• Making Garlic Croutons from Scratch: Homemade croutons are so much better than store-bought! Toss cubed bread with olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt, then bake until golden and crispy.
• Balancing the Sweet & Savory Dressing: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the sweetness or acidity to your liking. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten things up if needed.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Cucumber Tomato Salad: This recipe is already pretty close to vegan! Just double-check that your croutons don’t contain any dairy ingredients.
• Gluten-Free Option (Croutons): Simply use gluten-free bread to make your croutons. There are some fantastic gluten-free bread options available these days.
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red chilli powder to the dressing. My friend, Priya, loves to add a finely chopped green chilli for an extra kick!
• Summer Cooling Salad Adaptation: Add a handful of chopped mint and coriander for an extra refreshing twist.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is a fantastic side dish for grilled meats, fish, or chicken. It’s also delicious served with Indian dishes like biryani or kebabs. For a light lunch, you can add some grilled paneer or chickpeas to make it a more substantial meal.

Storage Instructions

This salad is best enjoyed immediately. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the salad will become softer over time. It’s best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Can I use other types of lettuce in this salad? Absolutely! Romaine, butter lettuce, or even a spring mix will work well.
• What is a good substitute for date syrup? Jaggery syrup or castor sugar are good alternatives. You can also use honey or maple syrup, but they’ll have a slightly different flavour.
• Can this salad be made ahead of time? You can prep the vegetables and make the dressing ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the salad just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
• How can I prevent the salad from becoming soggy? Make sure your vegetables are thoroughly dried, and don’t add the dressing until just before serving.
• Is it common to use cinnamon and cumin in Indian salads? While not every Indian salad uses these spices, they are frequently used in North Indian cuisine to add warmth and complexity to dishes.