Egg, Cucumber & Tomato Salad Bowl

A light and refreshing dish, the Egg, Cucumber & Tomato Salad Bowl is perfect for any occasion. This salad combines crisp cucumber slices, juicy cherry tomatoes, and perfectly boiled eggs, delivering a protein-packed meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or as a healthy snack, this bowl stands out with its vibrant colors and delightful flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: In just 15 minutes, you can enjoy this delicious salad without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with Protein: The hard-boiled eggs provide a great source of protein to keep you full and energized.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use fresh veggies and customize them according to your taste or what’s in season.
• Refreshing Flavor: The combination of cucumber and tomatoes offers a crisp texture and refreshing taste that brightens up any meal.
• Simple Seasoning: Just a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and chives enhance the salad’s natural flavors without overpowering them.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Egg, Cucumber & Tomato Salad Bowl, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure an easy cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pot for boiling eggs
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Shallow serving bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Pot for boiling eggs: A sturdy pot ensures even cooking of the eggs so they turn out perfectly hard-boiled every time.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables cleanly and efficiently.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife makes slicing through cucumbers and tomatoes easy, resulting in neat cuts.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 hard-boiled eggs
• 1 cup cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

How to Make Egg, Cucumber & Tomato Salad Bowl

Step 1: Boil the Eggs

1. Place eggs in boiling water.
2. Cook for 9-10 minutes until fully hard-boiled.
3. Remove eggs from hot water and cool them under cold running water.
4. Peel the cooled eggs and slice them in half.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

1. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds.
2. Halve the cherry tomatoes.

Step 3: Assemble the Bowl

1. In a shallow bowl, arrange the cucumber slices around the edge.
2. Place halved cherry tomatoes in the center of the bowl.
3. Add sliced hard-boiled eggs on top.

Step 4: Season & Serve

1. Sprinkle chopped chives over the salad.
2. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
3. Serve immediately or chill before serving for a refreshing snack.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: ~220 kcal
Servings: 1

How to Serve Egg, Cucumber & Tomato Salad Bowl

This Egg, Cucumber & Tomato Salad Bowl is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a light lunch or a refreshing snack, there are plenty of serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

As a Standalone Meal

• Enjoy it on its own for a quick and nutritious meal that’s packed with protein and fresh vegetables.

On Toast

• Serve the salad on whole-grain toast for added texture and flavor. The crunchiness of the bread complements the freshness of the salad.

With Grains

• Pair it with quinoa or brown rice for a filling option. The grains add fiber and make the dish more substantial.

In a Wrap

• Wrap the salad in lettuce leaves or whole-grain tortillas for a portable meal. It’s perfect for picnics or lunches on the go.

How to Perfect Egg, Cucumber & Tomato Salad Bowl

To ensure your Egg, Cucumber & Tomato Salad Bowl is always delicious and visually appealing, follow these simple tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh cucumbers and tomatoes. Their crispness and flavor elevate the entire dish.
• Perfectly Boil Eggs: For creamy yolks, boil eggs for exactly 9-10 minutes. This timing prevents overcooking.
• Add Flavorful Seasonings: Experiment with herbs like dill or parsley alongside chives to enhance the flavor profile.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes helps meld the flavors together, making every bite delightful.
• Choose Colorful Ingredients: Incorporating different colored tomatoes like yellow or orange adds visual appeal and variety to your bowl.

Best Side Dishes for Egg, Cucumber & Tomato Salad Bowl

To complement your Egg, Cucumber & Tomato Salad Bowl, consider serving it with one of these delightful side dishes that balance flavors and textures perfectly.

1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil provides additional nutrients and flavor contrast.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of your main dish.
3. Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty whole-grain bread for dipping or sopping up any leftover dressing.
4. Chickpea Salad: A protein-rich chickpea salad brings extra texture and makes your meal heartier.
5. Hummus Platter: Pairing with hummus and vegetable sticks creates a colorful array of flavors and nutrients.
6. Potato Wedges: Baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs add crunchiness while being easy to prepare alongside your salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making an Egg, Cucumber & Tomato Salad Bowl can be simple, but certain mistakes can hinder its freshness and flavor. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Boldly overcooking the eggs: Overcooked eggs can become rubbery and lose their creamy texture. To avoid this, boil your eggs for 9-10 minutes and then cool them immediately under cold water.

• Boldly skipping seasoning: A salad without seasoning can taste bland. Always remember to sprinkle salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors of your ingredients.

• Boldly ignoring freshness: Using stale or overripe vegetables will compromise your salad’s quality. Choose fresh cucumbers and cherry tomatoes for the best taste and texture.

• Boldly overcrowding the bowl: Packing too many ingredients into one bowl can make it hard to enjoy each flavor. Keep your salad simple with a balance of components for a better presentation and taste.

• Boldly neglecting garnishes: Skipping garnishes like chives may lead to missing out on additional flavor layers. Use fresh herbs to elevate your dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• The salad is best eaten fresh but can be stored for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Egg, Cucumber & Tomato Salad Bowl

• It is not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture of cucumbers will change once thawed.

Reheating Egg, Cucumber & Tomato Salad Bowl

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 15-20 seconds until warmed through; avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat in a non-stick pan over low heat, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Egg, Cucumber & Tomato Salad Bowl:

Can I customize my Egg, Cucumber & Tomato Salad Bowl?

Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or avocado for extra flavor and nutrition.

How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes one serving but can easily be doubled or tripled for more portions.

Is it okay to use different types of eggs?

Absolutely! You can use any type of eggs you prefer, such as organic or free-range.

What should I serve with the Egg, Cucumber & Tomato Salad Bowl?

This salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

The Egg, Cucumber & Tomato Salad Bowl is a light yet satisfying dish perfect for any time of day. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients while still delivering a refreshing experience. Try this recipe today and enjoy a quick, nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare!