This Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is a fresh, simple, and vibrant dish that’s perfect for summer. With crunchy cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, and tangy onions, this salad is tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing for a refreshing and healthy side dish. It’s ideal for barbecues, picnics, or a light lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients, this salad comes together in minutes.
- Healthy and Fresh: Loaded with fresh vegetables, it’s light, crisp, and nutritious.
- Versatile: Perfect as a side dish for grilled meats, sandwiches, or as a refreshing snack.
- Customizable: You can easily add extra ingredients like feta cheese, olives, or avocado to make it your own.
Key Ingredients
- Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch to the salad. English cucumbers are ideal for their thin skin and mild flavor.
- Tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. Cherry tomatoes or Roma tomatoes work well.
- Red Onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and tang to the salad.
- Olive Oil: A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil brings the salad together.
- Vinegar: Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar adds tang to the dressing.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil adds a burst of freshness and flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables.
How to Make Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Slice 2 large cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons.
- Cut 2-3 large tomatoes into wedges or halve 1 pint of cherry tomatoes.
- Thinly slice 1 small red onion into rings.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Step 3: Toss the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumber slices, tomato wedges, and onion rings. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly.
Step 4: Add Fresh Herbs
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley or basil for added freshness.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad
- Use Fresh, Ripe Vegetables: The quality of the vegetables makes a big difference in this salad, so use the freshest cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions you can find.
- Slice the Vegetables Evenly: Thin, even slices ensure that each bite is balanced with flavor and texture.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors develop and the vegetables become even more refreshing.
- Customize the Dressing: Feel free to adjust the dressing by adding more vinegar for tang, or a pinch of sugar for sweetness.
Recipe Variations
- Greek Salad Style: Add crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a pinch of dried oregano for a Greek-inspired twist.
- Creamy Version: Swap the olive oil and vinegar for a creamy dressing made with sour cream, mayonnaise, or Greek yogurt.
- Avocado Cucumber Salad: Add diced avocado for a creamy, rich texture that pairs beautifully with the fresh vegetables.
- Add Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make this salad a heartier main course.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this salad up to 1 day in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator. The vegetables will release some liquid over time, but the flavors will meld beautifully.
2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Give it a good toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
3. Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, radishes, or even zucchini can be added to this salad for extra crunch and flavor.
4. What can I serve with this salad?
This salad pairs perfectly with grilled meats, fish, or sandwiches. It’s also great alongside crusty bread or as a light lunch on its own.
Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad Recipe
This refreshing cucumber, onion, and tomato salad is tossed in a light vinaigrette dressing, making it the perfect side dish for summer barbecues, picnics, or a light lunch.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers thinly sliced
- 2-3 large tomatoes cut into wedges
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Slice the cucumbers, tomatoes, and onion, and combine in a large bowl.
- Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss to coat.
- Stir in fresh parsley or basil, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano or Italian seasoning to the dressing.
- The salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 1 day.