Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad

Sometimes, the simplest ingredients make the most refreshing dishes, and this Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is the perfect example. Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy onions come together in a light, refreshing salad that bursts with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a barbecue or enjoying it as a light lunch, this salad will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s so easy to make and tastes like a summer breeze, even in the colder months. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.

Why You’ll Love Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad

Fresh and Light

This salad is a breath of fresh air on a hot day or whenever you need something light but satisfying. It’s crisp, crunchy, and just the right balance of sweetness and tang.

Easy to Make

No fancy techniques here—just slice, chop, and toss. In less than 15 minutes, you’ve got a delicious salad that’s ready to serve.

Versatile

It’s a great side dish for nearly anything! Serve it alongside grilled meats, pasta dishes, or just enjoy it as a snack. You can also customize it by adding fresh herbs, avocado, or even a sprinkle of feta cheese.

Healthy and Nutritious

Full of fresh vegetables, this salad is packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy something flavorful and light.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• Cucumbers: The star of the show! Choose fresh, firm cucumbers—English cucumbers work great because they have fewer seeds and thinner skin.
• Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy tomatoes provide the perfect contrast to the crisp cucumbers. You can use Roma, grape, or heirloom tomatoes based on your preference.
• Red Onion: A little bit of sharpness from the red onion adds a nice bite to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes and cucumbers.

For the Dressing:

• Olive Oil: A smooth, high-quality olive oil will work wonders in this light dressing.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds a nice acidity that brightens up the whole dish.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives the salad an extra pop of freshness.
• Garlic: A little minced garlic adds savory depth to the dressing.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course! Just enough to enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables.
• Fresh Herbs (optional): Fresh basil, parsley, or dill would add a fragrant herbaceous touch.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Vegetables

Start by washing your vegetables well. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, dice the tomatoes into bite-sized pieces, and slice the onion into thin half-moons. Add them to a large bowl.

2. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed—if you prefer a tangier dressing, add a little more vinegar or lemon juice.

3. Toss the Salad

Pour the dressing over the chopped vegetables and toss everything together gently. Make sure all the veggies are well coated in the dressing.

4. Let It Marinate

If you have time, let the salad sit in the fridge for about 15-30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soak up all that delicious dressing. But honestly, it’s tasty right away too!

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh herbs if you like, and enjoy this light, refreshing dish as a side to any meal.

How to Serve Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad

This salad pairs wonderfully with just about anything! It’s a great side dish for grilled chicken, fish, or burgers. It also works as a fresh topping for tacos, wraps, or sandwiches. You can enjoy it as part of a Mediterranean spread, or toss it into a grain bowl for a complete meal.

For Extra Flavor:

• Avocado: Add some creamy avocado chunks for extra richness and texture.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a salty, tangy contrast that really takes this salad to the next level.
• Olives: Kalamata olives would add a briny, Mediterranean twist.
• Cilantro or Basil: Fresh herbs elevate the salad with a fragrant finish.

Additional Tips

1. Slice Evenly

For the best texture, try to slice your cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions as evenly as possible. This ensures each bite has the perfect balance of ingredients.

2. Make It Ahead

This salad can be made ahead of time! If you’re prepping for a party or meal in advance, you can make it a few hours before and let the flavors develop in the fridge.

3. Customize Your Dressing

If you want a creamy version of this salad, you can mix in some Greek yogurt or sour cream to the dressing for a creamy twist.

4. Make it Spicy

For a kick of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the salad.

5. Use Other Vinegars

If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar instead.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use any type of onion?

A1: While red onions work best for their mild and sweet flavor, you can use yellow or white onions if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to slice them thinly to avoid an overpowering taste.

Q2: Can I use a different type of cucumber?

A2: Absolutely! You can use regular cucumbers, but I recommend peeling and removing the seeds if you go that route. English cucumbers are seedless and tend to have thinner skin, making them perfect for this salad.

Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

A3: Yes! You can add bell peppers, olives, or even radishes to this salad for added flavor and texture.

Q4: How long will this salad last in the fridge?

A4: The salad is best eaten within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. The longer it sits, the softer the vegetables may become.

Q5: Can I make the dressing in advance?

A5: Definitely! You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using it.

Q6: Is this salad vegan?

A6: Yes! This salad is naturally vegan, as it contains no dairy or animal products.

Q7: Can I add protein to make this a meal?

A7: Absolutely! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or tofu to turn this salad into a satisfying main dish.

Q8: How do I make this salad spicier?

A8: Add some red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeños to give it a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle some hot sauce over the top.

Q9: Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar?

A9: Yes, you can swap the vinegar for more lemon juice if you prefer a citrus-forward dressing.

Q10: How can I make this salad more filling?

A10: Toss in some quinoa, couscous, or roasted chickpeas to bulk it up for a more filling meal.

Conclusion

This Cucumber, Onion, and Tomato Salad is as fresh and light as it is flavorful. It’s the perfect side dish to any meal, or enjoy it as a quick snack on its own. With its crisp vegetables and tangy dressing, it’s the kind of salad that feels refreshing but never boring. Make it once, and you’ll want to make it again and again!

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