Imagine a salad that’s full of flavor and good for you. This Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad is just that. It’s made with crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy onions. It’s a refreshing dish perfect for summer.
This salad is quick to make, ready in just 15 minutes. It needs to chill for 2 hours before serving. It’s great for casual get-togethers, picnics, or simple meals. Its colors, crunch, and taste make it a highlight of the season.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Quick and easy 15-minute prep time
- Serves 6 people, perfect for summer gatherings
- Featuring crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy onions
- Chills for 2 hours before serving, allowing flavors to meld
- Refreshing and nourishing, a true taste of the season
Introduction to Garden-Fresh Summer Salads
When it gets hot and days get longer, nothing beats a cool, fresh summer salad. These salads are full of life and nutrients, perfect for enjoying the season’s best. They mix crunchy cucumbers with sweet tomatoes, offering a mix of tastes and textures that excite your senses.
Benefits of Fresh Vegetable Salads
Adding more veggies to your diet through salads is great for your health. They’re low in calories, rich in fiber, and full of vitamins and minerals. Eating a variety of colorful veggies boosts your immune system, helps your digestion, and can even help you lose weight.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This cucumber tomato onion salad is a summer favorite that highlights the taste of fresh garden produce. It’s a light, refreshing salad that looks as good as it tastes. You can also tweak the dressing to match your taste.
“Eating a variety of fresh, colorful vegetables can support a healthy immune system, promote digestive health, and even aid in weight management.”
Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad
Making a great fresh summer salad begins with picking the right crunchy veggies and a tangy dressing. For the best Cucumber Tomato Onion Salad, you’ll need a few key items:
- 3 fresh, crisp cucumbers
- 3 juicy, ripe tomatoes
- 1 medium red onion
- White vinegar
- Vegetable oil
- Sugar
- Salt and black pepper
To make the tasty dressing, mix 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of white vinegar, 1/4 cup of vegetable oil, 1/4 cup of sugar, and seasonings to taste. This mix of fresh ingredients makes the perfect tangy dressing for the crunchy veggies.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp | $0.64 |
| Red wine vinegar | 2 tbsp | $0.08 |
| Dried oregano | 1/2 tsp | $0.10 |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp | $0.02 |
| Black pepper | 1/8 tsp | $0.03 |
| Roma tomatoes | 4 medium | $1.48 |
| Cucumber | 1 medium | $0.34 |
| Red onion | 1/2 medium | $0.36 |
With these key ingredients, you’re set to make a fresh summer salad full of crunchy veggies and a tangy dressing. Get ready to wow your family and friends with this tasty dish!
Selecting and Preparing Your Vegetables
Creating the perfect garden vegetable salad starts with top-notch ingredients. Crunchy fresh cucumbers and juicy, ripe tomatoes are essential. Each one adds to the salad’s texture and taste. Let’s explore how to pick and prepare these key ingredients for a delicious vegetarian cuisine dish.
Choosing the Best Cucumbers
For a fresh ingredient salad, choose English cucumbers. They have tender peels and fewer seeds, making them more enjoyable to eat. Cut the cucumbers into 1/4-inch thick rounds for a uniform texture.
Tomato Selection Tips
The quality of the tomatoes is crucial for this salad. Look for ripe, garden-fresh tomatoes like heirloom or cherry tomatoes. They offer the best flavor and juiciness. Cut the tomatoes into wedges to highlight their vibrant colors and sweetness.
Onion Varieties and Preparation
- Red onions are great for this salad, adding a mild flavor and color.
- Slice the onions into thin rings for even distribution in the salad.
By carefully choosing and preparing these garden vegetables, you’ll make a salad that looks good and tastes amazing. It will be full of the freshness of fresh ingredients and the richness of vegetarian cuisine.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Making this easy side dish and vegetarian salad recipe is simple. Begin by mixing the dressing ingredients in a big bowl. You’ll need olive oil, red wine vinegar, a bit of sugar, and black pepper.
Then, add sliced cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and optional red onion to the bowl. Toss the veggies until they’re well coated with the dressing. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This lets the flavors mix and the veggies marinate.
Remember to toss the salad a few times while it’s chilling. This ensures all ingredients are well mixed. This easy side dish and vegetarian salad recipe tastes best after the flavors have fully developed. Try to wait until then to enjoy it!
This salad is great for any summer meal. It’s fresh and simple to make. Serve it with grilled meats, on sandwiches, or as a light lunch or snack. You can also add chickpeas or bell peppers to make it your own. Either way, this cucumber tomato onion salad will be a hit!
Creating the Perfect Vinaigrette Dressing
The secret to a tangy, Mediterranean dressing is finding the right mix of vinegar and oil. Use a 2:1 ratio of vinegar to oil. This will give you a bright, flavorful vinaigrette that enhances the fresh veggies.
Vinegar and Oil Ratios
For this salad, mix 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. The vinegar’s acid cuts through the oil’s richness. This creates a dressing that highlights your vegetables’ flavors.
Seasoning Suggestions
- Add 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for Mediterranean flair.
- Chopped fresh herbs like basil, dill, or parsley add vibrant flavor to the dressing.
- Finish with a lot of freshly ground black pepper and a touch of salt. Adjust to taste.
By following these tips, you can make a tangy, balanced vinaigrette. It will turn your cucumber tomato onion salad into a Mediterranean delight.
Tips for Achieving the Best Texture and Flavor
When making your fresh summer salad, remember a few important tips. First, don’t over-marinate the crunchy veggies. This way, the flavors mix well, but the veggies stay crisp. Let the salad chill for at least 20 minutes before serving.
For a more exciting taste, try mixing different fresh herbs. Use basil, parsley, dill, or chives to add depth and brightness. This will make your cucumber tomato onion salad even more vibrant.
Before serving, always taste and adjust the seasoning. A little salt and pepper can really enhance the veggies’ natural sweetness. It brings out their best flavors.
“The key to a truly delicious fresh summer salad is finding the perfect balance of texture and taste.”
By following these tips, you’ll make a cucumber tomato onion salad that’s full of fresh flavor and texture. Enjoy your delicious salad!
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This fresh and flavorful easy side cucumber tomato onion salad can be made ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for up to three days, but best within 1-2 days. Before serving, drain any extra liquid.
Proper Storage Methods
To keep the salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This stops the veggies from getting soggy. Don’t leave the salad out for more than 2 hours to avoid bacterial growth.
How Long It Lasts
- This picnic food salad stays fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- With just 10 minutes to prepare, it’s perfect for making ahead. But it doesn’t freeze well.
- Remember the FDA’s 2-hour rule for serving to keep it safe.
The tangy vinaigrette can be added a few hours before serving. Or, make the whole salad a day in advance for the best taste. Follow these tips to enjoy this tasty side dish for days.
“This salad is the perfect make-ahead dish for a picnic or barbecue. The flavors only get better with a little time in the fridge!”
Nutritional Benefits and Dietary Information
The fresh cucumber tomato onion salad is not only tasty but also full of nutrients. It’s low in calories, with about 156 calories per serving. This makes it a great pick for those looking for a low-calorie meal.
This salad is also a good source of dietary fiber. Each serving has 9 grams of carbs and 2 grams of fiber. This helps with digestion and boosts overall health.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 156 | – |
| Carbohydrates | 9g | 3% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 22mg | 22% |
| Vitamin K | 26μg | 26% |
| Potassium | 300mg | 9% |
The salad is perfect for vegans and vegetarians too. It’s full of nutrients and low in calories. This fresh salad is a great choice for a healthy and filling meal.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The cucumber tomato onion salad is a great side dish for many meals. It goes well with grilled meats, fish, or as a light lunch option. It’s especially good with marinated beef or chicken kabobs, grilled salmon, or pork tenderloin.
To make it look nice, serve it in a large glass bowl. This lets the colors of the vegetables shine. Or, you can put it in individual servings for a fancy touch. It’s perfect for a potluck favorite or a summer party.
Main Dish Combinations
- Grilled Lamb Kebabs
- Instant Pot Butter Chicken
- Lemon Chicken Skewers
- Easy Cauliflower Tacos
Presentation Ideas
- Serve in a large glass bowl to showcase the vibrant colors.
- Portion into individual servings for a more elegant look.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for added visual appeal.
This cucumber tomato onion salad is perfect for a summer barbecue or a light lunch option. It’s a versatile and tasty choice that will wow your guests.
| Wine Pairing | Complementary Flavor |
|---|---|
| Riesling | The high acidity of the wine balances the salad’s fresh flavors. |
| Sauvignon Blanc | The crisp, citrusy notes of the wine complement the salad’s vinaigrette dressing. |
| Rosé | The fruity and refreshing character of Rosé pairs well with the salad’s Mediterranean flavors. |
Recipe Variations and Customization Options
This fresh mediterranean cuisine salad is incredibly versatile. Its core ingredients of cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions are a great start. But, you can easily make it your own by adding your favorite touches.
For a creamier taste, add crumbled feta cheese or mozzarella balls. Chopped fennel bulb adds crunch and flavor.
Want a heartier salad? Try adding cubes of stale bread. It makes the salad more filling and vegan friendly.
Play with different vinegars like red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Mixing olive oil with other oils, like avocado or walnut, gives it a special flavor.
| Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 104kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 6g |
With these options, you can make this salad truly yours. It’s a chance to show off your taste and dietary choices. So, get creative and enjoy the journey!
Expert Tips for the Best Results
For a truly exceptional fresh cucumber tomato salad, focus on using the highest-quality, fresh ingredients. Look for the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes and the crispest, most vibrant cucumbers. Add pungent red onions for a perfect balance of flavors.
To take your salad to the next level, try marinating the onions in the dressing a day ahead. This allows the flavors to develop while keeping the cucumbers and tomatoes at their peak crispness. Also, be mindful of the sweetness of your tomatoes and adjust the amount of sugar in the dressing accordingly. A little goes a long way in creating a healthy recipe that’s bursting with flavor.
- Use the freshest, high-quality produce for maximum flavor
- Marinate the onions in the dressing a day in advance to allow flavors to meld
- Adjust the amount of sugar in the dressing based on the sweetness of your tomatoes
With these expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delectable cucumber tomato salad that’s sure to impress. The fresh, vibrant flavors and crisp textures will make this dish a summertime staple.
Conclusion
This cucumber tomato onion salad is perfect for summer. It’s easy to make and can be changed to fit your taste. It’s great for family dinners, picnics, or potlucks.
The salad’s colors, textures, and flavors are amazing. It’s refreshing and can be a main dish or side. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time.
Eating this salad can help your health. It fights oxidative stress and aids in weight control. It’s full of antioxidants, fiber, and nutrients. So, enjoy this salad and live a healthier summer.
F.A.Q
What are the key ingredients in this cucumber tomato onion salad?
The main ingredients are 3 cucumbers, 3 tomatoes, and 1 onion. You’ll also need white vinegar, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. The dressing includes 1 cup water, 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup oil, 1/4 cup sugar, and seasonings.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
It takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Then, it needs 2 hours to chill. So, the total time is around 2 hours and 15 minutes.
How many servings does this salad recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings. It’s great for summer gatherings, picnics, and light meals.
What are the health benefits of this salad?
It’s low in calories, with about 156 calories per serving. It’s full of vitamins C and K and has a lot of dietary fiber. Plus, it’s vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
How can I customize this salad?
You can add feta cheese, mozzarella balls, or avocado chunks. Try adding chopped fennel for extra crunch. For a heartier salad, add stale bread cubes. You can also change the vinegar or oil to alter the taste.
How long will the salad keep?
You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. It stays good for up to three days. But, it’s best to eat it within 1-2 days for the best taste.
What are some serving suggestions for this salad?
It goes well with grilled meats or fish. It’s also a great light lunch. Serve it in a large glass bowl or in individual portions for a fancy look.
